The red serge is an internationally recognized Canadian icon. Its scarlet colour was chosen in part to help distinguish the new Canadian force (the NWMP) in the 1870s from the blue-clad US Army units but also because of the significance of red coats in the British military. Although the red serge is internationally recognized, most officers wear the blue or brown uniforms on a normal basis.
There’s quite a bit of detail and history in the red serge - which is usually worn for ceremonial purposes. A lot of care is taken in each article of clothing. A few interesting tidbits about their iconic uniform:
Their brown leather riding boots need to be shined for a minimum of 25 hours before they have the appropriate sheen to them.
The trousers aren’t actually black, they’re midnight blue.
The yellow stripe down the legs of the trousers signifies a cavalry history.
There is a statue in commemoration of officers who have died while on duty at depot. All cadets salute this statue as they walk past. Every year on the second Sunday in September, the RCMP holds a National Memorial Service – a tradition that’s been held since the mid-1930s – to honour their fallen comrades.