Question Period Note: Canadian Armed Forces Dress Instructions Update

Why is National Defence walking back the Canadian Armed Forces Dress Instructions update?

• In September 2022, we updated the Canadian Armed Forces Dress Instructions to be more inclusive and to better reflect the society we serve.
• These Dress Instructions are reviewed regularly to provide additional clarity and include adjustments as required.
• We are introducing further updates following feedback and observations from our members.
• They provide additional clarity on dress and personal appearance to improve consistency in the interpretation and application of the instructions.
• These updates will come into effect on July 2, 2024.
• National Defence remains committed to advancing meaningful culture evolution and delivering substantive changes across the institution.

2024 Dress Instructions Updates:

• The new updates include the following four key 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.
  • Facial hair is to be no more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) in length/bulk for any style.
  • Language surrounding grooming standard has been clarified and illustrations have been included to visualise the expectations.
• Members obtaining a Religious or Spiritual Accommodation will have it inserted in their personnel file, alleviating the need for them to request the same accommodations following cyclical postings or unit transfers.
• These changes will come into effect on 2 July 2024.

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