Finnish military consider accepting ethnicity in soldier's appearance

The Finnish Defence Forces are considering easing some current restrictions on what a soldier can look like, as more personnel have been recruited from different ethnic background, local media reported on Tuesday.

"As various ethnic backgrounds increase both amongst conscripts and professional soldiers, the Defence Forces want to take into account ethnic and religious groups and cultural traditions," Brigadier General Kim Mattson told the newspaper Keskisuomalainen.

Mattson said that exceptions in the general appearance and clothing could be made on "legitimate grounds" for those from specific ethnic backgrounds.

The changes will be documented in a new version of the set of general service rules next year. The rules concerning behaviour outside the working hours will be altered as well.

Long hair is currently allowed for female soldiers, albeit tied up above the neck. At this time, beards and moustaches are not allowed.

The current law prohibits "being obviously drunk in military area or public place or making noise or otherwise causing consternation". The chairman of the Officers Union lieutenant Colonel Jari Rantala told Keskisuomalainen the Defence Forces could also say what is allowed instead of saying only what is not.

The limits of behaviour made news last spring when a professional air force soldier appeared naked in a television dating show.

He was not punished as he had asked for and obtain permission from his superiors. But the air force said "such behaviour was not compatible with the duties of behaviour of a professional soldier".

Finland has a national conscription system that requires active duty between six months and a year. Conscripts can use civilian clothing on leave. Endit