New Canadian Military Regulations Strengthen Standards for Personal Appearance

June 14, 2024 TruthUSA

The Canadian military is updating its dress regulations in an effort to reconsider restrictions on features such as beard length and untied hair.

Starting on July 2, troops with long hair that extends below the lower portion of the shirt collar will need to tie it back away from the face. Accessories used to tie hair must also be black or match the same color as the hair.

Regarding facial hair, soldiers can still wear various styles, from sideburns to goatees, but the length or bulk must not exceed one inch.

There will be a simplified process for individuals seeking religious or spiritual accommodation in terms of the dress code, as it will now be recorded in the member’s personnel file instead of requiring a new request for each new assignment.

In 2022, a significant revamp to the regulations affecting a soldier’s appearance was implemented to make the policy “more inclusive and less restrictive.”

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) now acknowledge that despite the positive impact of the changes, there has been inconsistent interpretation and application.

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The dress instructions emphasize that members of the CAF, whether in uniform or civilian attire, must always represent the CAF and themselves positively.

Prior to 2022, men in the CAF were restricted to only a mustache for facial hair, and hair had to be short and tidy.

The new regulations allow for any hair length or color as long as headgear can be worn properly and it does not compromise safety or operational efficiency. Additionally, facial tattoos are permitted as long as they are not associated with criminal organizations or promote hate speech.

“What was sometimes misunderstood is the representation of those who choose to serve when we wear the CAF uniform,” expressed CAF Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann in a statement to a defense publication. “Our representation extends beyond our individual selves to everyone who has worn this uniform and fought before us for the freedoms and way of life we enjoy today.”

The Epoch Times learned of the dress regulation changes in February, although the Department of National Defense (DND) did not confirm them at that time.

“The Dress Instructions will be periodically adjusted to provide clarity and improvements where necessary,” stated spokesperson Andrée-Anne Poulin in a February 2 announcement. Ms. Poulin mentioned the 2022 overhaul involved a “rewrite of key policies where change was essential.”

Ms. Poulin revealed that the National Defence Clothing and Dress Committee (NDCDC) was conducting planned meetings to discuss the “ongoing phased approach” to dress instructions.

“The NDCDC routinely evaluates areas of concern, considers various factors, and makes recommendations for potential changes when appropriate,” she added.

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