Current Dress Regs

[Harris]

Kilts and their related jackets and hats. Two or so orders of dress exclusively for MilCols. Weird hats in Sudbury.

Rifles Units, Various fancy hats across the country, Bands to add a few more.

 

[Remius]

Kilts and their related jackets and hats. Two or so orders of dress exclusively for MilCols. Weird hats in Sudbury.

I thought those came from grants.

 

[dapaterson]

I thought those came from grants.

There has been a move to direct public funding, and the grants are public money as well (and are set at rates that haven't changed in 30+ years).

 

[Edward Campbell]

Time to cull the orders of dress and remove all public support for anything but the basics. If a unit can't find sugar daddies to pay for hats, skirts and jackets outside the basic DEU, you revert to the basic DEU.

Someone quite high up the bureaucratic-'leadership' food chain decided that this is a suitable order of dress to guard the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. It seems to me that this is, also, therefore, the "basic DEU" for the Army and, one assumes, there is something similar for the Navy and RCAF. Let's leave shirts and ties (and kilts) and shiny boots behind, in the 19th and 20th centuries, and become he first post modern military.

 

[Brad Sallows]

Someone quite high up the bureaucratic-'leadership' food chain decided that this is a suitable order of dress to guard the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. It seems to me that this is, also, therefore, the "basic DEU" for the Army and, one assumes, there is something similar for the Navy and RCAF. Let's leave shirts and ties (and kilts) and shiny boots behind, in the 19th and 20th centuries, and become he first post modern military.

Swap the rifles for rods and that looks like it could be two guys waiting for unoccupied outhouses at a fishing camp.

 

[Halifax Tar]

Someone quite high up the bureaucratic-'leadership' food chain decided that this is a suitable order of dress to guard the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. It seems to me that this is, also, therefore, the "basic DEU" for the Army and, one assumes, there is something similar for the Navy and RCAF. Let's leave shirts and ties (and kilts) and shiny boots behind, in the 19th and 20th centuries, and become he first post modern military.

That is an awful looking spectacle.

But, I feel like you are going to extremes. No one is saying get rid of jackets and ties, we are saying have a basic issues for the all the elements, and then the flights of fancy (hats, skirts and jackets outside the basic DEU) are funded by the units and associations.

 

[Edward Campbell]

That is an awful looking spectacle.

But, I feel like you are going to extremes. No one is saying get rid of jackets and ties, we are saying have a basic issues for the all the elements, and then the flights of fancy (hats, skirts and jackets outside the basic DEU) are funded by the units and associations.

Why on earth does anyone "need" a jacket and tie to prepare for or fight a war? IF we you need a ceremonial uniform then it should be issued, with all the bells and whistles, and maintained at public expense - if we, the public, the taxpayers, cannot do that then I suggest that we have decided that you don't need anything beyond that "awful looking spectacle."

 

[Remius]

Didn

Someone quite high up the bureaucratic-'leadership' food chain decided that this is a suitable order of dress to guard the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. It seems to me that this is, also, therefore, the "basic DEU" for the Army and, one assumes, there is something similar for the Navy and RCAF. Let's leave shirts and ties (and kilts) and shiny boots behind, in the 19th and 20th centuries, and become he first post modern military.

We partially tried to be the first post modern military with the last iteration of the dress and grooming regs.

 

[Halifax Tar]

Why on earth does anyone "need" a jacket and tie to prepare for or fight a war? IF we you need a ceremonial uniform then it should be issued, with all the bells and whistles, and maintained at public expense - if we, the public, the taxpayers, cannot do that then I suggest that we have decided that you don't need anything beyond that "awful looking spectacle."

I think I'm explaining this poorly.

Every Sailor, Soldier, Aviator and all Officers should have a dress uniform. Pants, Jacket, Tie, Shirt, Hat, shoes/boots. What the government shouldn't be providing, IMHO, is the silly hats and kilts ect that some units desire to wear. And we should be simplifying our orders of dress. One order of dress for work/fighting, another for parade.

