Red Serge

Components and Orders of Dress

The Red Serge uniform is composed of several distinct elements, each with historical significance and specific regulations for wear. The core component is the scarlet tunic, tailored from a woollen serge fabric, which gives the uniform its name. For constables and non-commissioned officers, the tunic features midnight blue gorget patches on the collar and epaulettes, while commissioned officers wear tunics with solid dark blue collars and cuffs. The uniform is worn with different configurations known as orders of dress, depending on the formality of the occasion. Review order is the most complete ceremonial attire, featuring the full ensemble including the Sam Browne belt with sidearm, pouches, and a white pistol lanyard. This order may be worn with the full Sam Browne or a stripped version without the weapon and accessories.

Walking-out order is worn for formal occasions and offers some variation in headgear. It consists of the scarlet tunic paired with either the Stetson campaign hat or a forage cap, along with blue overalls, ceremonial belt, congress boots, box spurs, brown leather gloves, and any authorized medals. The Stetson hat, with its flat brim, became standard issue in 1904, replacing earlier headgear like the foreign service helmet. The midnight blue riding breeches, known as jodhpurs, are cut full at the thigh and feature a distinctive yellow strapping down the outside seam of each leg. They are worn with braces and are laced closed beneath the high brown leather riding boots, which are also known as Strathcona boots.

Accessories and insignia follow detailed protocols. Constables and non-commissioned officers wear metal collar badges, embroidered firearms qualification badges on the left sleeve, and specialist trade badges on the right sleeve. Rank badges for corporals and sergeants are embroidered on the right sleeve, while higher non-commissioned ranks wear their badges on the bottom of the right sleeve. Service stars, each denoting five years of service, are worn on the left sleeve. Commissioned officers wear their rank insignia on their epaulettes and do not wear qualification or service badges on their tunics. Officers also wear a different pattern of Sam Browne belt, worn over the right shoulder with a whistle and chain, and have the option of a sword and detachable shoulder cords in full-dress order.

Historical Development

The Red Serge was adopted as the standard uniform upon the establishment of the North-West Mounted Police in 1873. The initial uniform issued was a loose-fitting Norfolk jacket, sourced from Canadian Militia stocks, which was practical but lacked a sharp military appearance. By 1876, this was replaced by more formal scarlet tunics supplied by British manufacturers, solidifying red as the force's defining colour. The choice of scarlet was deliberate, serving to distinguish the Canadian force from the blue-clad United States Cavalry and to connect the new police to British military traditions, where red coats symbolized authority and stability. An elaborate hussar-style tunic was briefly authorized for officers but saw little use.

Uniform regulations evolved significantly over the force's first decades. The 1886 dress regulations simplified the officers' full dress to align with British and Canadian dragoon regiments. By the 1890s, the Red Serge was firmly established as an icon of the NWMP, though its use began to shift from field duty to garrison and dress wear. Photographic evidence shows constables still wearing the red tunic on patrol into the early 1900s. A major change came in 1904 with the adoption of a dark blue patrol tunic, of the same design as the red serge, for ordinary duties. For the next two decades, members wore a mixture of scarlet, blue, and brown tunics depending on the task and season.

The modern distinction between ceremonial and duty uniform was finalized after 1920. In that year, the red serge was officially designated as a dress uniform, while brown tunics became the standard for regular work. This practice remains in effect today, with the scarlet tunic reserved for ceremonies. The force itself was renamed the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1920 following its merger with the Dominion Police. The uniform's evolution mirrors the RCMP's transformation from a frontier paramilitary force into a national police service, with the Red Serge enduring as a tangible link to its origins.

Cultural Significance and Modern Use

The Red Serge has transcended its function as a uniform to become one of Canada's most potent cultural symbols. The image of the Mountie in scarlet is featured on postage stamps, in tourism campaigns, and in countless films and television shows, shaping international perceptions of Canada. It represents ideals of service, integrity, and the rule of law, deeply embedded in the national consciousness. For serving members, donning the uniform is a strong connection to the history and legacy of all those who have worn it before, from the March West of 1874 to the present day. The uniform is a central feature of the RCMP's public identity and community engagement efforts.

