Officer with a ponytail: 2,000 euros punishment for hair violation!

Officer with a ponytail: 2,000 euros punishment for hair violation!

Vorarlberg, Österreich - A Vorarlberg officer faces a fine of 2,000 euros after violating the military's strict haircut regulations. Specifically, it was about his ponytail, which he wore until September 14, 2023.

The incident illustrates the different handling of hairstyles in the military: while soldiers are allowed to wear a ponytail, this is prohibited for male soldiers. According to the regulations of the Federal Army, the hair of male soldiers must be cut briefly, so that eyes and ears remain visible at all times. These regulations are part of the hair decree, which has a long historical tradition and the foundations of which are determined in the Ministry of Defense.

The disciplinary measures

The Federal Disciplinary Authority initially imposed a fine of 3,000 euros against the officer. However, this sum was later reduced to 2,000 euros. In addition, the soldier had to bear 300 euros in procedural costs. However, he was acquitted of the allegation of having disregarded a command of the Vorarlberg military commander. However, the Department of Department's disciplinary lawyer appealed to the Administrative Court (VwGH).

The legal discussion also raises fundamental questions about the command compliance by soldiers. In particular, the officer was given a right of remonstration, which means that he was allowed to object to the haircut command without being punished. This decision led to the reimbursement of further costs of 1,106.40 euros for the federal government.

hair regulations in military history

The regulations on the hair costume are not new. The regulations on the external appearance of soldiers were first introduced in the 1960s and contained the hair length requirements that were connected to the honor and reputation of the Bundeswehr. A first "hair network decree" was issued in 1971, but withdrawn due to political criticism and loss of reputation. In May 1972, a regulation was issued, which stated that male scalps must not touch the uniform or shirt collar, which still applies today.

The strict regulations are not only widely grasped in the Armed Forces, but also in other uniformed professions, such as the police. The rules of the federal police resemble those of the Federal Army, whereby aspects of security and proper seating of the headgear must be taken into account. The case of the Vorarlberg officer could finally employ higher courts, since it last lands at the Constitutional Court to clarify the legality of the applicable regulations. While women are under lower regulations regarding their hairstyles, the strict regulations for men remain controversial.

Society is divided about the appropriateness of the current hair regulations in the Federal Army, which is considering the debate about traditional military norms and modern influence on personal appearance.