July 2nd 2024 Changes to the Canadian Forces Dress Instructions

This page provides clarification on the recent updates to the Canadian Armed forces Dress Instructions, addressing frequently asked questions regarding hair, facial hair, tattoos, jewelry, and religious accommodations.

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• Context
• Questions and Answers
• General
• Details

Context

New updates are being made effective July 2, 2024 to the Canadian Forces Dress Instructions. The overall aim of the September 2022 updates was to make the policy more inclusive and less prohibitive, and to allow Canadian Armed Forces (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 current updates provide members with additional clarity on dress and personal appearance and improve consistence in adhering to QR&O 17.02 QR&O: Volume I - Chapter 17 Dress And Appearance - Canada.ca, “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.”

While the changes to the CF Dress Instructions which came into effect in September 2022 have had positive effects, there has been inconsistent interpretation and application.

Pursuant to QR&O 17.02 QR&O: Volume I - Chapter 17 Dress And Appearance - Canada.ca, “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 update will provide additional clarity to promote consistency of application,and will occur in two stages. First, CAF members and leaders at all levels will have time to review and understand the changes with the release of the CANFORGEN in early June 2024. Secondly, the coming into force will follow about four weeks later, allowing CAF members to adjust to the necessary change, which will be effective on July 2,2024, when all CAF members are expected to conform to the new updates.

Questions and Answers

General

The Canadian Forces Dress Instructions were significantly updated in September 2022. Why is there another update?

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.

Since the update in September 2022, there has been inconsistent interpretation and application. Pursuant to QR&O 17.02 QR&O: Volume I - Chapter 17 Dress And Appearance - Canada.ca, “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.”

What updates can we expect to see?

There are four elements of the 2022 CF Dress Instructions that are currently being updated:

• 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.

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.

When will this latest update to the CF Dress Instructions take effect?

The update will occur in two stages. First, CAF members and leaders at all levels will have time to review and understand the changes with the release of the CANFORGEN early June 2024. Coming into force will then follow about four weeks later, allowing CAF members to adjust to the necessary changes, which will take effect on July 2, 2024, when all CAF members are expected to conform with the new updates.

What if a CAF member’s religious beliefs require them to dress in a way that isn’t covered by the new Dress Instructions? Or conversely, what if their appearance does not conform to the regulations outlined in Section 2 – Appearance but it conforms to their cultural beliefs?

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.

What happens if a CAF member doesn’t follow the updated CF Dress Instructions?

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 did not follow, the chain of command could take disciplinary action (charges, summary hearing) or remedial measures/administrative action (initial warning, recorded warning or counsel and probation).

Are any more changes expected to the CF Dress Instructions?

Adjustment 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 (NDCDC) normally meets twice a year (spring and fall) to review proposed changes to the Dress Instructions which are formally presented to the Committee through the chain of command. Records of these discussions can be found at: National Defence Clothing and Dress Committee Minutes (mil.ca) (internal link). Approved changes are then updated in the Dress Instructions by the Directorate of History and Heritage.

Details

Is there a maximum length for hair?

There are no restrictions on hair length. For day to day operations, hair extending below the bottom of the service dress collar at the nape of the neck must be tied back, away from the face, using hair accessories such as bobby pins, elastics and barrettes as necessary. The volume of hair at the crown or the top of the head must not prevent the proper wearing of the headdress. Safety and operational effectiveness requirements will remain guiding principles.

Will recruits need to shave their head on basic training?

No, the previously updated hair policy still applies to all CAF members from recruitment to retirement.

What types of braids are considered acceptable?

For day to day operations, any style braid(s) may be used, as long as it remains in line with safety and operational requirements. Hair must be styled to allow the headdress and protective equipment to be worn properly, and for the face to be visible. A bun, braids, or ponytail are examples of appropriate ways to tie the hair.

For ceremonial occasions, hair that extends below the service dress jacket collar must be secured in one of the following styles: in a bun, a single braid, or double braids centred to the back; or multi braids, or locks, pulled back to the centre of the back or equally positioned along the shoulder blades and secured. When the hairstyle, or hair type, does not allow a member to adopt one of the aforementioned hairstyles, the member must discuss with the Chain of Command to find a hairstyle that can be secured accordingly.

Will I be able to colour my hair? And what about accessories for hair?

Coloured hair, including facial hair, is permitted. Accessories are only authorized for hair on the head, and must meet safety and operational requirements, and be black, or of the same tone or colour as the hair on the head.

Is there any change on facial hair policy?

Facial hair is still permitted, including sideburns, beards, moustaches (including handlebar mustache) and goatees, or a combination of styles. Those are permitted from entry in the CAF to release from the CAF. Facial hair must be no greater than 2.5 cm (1 inch) in length/bulk for any style. All facial hair must be kept neatly groomed and symmetrical in style.

Since multiple facial hair styles are approved, must a person request a period of transition for each change in facial hair?

No, as long as it is neat, evenly trimmed and kept at no more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) in length/bulk for any style. For example, a member going from a goatee to a full beard should shave down the goatee so facial hair appears evenly and symmetrically trimmed.

Are tattoos on the face permitted?

Tattoos are permitted on the face if they conform to the regulations outlined in Section 2 – Appearance. “Tattoos that the member knows, or ought to know, are associated with criminal activities (e.g. criminal gangs), tattoos that promote and/or express, on the basis of a prohibited ground of discrimination as defined in the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA), the following: hatred, violence, discrimination, or harassment: and tattoos that a CAF member knows, or ought to know, promote and/or express: racism, sexism, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia, ableism, or sexual explicit material.”

Are hoops and long earrings acceptable in uniform?

Yes, ear piercings, hoops and gauges/plugs are authorized but can be no more than 2.5 cm in length from the bottom of the ear. Safety and operational requirements must always be met. 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.

What jewelry is acceptable for ceremonial orders of dress?

The following is acceptable:

1. 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.
2. Necklaces and bracelets: shall not be visible;
3. 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.
4. Plain tiepins or clips or with a Canadian military insignia are permitted.