File image of Canadian troops during a training exercise in western Ukraine near Lviv in 2020. MARKIIAN LYSEIKO (Getty Images)
The Canadian Armed Forces have released a set of modifications to their dress code.
These changes are due to the need to adapt this code - which dates back some 50 years - in favor of respect, diversity and inclusion.
“The appearance of the Canadian military has not kept pace with the society they serve,” states the official notice released on July 5.
The new rules, which will take effect in September, allow uniforms to be mixed, so military personnel can opt for any of the garments previously divided by gender.
They also open the door to the use of various accessories and badges previously banned.
Hair extension and dyes will not be a problem, as long as you tie your hair back past your shoulders and leave your face uncovered.
The cut and color may not, in any case, affect operational tasks such as camouflage combat exercises.
The document indicates that in these circumstances a “simple adaptation measure” must be found.
For example, a scarf to hide the hair.
New recruits will also not be required to shave their heads during their basic training.
"Uniformity does not equate to discipline, nor does it equate to operational efficiency, nor does hair color or length define commitment or professional competence," said General Wayne Eyre, chief of the Canadian Defense Staff, in a statement. a video posted on Twitter.
Sideburns, beards and mustaches are allowed regardless of their volume, as long as they are well trimmed and symmetrical.
The same will happen with long nails and their color, but on condition that they do not affect operational tasks.
Regarding facial tattoos, the new regulation indicates that they have a place in the military ranks, unless they are linked to criminal groups or promote hatred or discrimination in any of its forms, as stipulated in the Human Rights Law. from Canada.
Hoop earrings will also be allowed, but must respect a maximum dimension.
In the same way, the military will be able to carry the backpack on only one shoulder, as long as it is the left so that the right arm is free to salute.
General Eyre had this to say about this set of modifications: “Some will see it as progress, while others will see it as unwarranted.
We must be wary of the false dichotomy that we must choose between changing our dress and appearance or being strong.”
In November, members of the military leadership had announced the forthcoming application of these changes to the dress code.
At the end of March, Lise Bourgon, Acting Chief of Military Staff, told
The Canadian Press
that changes to the code would include gender neutrality.
The Canadian Armed Forces have retention and recruitment difficulties.
According to a report published in February, they suffer a deficit of about 7,600 members.
The pandemic has been a considerable factor, as have accusations about the lack of diversity in its ranks, especially regarding women, indigenous people and other communities.
In turn, a long list of scandals related to sexual harassment and assault has led to defections and a weakening of trust in the institution.
Anita Anand, defense minister since October 2021, has promised to combat this problem vigorously.
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