 

[Brad Sallows]

Why on earth does anyone "need" a jacket and tie to prepare for or fight a war? IF we you need a ceremonial uniform then it should be issued, with all the bells and whistles, and maintained at public expense - if we, the public, the taxpayers, cannot do that then I suggest that we have decided that you don't need anything beyond that "awful looking spectacle."

To be serious, I guess (because I've not seen their uniform(s) except maybe when bundled up out-of-doors) that the members in the photo are uniformed Canadian Rangers? And that the uniform they are wearing is basically all they have (subject to season and weather)?

If so, then it's sufficient. There's little point to contriving a military business suit for them, to be worn a handful of times a year (if that).

For the rest, the problems with being the bleeding edge of a fashion change are 1) that we will be taken even less seriously by friend and foe; 2) that the fashion change won't spread for a long time, which means we will be taken less seriously for a long time.

 

[Maxman1]

When I did NSP, we had Rangers with us for their 75th anniversary. Whenever I was third man while a Ranger pair was up, tourists were very disappointed by their basic uniforms and occasionally I would get questions of "When are the soldiers coming back?"

 

[Oldgateboatdriver]

Someone quite high up the bureaucratic-'leadership' food chain decided that this is a suitable order of dress to guard the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. It seems to me that this is, also, therefore, the "basic DEU" for the Army and, one assumes, there is something similar for the Navy and RCAF. Let's leave shirts and ties (and kilts) and shiny boots behind, in the 19th and 20th centuries, and become he first post modern military.

We all know that these are the Inuit Rangers only uniform. None other is provided them.

However, they didn't wear old faded ones, or dirty boots or old caps: They are wearing clean crisp ones and clean black boots. That is not dishonoring the duty.

 

[KevinB]

Honestly I think a "regimental" Polo T would be a little more formal - keep the simple T for less formal occasions.

Personally I see no need for pockets on the front of a "combat shirt" as ones armor will cover them anyway. I like the "build in" knee and elbow pads on the Crye combat uniforms as well - as one can remove them if not needed (and for laundry).

 

[dimsum]

Someone quite high up the bureaucratic-'leadership' food chain decided that this is a suitable order of dress to guard the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. It seems to me that this is, also, therefore, the "basic DEU" for the Army and, one assumes, there is something similar for the Navy and RCAF. Let's leave shirts and ties (and kilts) and shiny boots behind, in the 19th and 20th centuries, and become he first post modern military.

I think the Israelis have that covered for the past…uh…few decades.

 

[Edward Campbell]

I think the Israelis have that covered for the past…uh…few decades.

The IDF know what is appropriate for each situation:

 

[daftandbarmy]

Finally, someone who makes sense ....

New updates to the Canadian Forces Dress Instructions provide additional clarity​

“What got lost in translation is what we, who choose to serve, represent when we wear the CAF uniform,” says CAF CWO Bob McCann. “We do not represent just our individual selves but everyone who wore this uniform and fought before us so that we can enjoy the freedoms and way of life we get to enjoy today.”

New updates to the Canadian Forces Dress Instructions provide additional clarity - Canada.ca

The changes will take effect on July 2, 2024. Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and leaders now have the opportunity to review and understand these updates and make any adjustments before the changes take effect.

www.canada.ca

 

[Kilted]

We all know that these are the Inuit Rangers only uniform. None other is provided them.

However, they didn't wear old faded ones, or dirty boots or old caps: They are wearing clean crisp ones and clean black boots. That is not dishonoring the duty.

First off, not all Rangers are Inuit. I think that presenting the Rangers to the public in this matter is a bit of a disservice to them. I know that it is their only uniform, but it kind of makes them stick out when compared to any other component of the CAF. Surely it wouldn't be that difficult to have a ceremonial unit for the Rangers that is issued Army DEU with appropriate Ranger badges, probably with their bags on a peaked cap. I am not saying to give it to everyone, just whoever they plan to put on public display.

