The Polish Army has implemented groundbreaking changes to its appearance regulations, allowing soldiers to sport beards up to three centimeters in length and display tattoos on their arms and forearms. As of Sunday, the updated General Regulations for Polish Soldiers emphasize that beards must be well-maintained and presentable, without hindering soldiers’ duties.
Tattoos and Personal Expression
Additionally, soldiers are no longer required to cover tattoos on their arms, provided the tattoos do not convey messages deemed unacceptable. This marks a significant shift in the Polish military’s approach to personal expression, aligning with practices in many other armed forces worldwide. However, certain restrictions remain, such as prohibitions on piercings, ear tunnels, and skin modifications like scarification.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted that the previous, rigid regulations were a source of frustration among soldiers. He noted that the outdated rule requiring a dermatologist’s approval for facial hair was particularly burdensome. These changes, he believes, will enhance comfort and morale, especially in hot weather, where short sleeves are often preferred.