Updated
Ref: CAF Dress instructions | Section 2 Appearance - Canada.ca PRINCIPLES While ceremonial standards may apply in certain circumstance, the CAF policy on appearance is premised on four principles: safety, operational effectiveness, inclusion, and a reflection of changing societal norms. These principles, listed in priority, are defined as
a. Safety. All members of the CAF are responsible to ensure that the safety of personnel is not compromised.
b. Operational effectiveness. At no time should clothing or personal appearance adversely affect the operational capability of a CAF member or their team.
c. Inclusion. The practice of providing equal access to opportunities and resources, where all members have a sense of belonging and are encouraged to be their authentic selves. Leaders are to treat with dignity and respect to all personnel under their care. In some cases, additional accommodations may be needed. Specific accommodations in respect of this policy are regulated under DAOD 5516-3.d. Societal Norms.
The CAF is a microcosm of Canadian society. As much as is possible, policies applying to CAF members, including standards of dress, should reflect the changing norms in Canadian society. This will welcome a more diverse group of CAF members, which will benefit the CAF as diversity is a known force multiplier.
HAIR a. Hair shall not prevent the proper wear of a military headdress or protective equipment. Hair must be worn so that without headdress the member’s face is visible. Full or partial shaving of hair on the head is permitted. Colouring of hair is permitted. The wearing of wigs, locks, or hair extensions is permitted. Long hair is permitted but must be secured accordingly when extending below the top/ridge of the shoulder in such a manner to prevent hair from falling in or covering the face when leaning forward. Acceptable accessories to secure hair include, but are not limited to, clips, barrettes, bobby pins, fabric elastics, elastic bands, and hair nets.
b. In cases where Safety and/or Operational effectiveness may be compromised, or where a hairstyle is associated with a cultural, religious or spiritual belief that does not align with this policy, members are to refer to DAOD 5516-3 and section 3 of this chapter.
c. Facial Hair. All styles of facial hair and sideburns are authorized. Facial hair may be braided/ponytail style and coloured. Accessories to secure facial hair include but are not limited to: barrettes, bobby pins, fabric elastics, elastic bands, and hair nets. Commanders of commands, task force commanders and commanding officers retain the right to order restrictions on the wearing of a facial hair and sideburns to meet national regulations such as DAOD 5021-1, Respiratory Protection or other operational requirements.
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE FOR CEREMONIAL OCCASIONS WHILE WEARING DRESS ORDER #1The following amplification is provided for all CAF members when in all Ceremonial orders of dress (No 1):
a. Footwear will be worn as per environment/regiment/branch and corps dress instructions.
b. Over garments will be worn as per environment/regiment/branch and corps dress instructions. Medals are not to be worn on over garments (parka, gabardine, and windbreaker).
c. Hair that extends below the service dress jacket collar shall be secured in one of the following styles: 1. In a bun; or 2. A single braid; or 3. Double braids centred to the back; or 4. Multi braids, or locks, be pulled back to the centre of the back or equally positioned along the shoulder blades and secured; or 5. When hairstyle, or hair type, does not allow a member to adopt one of the aforementioned hairstyles, member must discuss with the Chain of Command to find a hairstyle that can be secured accordingly.