The Canadian Armed Forces have released a series of changes to their dress code. These changes are due to the need to adapt this code – which dates back fifty years – in favor of respect, diversity and inclusion. “The emergence of Canadian military has not kept pace with the society they serve,” reads the official notice issued on July 5. The new rules, which will come into 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 previously prohibited accessories and badges.

Hair extension and dyeing won’t be a problem, as long as you tie your hair past your shoulders and leave your face uncovered. The cut and color cannot in any way affect operational tasks such as camouflage combat exercises. The document indicates that in these circumstances a “simple accommodation” 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 or operational efficiency, any more than hair color or length defines professional commitment or competence,” said General Wayne Eyre, Chief of State- Canadian Defense Major, in a statement posted on Twitter.

Sideburns, beards and mustaches are permitted regardless of volume, provided 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. Respecto a los tatuajes en el rostro, el nuevo reglamento indica que tienen cabida en las military filas, salvo que estén vinculados con grupos criminales o que promoevan el odio o la discrimination en cualquiera de sus formas, según lo estipulado en la Ley de Derechos Humanos from Canada.

Hoop earrings will also be allowed, but must respect a maximum size. In the same way, the military will be able to carry the backpack on 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 changes: “Some will see it as progress, while others will see it as unwarranted. Beware of the false dichotomy that one must choose between changing one’s dress and appearance or being strong. In November, members of the military leadership announced that these changes to the dress code would soon be implemented. At the end of March, Lise Bourgon, acting chief of staff, told The Canadian Press that changes to the code would include gender neutrality.

The Canadian Armed Forces have retention and recruiting challenges. According to a report published in February, they suffer from a deficit of about 7,600 members. The pandemic has been a huge factor, as have accusations about the lack of diversity in its ranks, especially when it comes to women, Indigenous peoples and other communities. In turn, a long list of sexual harassment and assault scandals led to defections and a weakening of trust in the institution. Anita Anand, Minister of Defense since October 2021, promised to fight this problem vigorously.

subscribe here to the EL PAÍS América newsletter and receive all the key information on current events in the region.