In contemporary practice, the Red Serge is not worn for routine policing duties. It is reserved for specific ceremonial and public relations functions. These include civic ceremonies, the world-famous Musical Ride, ceremonial parades, and guard duties at locations like Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Members also wear the uniform when providing escorts for government dignitaries, during police funerals, and at recruitment or career events such as school presentations. The uniform also plays a role in the personal lives of members, often worn at the weddings of fellow officers, where an entire detachment may form an honour guard in Red Serge for the couple.

The uniform's role in recruitment was formally enshrined in a new national initiative launched in 2026. Project Red Serge, introduced on February 1, 2026, is a streamlined recruiting process designed to improve application handling and communication between recruiters and candidates. The project aims to process applications from intake to troop placement within an applicant's home province or territory, moving key screening steps earlier and reducing processing times. Information sessions for Project Red Serge, open to all ages, are held at detachments across the country, using the uniform's appeal to attract new candidates to a career with the RCMP.

Inclusion and Adaptation

For much of its history, the Red Serge was a uniform worn exclusively by men. The RCMP began accepting women as regular constables in 1974, under Commissioner M. J. Nadon. The original uniform issued to women was markedly different from the traditional Red Serge, consisting of a pillbox hat, a purse with a special holster for a revolver, a skirt, a red jacket, and high heels. This kit presented significant operational challenges and did not align with the standard Mountie image.

A significant milestone in uniformity was reached in the early 1990s. At that time, all RCMP members were issued the same operational kit and clothing, with the exception of the ceremonial dress. For the Red Serge itself, women initially wore a modified tunic without the high collar and a different lower-body ensemble. This change ensured that the ceremonial symbol was inclusive and represented all members of the force equally on formal occasions.

The RCMP has undertaken other efforts to modernize and diversify its ranks in recent decades. Targeted recruitment of visible minorities began in 1987, and discriminatory policies against LGBTQ+ members, which were in effect between 1955 and 1996, were ended. Beverley Busson became the first female RCMP commissioner in 2006. These steps toward inclusion have occurred alongside ongoing public scrutiny and internal challenges, including admissions of systemic issues and a class-action lawsuit alleging a culture of bullying. The force continues its efforts toward cultural change while the Red Serge remains a constant, unifying symbol of its service.

Key Historical Events and Anniversaries

The story of the Red Serge is intertwined with important events in Canadian history. Its first major test came during the March West in 1874, when over 300 members of the North-West Mounted Police travelled from Manitoba to what is now Alberta to establish law and order in the western territories. This arduous journey, plagued by disease, harsh weather, and supply shortages, cemented the Mountie's reputation for endurance and helped establish Canadian sovereignty in the region. The force later played a controversial role in enforcing government policies towards Indigenous peoples, including the operation of the pass system and the removal of children to residential schools.

The RCMP marked its 150th anniversary in 2023, a milestone that prompted reflection on its complex legacy. In connection with this history, a commemorative plaque dedicated to the Red Serge was officially unveiled on May 23, 2026, as part of the RCMP Uniforms and Traditions Commemorative Pathway at the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery at Beechwood in Ottawa. This plaque allows visitors to explore the uniform's evolution and significance. The sesquicentennial year also saw the continuation of the Commanding Officer Dream Experience, a youth outreach program where participants wear custom-fitted Red Serge and experience leadership activities on the parade square. Several key dates mark the uniform's formal adoption and evolution.

• 1873: The Red Serge is adopted as the standard uniform of the newly formed North-West Mounted Police.
• 1876: The original Norfolk jacket is replaced by formal scarlet tunics from British suppliers.
• 1904: The Stetson campaign hat becomes standard issue, and a dark blue patrol tunic is adopted for regular duties.
• 1920: The red serge is officially designated as a dress uniform only, with brown becoming the standard duty tunic. The force is renamed the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
• 1974: The RCMP begins accepting women as regular constables.
• February 1, 2026: Project Red Serge, a new national recruiting initiative, is launched.

Manufacture and Care

The Red Serge is a bespoke uniform, tailored to fit each member precisely. The scarlet tunic is constructed from a heavy woollen serge fabric, chosen for its durability and distinctive appearance. Each tunic is meticulously crafted, with specific measurements taken for the collar, sleeves, and torso to ensure a sharp, uniform look during ceremonial formations. The midnight blue breeches are also custom-tailored, cut in the traditional cavalry style to be worn with riding boots. The high brown boots, or Strathcona boots, are made of sturdy leather and are designed to be polished to a high gloss for ceremonial events.