 

[KevinB]

First off, not all Rangers are Inuit. I think that presenting the Rangers to the public in this matter is a bit of a disservice to them. I know that it is their only uniform, but it kind of makes them stick out when compared to any other component of the CAF. Surely it wouldn't be that difficult to have a ceremonial unit for the Rangers that is issued Army DEU with appropriate Ranger badges, probably with their bags on a peaked cap. I am not saying to give it to everyone, just whoever they plan to put on public display.

Why? Honestly I’d prefer a polo, but they are a different part of the CAF, and don’t have have a DEU (well I guess their shirt and cbt pants are a DEU in that sense).

 

[daftandbarmy]

At least they'll remember his name long after he retires

'Large proportion' of military disliked relaxed rules on personal grooming, survey finds​

Outgoing commander admits the changes made some CAF members 'profoundly uncomfortable'​

The Canadian military has tightened up regulations on personal grooming after getting an earful from members who were not happy with the relaxed standards introduced almost two years ago.

The revised rules on hair and beard length come into effect today.

One expert says the newest set of regulations, announced last month, may not entirely quell the social and political debate that has been raging in the ranks since the decades-old grooming standards were dramatically relaxed almost two years ago.

The country's soon-to-retire top military commander, Gen. Wayne Eyre, has championed the relaxed rules on personal grooming. He said no one should make too much of the revisions.

Those serving in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) must now keep their beards to 2.5 centimetres in length and bulk. And hair — for both men and women — must be tied back and away from the face and off the collar. Accessories used to tie hair back must be black, or similar to the CAF member's hair colour.

In September 2022, the CAF abandoned almost all restrictions on members' hair length, hair colour, nail length and facial tattoos. The changes were introduced along with new gender-neutral uniforms.

"This has made some profoundly uncomfortable. You know, based on the generation they come from," Eyre said in a recent interview on CBC's Rosemary Barton Live.

"A newer generation is completely at ease with [this], and so we are treading a bit into the unknown here. And we have to be willing to experiment. If it doesn't work well, we adjust."

Backlash linked to 'lower confidence in leadership'​

The changes triggered a backlash both inside and outside the military from critics who said they permitted a degree of scruff and untidiness that compromised the effectiveness and morale of the Canadian Armed Forces.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-armed-forces-uniform-hair-grooming-1.7248687

 

[dimsum]

At least they'll remember his name long after he retires

'Large proportion' of military disliked relaxed rules on personal grooming, survey finds​

Outgoing commander admits the changes made some CAF members 'profoundly uncomfortable'​

The Canadian military has tightened up regulations on personal grooming after getting an earful from members who were not happy with the relaxed standards introduced almost two years ago.

The revised rules on hair and beard length come into effect today.

One expert says the newest set of regulations, announced last month, may not entirely quell the social and political debate that has been raging in the ranks since the decades-old grooming standards were dramatically relaxed almost two years ago.

The country's soon-to-retire top military commander, Gen. Wayne Eyre, has championed the relaxed rules on personal grooming. He said no one should make too much of the revisions.

Those serving in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) must now keep their beards to 2.5 centimetres in length and bulk. And hair — for both men and women — must be tied back and away from the face and off the collar. Accessories used to tie hair back must be black, or similar to the CAF member's hair colour.

In September 2022, the CAF abandoned almost all restrictions on members' hair length, hair colour, nail length and facial tattoos. The changes were introduced along with new gender-neutral uniforms.

"This has made some profoundly uncomfortable. You know, based on the generation they come from," Eyre said in a recent interview on CBC's Rosemary Barton Live.

"A newer generation is completely at ease with [this], and so we are treading a bit into the unknown here. And we have to be willing to experiment. If it doesn't work well, we adjust."

Backlash linked to 'lower confidence in leadership'​

The changes triggered a backlash both inside and outside the military from critics who said they permitted a degree of scruff and untidiness that compromised the effectiveness and morale of the Canadian Armed Forces.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-armed-forces-uniform-hair-grooming-1.7248687

CDS calling out dinosaurs without calling them “dinosaurs”.

BGen (ret’d) Clancy with (probably) the more general view within the CAF:

"I'm a pilot. I didn't care whether people had coloured fingernails with different coloured hair," Clancy said. "I really cared that they were excellent technicians and could do their job."