Ever since it started accepting women, female Naval Academy students have worn skirts to graduation. This year will mark the first time that graduating women will wear the same trousers as their male counterparts as they receive their diplomas.

This policy change will affect the 266 female seniors in the Class of 2016, who make up about 25 percent of this year’s graduating midshipmen. While Naval Academy officials played down the significance of the switch from skirts to pants, they did explain that enforcing a consistent uniform among midshipmen will promote unity.

Spokesman Cmdr. John Schofield said the new dress policy will reinforce the idea of “shipmate before self.”

“The graduation and commissioning ceremony at the U.S. Naval Academy is not about individuals,” he said. “It’s about the academy writ large. It’s about the brigade writ large.”

This is only the Navy’s latest effort to integrate its ranks. The service is currently working to remove the word ‘man’ from all of its job titles (including midshipman!) and open all combat roles to women.

(Photo Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alexia Riveracorrea/Released)

[Military.com]