WASHINGTON — A new hat design proposed for female Marines is causing confusion and outrage within the ranks.
Conflicting reports emerged that the new caps, which might be smaller and thinner than the current versions, were intended for both men and women.
“The Marines deserve better,” a senior Marine said to The New York Post. “It makes them look ridiculous.”
In fact, the new covers are only for female Marines. The male caps will not change.
One potential design is called the “Dan Daly” in honor of a Long Island sergeant who received the Medal of Honor during World War I, Washington Times reports.
A board will vote on the final design before the end of the year, a Marine Corps spokesperson says.
President Barack Obama received the blame for the unwelcome design change. A statement was posted Friday on the Marine Corps website clearing up the matter:
“The President in no way, shape or form directed the Marine Corps to change our uniform cover. We are looking for a new cover for our female Marines for one overriding reason: the former manufacturer went out of business. The Marine Corps has zero intention of changing the male cover,” the statement says.
The current cover design has been used since 1922, the Times reports.
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