Maintaining the Red Serge requires significant care and attention from the member. The woollen tunic must be kept clean and pressed, with medals, insignia, and service stars correctly positioned according to detailed regulations. The leather components, including the Sam Browne belt, holster, pouches, and boots, require regular polishing and conditioning. The Stetson hat must be kept clean and its distinctive flat brim preserved. Members are responsible for the upkeep of their own ceremonial uniform, and detachments often have dedicated storage areas to protect the tunics and accessories when not in use. This personal maintenance reinforces the pride and discipline associated with wearing the uniform.

The process of being fitted for a Red Serge is a rite of passage for new RCMP members, typically occurring during their 26-week training at the Depot Division in Regina, Saskatchewan. The uniform is issued after recruits have successfully completed significant portions of their training. For special outreach programs like the Commanding Officer Dream Experience, participants are also measured for custom Red Serge tunics to wear during the event, providing a tangible connection to the force's traditions. The care and precision involved in the uniform's manufacture and maintenance highlight its status not just as clothing, but as a revered symbol of service.

Questions about Red Serge

When was the Red Serge first adopted?

The Red Serge was first adopted in 1873 upon the creation of the North-West Mounted Police, the predecessor to the RCMP. The initial uniform was a loose Norfolk jacket, which was replaced by more formal scarlet tunics by 1876. The colour was chosen to distinguish the Canadian force from the United States Cavalry and to align with British military traditions. The uniform was worn for both field duty and dress occasions until 1920, when it was officially designated solely for ceremonial wear.

Do female RCMP members wear the same Red Serge as men?

Yes, female RCMP members now wear the identical Red Serge ceremonial uniform as their male colleagues. This was not always the case. When women were first accepted as regular constables in 1974, they were issued a different uniform including a pillbox hat and purse. By the early 1990s, operational clothing was standardized.

Where do RCMP recruits train and for how long?

All RCMP recruits undergo a 26-week training program at the force's National Training Facility, known as the Depot Division, located in Regina, Saskatchewan. The RCMP covers the cost of accommodations, food, and lodging for recruits during this period. The training includes physical fitness, law, police procedures, firearms proficiency, and operational skills. It is during this training that recruits are measured and fitted for their ceremonial Red Serge uniform.

What are the minimum qualifications to join the RCMP?

To apply to the RCMP, you must be a Canadian citizen or have held Permanent Resident status for at least three years. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, proficient in either English or French, and possess a valid, unrestricted Canadian driver's licence. The educational requirement is a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent qualification. These are the baseline criteria before candidates enter the more detailed screening and training process.

What is the Red Serge?

The Red Serge is the ceremonial dress uniform of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It consists of a military pattern scarlet tunic, blue breeches with a yellow cavalry stripe, a Stetson hat, a Sam Browne belt, and high brown leather boots. This uniform is an internationally recognized Canadian icon and is not worn for normal duty. It is reserved for civic ceremonies, musical rides, parades, public relations events, and special personal events like weddings. The uniform's history dates to 1873 when it was adopted by the North West Mounted Police to distinguish the force from blue clad US units and reflect British military tradition.

What is Project Red Serge?

Project Red Serge is a new RCMP recruiting process launched on February 1, 2026. It connects recruiting, screening, and processing into a streamlined experience for applicants. This initiative allows all police officer applications from British Columbia and Yukon to be processed from intake to troop placement within the applicant's home province or territory. It moves key early screening tools earlier in the process and aims to improve communication between recruiters and applicants. The goal is to reduce application processing times and encourage recruitment, particularly for northern postings.

Sources and further reading

• Red Serge (Wikipedia)
• Project Red Serge: join the RCMP now! (rcmp.ca)
• The Red Serge: How a Uniform Became a Symbol of Canada (beechwoodottawa.ca)
• Red Serge Sesquicentennial (canadashistory.ca)
• History of the Red Serge (npf-fpn.com)

Checked by the Novello Desserts desk. Last updated 2026-10-28.