Dress instructions | Section 2 Appearance

DEPORTMENT

1. Responsibilities. Pursuant to QR&O 17.02, 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.
2. Conduct. Personnel in uniform shall comport themselves in a manner which projects a positive military appearance.
3. Military Presence. CAF personnel wearing military uniform and civilian clothes on military installations and in military groups or settings shall dress and comport themselves at all times as befits members of a professional, respectful, disciplined, cohesive force.

PRINCIPLES

4. Overarching, the deportment and appearance of all ranks, in uniform or when wearing civilian attire, shall on all occasions reflect credit on the CAF, the 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:
1. Safety All members of the CAF are responsible to ensure that the safety of personnel is not compromised.
2. Operational effectiveness.At no time should clothing or personal appearance adversely affect the operational capability of a CAF member or their team.
3. 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.
4. Societal Norms. As a prime Canadian institution, the CAF is to be consistent with akin Canadian institutions of similar mandate while embracing culture evolution.

HAIR

5. 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.
1. Full or partial shaving of hair on the head is permitted.
2. Members are authorized to colour their hair.
3. The wearing of wigs, locks, or hair extensions is permitted. Long hair is permitted. Regardless of the order of dress if the hair extends below the lower part of the collar at the nape of the neck, tunic, jacket, or outerwear, it must be tied back away from the face and off the collar. Acceptable accessories to tie hair are, clips, barrettes, bobby pins, and hair elastics. These accessories will match, as much as possible, the colour of the hair that they are attached to. Bandanas, hair clips with decorations such as butterflies/flowers/bedazzling, head bands, jumbo hair clips, hair sticks (look like chopsticks), hair forks, hair combs, scarves and coloured bows are not authorized.
4. Regardless of the hair style, it shall be well groomed, neat, tidy and reflect a positive image. See note in paragraph 7.
5. Hair for ceremonial occasions, shall be worn as per para 14c of this section - SPECIFIC GUIDANCE FOR CEREMONIAL OCCASIONS WHILE WEARING DRESS ORDER #1

Figure 2-2-1 Hair Dos

Figure 2-2-2 Hair Don'ts

Figure 2-2-3 Hair Accessories

6. Facial Hair.
1. All styles of facial hair and sideburns are authorized. It must be symmetrical to a maximum length/bulk of 2.5 centimeters (1 inch).
2. 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 - Canada.ca or other operational requirements.

Figure 2-2-4 Facial Hairstyles

7. 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.

Note: The following definitions shall be used:

1. Grooming; is defined as “the act of giving it a neat and tidy appearance.”
2. Neat; is defined as “set in an orderly condition.”
3. Tidy; is defined as “methodically arranged and controlled, not messy.”

BODY ADORNMENT

8. Jewellery. The wearing of jewellery is permitted in uniform however members must not:
1. Wear jewellery over uniform items;
2. While in uniform, have ear piercings and ear gauges/spacers of more than 2.5 cm diameter or diagonal measurement;
3. Have piercings above the shoulders except on the ears;
4. Wear jewellery in piercings which are normally covered by uniforms if they pose a risk of injury;
5. Wear jewellery that impairs the members’ safety or ability to perform their duties;
6. Wear jewellery that a CAF member knows, or ought reasonably to know, are connected with criminal activities (e.g., criminal gangs), 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; or
7. Wear jewellery that a CAF member knows, or ought to know, promote and/ or express: racism, sexism, misogyny, misandry, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or sexually explicit material.
9. Make-up. CAF members may wear make-up when on duty, whether in uniform or civilian clothes. Members may wear coloured nail polish, artificial nails, temporary lashes, and eyelash extensions, unless it impairs the members’ safety or ability to perform their duties. Safety and operational effectiveness must be considered at all times.
10. Tattoos. Tattoos are permitted. However members must not have:
1. Tattoos that a CAF member knows, or ought reasonably to know, are connected 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; or
2. Tattoos that a CAF member knows, or ought to know, promote and/ or express: racism, sexism, misogyny, misandry, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or sexually explicit material.

UNDERGARMENTS

11. Undergarments are optional with the order of dress 1, 2 and 3. If worn, they shall not change the appearance of the uniform.

EYEGLASSES/SUNGLASSES

12. Eyeglasses and sunglasses are permitted for wear in all orders of dress.
13. Designated Duty Personnel. Personnel serving in aircrew, field and other designated positions may obtain from the CAF Supply System and wear:
1. Sunglasses (aircrew) ; or
2. Ballistic Eyewear.

SPECIFIC GUIDANCE FOR CEREMONIAL OCCASIONS WHILE WEARING DRESS ORDER #1

14. The following amplification is provided for all CAF members when in all Ceremonial orders of dress (No 1):
1. Footwear will be worn as per environment/regiment/branch and corps dress instructions.
2. 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).
3. 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.


Figure 2-2-5 Ceremonial Hairstyles

4. Jewellery;
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 ear rings (one in each ear) in the ear lobe(s). Earrings shall not exceed one centimetre square or diameter. Gauges/spacers shall not exceed 2.5 cm in diameter; and
4. Plain tie-pins or clips or with a Canadian military insignia are permitted.
5. Facial make-up, temporary lashes, and eyelashes extensions are permitted; and
6. Coloured nail polish and artificial nails are permitted as long as they do not impair the member’s ability to perform their duties.

