Defence Forces soldiers will be allowed to wear earrings, beards, nail polish and in some cases, cornrows while on routine duty under new uniform changes.

The changes are based on recommendations from the Commission on the Defence Forces and are aimed at making the military more inclusive.

From tomorrow, members will be allowed to go unshaven while on routine duty.

Meanwhile, female soldiers will be permitted to wear nail polish and sport a range of new hairstyles and items of jewellery.

The number of earrings that are permitted is also increasing to three.

The changes were decided by senior non-commissioned officers and led by Irish Defence Forces Sergeant Major Keith Caffrey.

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Sgt Maj Caffrey said it is a “positive and very progressive move” for the Defence Forces.

“In relation to female hairstyles, previously women would have had to wear their hair in a bun and covered by a net or tied up,” he said.

“Now they can have bobs, ponytails, double ponytails and in specific circumstances, for religious and cultural beliefs, cornrows.

“So, we’ve broadened it.”

Beards

He said the changes largely for ‘routine’ taskings – with different rules in place for ‘operational’ and ‘training’ taskings.

“There are different occasions of how you will wear your hair or have a beard for instance,” he said.

“If you are in an operational area where there is a chemical threat, you will have to shave because your respirator won’t operate because it doesn’t give you 100% seal.”

Nail varnish

When it comes to nail varnish, female soldiers will have to follow a clear colour palette largely made up of “neutral” colours.

“Some people may say it is restrictive,” said Sgt Maj Caffrey. “It is to compliment the uniform.

“We are all proud to wear the uniform and we don’t want to do anything that detracts from it.”

Uniform

He said the changes have largely been well received – although there was some opposition in the beginning.

“There still may be and a lot of it may come from people who are ex-military and some who are still serving,” he said.

“There are a lot of traditionalists in the military – but we’re not lowering our standards; we’re just being progressive in relation to it and reflecting the society of 2024.”

The new rules will be sent to all Defence Forces members and graphics outlining the rules are being posted at military bases.

The move follows An Garda Síochána’s decision to allow operational gardaí to wear beards at work.

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