CMFMAG TeamThe Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) recently updated the CAF Dress Instructions, addressing frequently asked questions regarding hair, facial hair, tattoos, jewelry, and religious accommodations.
Effective July 2, 2024, the Canadian Forces Dress Instructions were updated from a September 2022 policy.
“Current updates were done to make the policy more inclusive and less prohibitive,” stated the Canadian Armed Forces website. “And allow CAF members increased freedom to make personal choices regarding their appearance, while reflecting credit to the CAF and standards to maintain safety and operational effectiveness.”
The 2024 updated dress regulations apply to hair length, braids, tattoos, jewelry, basic training haircuts, hair colouring, facial hair, religious accommodations and earrings.
Provide Additional Clarity
The July 2nd, 2024, Changes to Canadian Forces Dress Instructions also explained the dress policy was revised to provide additional clarity on dress and personal appearance and improve consistency.
While the 2022 changes to the CF Dress Instructions have had positive effects, the Instructions noted there had been inconsistent interpretation and application.
“Pursuant to QR&O 17.02 QR&O: Volume I – Chapter 17 Dress And Appearance the deportment and appearance of all ranks, in uniform or when wearing civilian attire, shall on all occasions reflect credit on the CAF and the individual. It is the responsibility and duty of all CAF members to ensure that, by their vigilance, actions and example, the policies, regulations and instructions contained herein are adhered to.”
The 2024 update provided additional clarity to promote consistency of application and occurred in two stages.
First, in early June, CANFORGEN 078/24 was released to give CAF members and leaders time to review and understand the changes.
Secondly, the coming into force followed on July 2, 2024, giving CAF members four weeks to adjust to the necessary changes.
“The intention was always to continually review the CF Dress Instructions, to provide additional clarity and amplification where necessary, to address exceptions or variations, and to include or update any elements requiring adjustments,” read the Instructions.
Four Elements
The updated 2022 CF Dress Instructions addressed four elements:
- Hair extending below the lower portion of the shirt collar must be tied back away from the face.
- Where they are necessary, hair accessories such as bobby pins and/or barrettes must be black, or similar in colour to the member’s hair. The volume of hair must not prevent the proper wearing of the headdress.
- Facial hair is to be no more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) in length/bulk for any style.
- Language and illustrations will be included in the grooming standard to clarify expectations.
Tattoos
The Instructions noted that tattoos are permitted on the face if they conform to the regulations outlined in Section 2—Appearance.
However, the Instructions noted the CAF expects its members to avoid tattoos that promote violence, hate, or any form of discrimination or association with criminal behaviour.
Jewellery
Hoops and gauges/plugs are authorized but can be no more than 2.5 cm in length from the bottom of the ear. Gauges/plugs must not extend more than 2.5 cm in diameter. In all ceremonial orders of dress (No. 1), only one single stud type (one in each ear) is permitted in the lobe, not exceeding 1 cm.
The Instructions further noted the following regarding ceremonial orders of dress:
- Rings: a maximum of two rings which are not of a costume jewellery nature. Additional rings may only be worn when they indicate professional standing, such as an engineer, or are worn with a wedding band as a single set indicating betrothal or fidelity, e.g., an engagement or an anniversary ring. Rings shall not inhibit the execution of proper arms drill or cause an unsightly bulge in white or black gloves.
- Necklaces and bracelets: shall not be visible;
- Piercings: the only jewellery authorized in piercings are single or single set of stud or single stone earrings (one in each ear) in the earlobe(s). Earrings shall not exceed one centimetre square or diameter. Gauges/spacers shall not exceed 2.5 cm in diameter.
- Plain tiepins or clips or with a Canadian military insignia are permitted.
Additional Decisions
Additionally, decisions from the Chain of Command (CoC) (Form DND 2983) granting Religious or Spiritual Accommodations, in accordance with DAOD 5516-3, will be placed in the member’s personnel file, alleviating the need for members to request the same accommodations following cyclical postings or unit transfers.
The Instructions added that one of the goals of the Canadian Forces Dress Instructions update was to make the rules more inclusive and, therefore, limit the need for accommodations.
“Accommodations are always available to CAF members who have special requirements related to religious or spiritual beliefs. Members should communicate these requirements with their chain of command, as leaders retain the right to order restrictions based on the need to meet safety and operational requirements. As part of the current updates, any accommodation granted to a CAF member will be placed in their personnel file and will be transferred with the CAF member when they are posted. The member will not need to request the accommodation again at the new location unless a change has occurred in their situation.”
Non-Compliance
If a member is not compliant with QR&O 17.02, which governs the deportment and appearance of all ranks, the chain of command would first speak with the member.
If compliance is not followed, the chain of command could take disciplinary action (charges, summary hearing) or remedial measures/administrative action (initial warning, recorded warning or counsel and probation).
CF Dress Instructions
The Instructions concluded that adjustments to the CF Dress Instructions are made to align with the principles of the DAOD and occur on an ongoing basis as required.
“The National Defence Clothing and Dress Committee normally meets twice a year to review proposed changes to the dress instructions, which are formally presented to the committee through the chain of command.”
Approved changes are then updated in the Dress Instructions by the Directorate of History and Heritage. Records of the discussions can be found in the National Defence Clothing and Dress Committee Minutes, available on the Intranet.
Further details on the new Dress Instructions are available here. To read about Dress instructions, Section 2 Appearance visit here.
