Beards and nail polish: IDF approves dress code changes
Amid war, military says combat soldiers can wear tactical uniforms when heading home; all non-military patches banned under updated guidelines
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday announced a series of dramatic changes to its dress code for soldiers, including allowing all male troops to grow a beard and career servicewomen to wear any color of nail polish.
The changes were decided by a panel established in September, whose 17 members from all parts of the IDF discussed the military’s discipline code. The new guidelines were set to take effect starting Thursday morning.
Previously, only observant Jewish soldiers and other special cases were able to receive permission allowing them to grow a beard.
Under the new changes, all troops can have a beard, provided it is neat and meets a set of guidelines.
Another change, which only applies during wartime, is allowing combat soldiers to go home while wearing their tactical uniform.
Previously, when troops left their base for furlough, they had to wear dress uniforms, known as Madei Aleph. The dress uniforms will continue to be used in formal events, such as Memorial Day and military ceremonies, under the new guidelines.
Also, during wartime, non-combat soldiers will be permitted to wear their work uniform, known as Madei Bet, with the approval of their unit commander, while non-combat career soldiers will be allowed to wear Madei Bet at all times.
The new guidelines also state that soldiers can only wear velcro patches depicting an Israeli flag, their name and their unit’s logo, while all other patches are prohibited. Non-military patches, especially those associated with messianic fundamentalist beliefs, have become widespread in the IDF amid the war.
Also under the changes, female career soldiers will be allowed to wear any color of nail polish, provided it is not sparkly and all fingers are the same color. Previously, nail polish was limited to a handful of colors, such as pink, black and grey.
Career servicewomen will also be allowed to wear two adjacent earrings in each ear after previously only being allowed one.
Additionally, all career soldiers can wear a ring, even if they are not married, the new guidelines state.