WEAR OF CLOTHING ITEMS

15. General. The following paragraphs give instructions for common items, both permanent kit and optional purchase items, (see Chapter 5, Annex E) worn with a variety of uniforms. Additional details are given in succeeding chapters which describe insignia and accoutrements, medals and honours, and individual dress orders. They should also be read in conjunction with environmental dress instructions.
16. Headdress (see Figure 2-2-6)
1. Cap, Service. The cap shall be worn square on the head with the peak in line with the eyebrows;
2. Hat, Service. The hat shall be worn square on the head with the brim parallel to the ground. The crown of bowler-style hats shall not be indented;
3. Beret. The beret shall be worn evenly on the head, with the sweatband 2.5 cm above the eyebrows, the badge centred over the left eye, and the crown pulled downward to the right. The break of the sweatband shall be worn centred at the back of the head, with no draw string visible;
4. Wedge Cap. The wedge cap shall be worn on the right side of the head, centred front and back, with the front edge of the cap 2.5 cm above the right eyebrow;
5. Toque. An environmental toque may be worn as an alternative headdress with ceremonial dress (No. 1 orders), service dress (No. 3 orders) and Operational dress (No 5 orders). Toques shall be worn flush against the top of the head and turned up once to show either a 7.5 cm or a 10 cm fold according to the design of the toque, with the lower edge of the fold 2.5 cm above the eyebrows. Hat badges are not to be worn. According to the severity of the weather, the toque may be:
1. Worn up, square on the head and slightly angled towards the back; or
2. Pulled down at the sides and back to cover the ears.
6. Yukon Cap. This item may be worn with some orders of dress during cold weather (refer to environmental dress instructions for details). The cap is worn square on the head with the lower edge 2.5 cm above the eyebrows. The front fur flap is always fastened up to the body of the cap. According to the severity of the weather, the ear flaps may be worn up, secured with Velcro over the top of the cap, or pulled down to protect the ears and back of the neck, with Velcro fastened under the chin. Hat badges are not to be worn;
7. Turban/Patka. Detail pertaining to the turban/patka are detailed in Section 3;.
8. Hijab. Details pertaining to the hijab are found in Section 3, and.
9. Kippah.Details pertaining to kippah are found in Section 3.
17. Jackets, Service Dress, and Tunics, High Collared. Sleeves shall be roll-pressed with no creases. Jackets and Tunics shall be worn fully buttoned up.
18. Necktie. The necktie shall be knotted neatly using either a Windsor or four-in-hand knot Figure 2-2-7) and shall be kept tight. Plain tie-pins or clips or with a Canadian military insignia are permitted. See Chapter 5, Annex E. When the jacket is removed, the tie shall not be tucked into the shirt, except for safety reasons.
19. Skirts. .
1. Skirts shall fall to below the knee; and
2. Shall be worn with shoes, oxfords or leather patented shoes or pumps.
20. Hosiery
1. Socks
1. When trousers are worn, black socks shall be worn with issued shoes, oxfords or leather patented shoes;
2. Black socks or grey socks shall be worn with boots; and
3. Black socks or nylons may be worn in pumps.
2. Nylons. When worn they shall be a plain pattern and either skin tone, white or black in colour.
21. Footwear
1. Shoes leathers, oxfords, pumps, flats and boots shall be clean at all times;
2. Footwear shall be laced as shown in Figure 2-2-8.
3. Overshoes, boots (cold weather), or black toe rubbers (optional) may be worn as required and shall be kept clean.
4. Patented leather shoes are optional on daily routine, parades or ceremonies according to environment, branch, corps or regimental direction.
22. Outer garments
1. Items of military clothing
1. When carried, they shall be draped over the left arm; and
2. When worn, coats shall remain fully buttoned except for the neck button, which may be unfastened at the discretion of the wearer.
2. Parka (Service Dress).May be worn as per environmental dress instructions:
1. This optional item may be worn with or without the hood during periods of winter dress;
2. When worn, the zipper and dome fasteners shall be either fully closed to the neck, or opened not lower than the top of the breast pocket.
3. Environmental, regimental, branch slip-ons shall be worn; and
4. Army slip-ons shall be worn, officers shall wear ranked slip-ons and NCMs shall wear a single metal rank on the right horizontal flap, centred 2 cm from the zipper over-lap.
3. Scarf. The scarf may only be worn with the topcoat (gabardine), parka, and windbreaker jacket;
4. Sweater. Sweaters shall be worn as per environmental dress instructions;
5. Gloves. Gloves shall be black in colour and are worn when ordered or as required during cold weather;
6. Mitts, Black (Plain). This optional item may be worn with topcoats (gabardines) and parkas during winter dress periods;
7. Windbreaker Jacket (authorized patterns)
1. When worn over the sweater, this optional item shall cover the bottom of the sweater completely;
2. Shirt collars are not to be worn outside the windbreaker;
3. When worn, the zipper shall be either fully closed, or opened not lower than the top of the breast pocket; and
4. Environmental, regimental or branch slip-ons shall be worn. CA NCMs shall wear metal rank centred on each collar tip.
8. RCAF Leather Jacket Refer to RCAF dress instructions.
23. Accessories
1. Backpacks, laptop cases, briefcases, purses/handbags
1. When carried as a shoulder-bag, the strap shall be suspended from the left shoulder.
2. When carried as a messenger bag (cross body), the strap shall be suspended from the right shoulder.
3. When carried, civilian-pattern bags/cases shall be of any solid colour. Accessories of any type shall not be attached to the exterior of the bag/case/backpack.
4. When carried, they shall be held in the left hand or suspended over the left shoulder. Backpacks may be worn over both shoulders.
2. Umbrella.Umbrellas may be carried. They shall be of any solid colour.

Figure 2-2-6 Wear of Headdress

Figure-2-2-7 Knotting of Tie

Figure-2-2-8 Lacing Footwear