Starting from tomorrow, the Irish Defence Forces is relaxing its personal appearance standards to allow female soldiers to wear earrings and fake tan, among other changes.
Speaking to RTÉ’s News at One today, Sergeant Major Keith Caffrey said that they had aimed to be “as progressive as possible” while also bearing health and safety and “operational effectiveness” in mind.
He said that under the new plan, female soldiers – who up until now could only have short hair, or keep their hair in a bun with a net – could now have a choice of six hairstyles. He also said that they would be permitted to wear “tanning products,” makeup, earrings and nail varnish.
“Common sense prevails,” he said.
“What is throughout the whole document is whether it’s nail varnish, earrings, how you wear your hair – nothing should detract from the uniform,” he said, referring to a new guide document, and added that any changes to one’s appearance must complement the existing uniform.
In addition, male soldiers will have the option to apply to grow a beard.
“They will apply to their unit commander, and there are specific reasons to not approve it, particularly in the operational environment,” Caffrey said.
“But people can apply and they will be inspected throughout the period they are growing the beard – because some people just can’t grow a beard. And there are regulations in relation to the length of the beard, straight lines under the cheekbones, and an inch above the Adam’s apple.”
Caffrey stated that the Defence Forces has regulations regarding tattoos, and that any tattoos that feature racism, sexism or substance abuse are strictly banned.
“This is about respecting the individual – allowing them to be themselves but at the same time, regulating to be a military force,” he said, adding that the Defence Forces should represent modern Ireland.
“We need to consider differences between the Ireland that we did know and the Ireland of 2024…so we can attract the diverse community that is Ireland today.”
Caffrey said that another group within the military is looking into various religious and cultural beliefs in an effort to recruit members from other communities.