British Army Allows Male Soldiers To Wear Make-Up As Defence Budget Rises

The British Army is considering allowing male soldiers to wear make-up, grow long hair, and wear earrings as part of new regulations. This comes as the defence budget is set to increase significantly.
By Newsroom | Military, UK |

Strategic Overhaul Focuses on Lethality, Technology, and Nuclear Capabilities

In a period marked by heightened geopolitical instability and significant shifts in global power dynamics, the British Army has reportedly initiated a consultation concerning 'gender-free' changes to its regulations, allowing for male soldiers to potentially wear make-up, grow long hair, and adorn themselves with earrings. This initiative, originating from Army HQ in Andover, comes as reports indicate a wider strategic defence review is pushing for a tenfold increase in the British Army's 'lethality' over the next decade. The core of this military transformation hinges on the integration of advanced technologies and a renewed focus on nuclear deterrence.

British Army's New Battle Plan: Mascara for Morale While Bombs Drop - 1

The Ministry of Defence's long-awaited Strategic Defence Review (SDR), released in June 2025, lays out a comprehensive plan involving substantial investment in new technologies, infrastructure, and strategic capabilities. Key recommendations include the construction of 12 new nuclear-powered submarines, the establishment of six new munitions factories, and the widespread adoption of 'artificial intelligence', robots, and lasers in warfare. The review emphasizes a departure from the post-Cold War era of relative peace, acknowledging a return to a period of "contest, tension and conflict."

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British Army's New Battle Plan: Mascara for Morale While Bombs Drop - 2

Technological Integration and Enhanced Lethality

The SDR's proposals aim to redefine British military operations, embracing a new fighting doctrine termed "20-40-40." This strategy prioritizes reducing troop casualties through an "autonomy drive" that pairs existing heavy military hardware with emerging technologies, including a significant increase in the use of drones. A new digital system, 'Asgard', is designed to improve reconnaissance and strike capabilities, enabling soldiers to locate and engage enemy targets from significantly greater distances. This technological push is intended to make the Army "ten times more lethal" within ten years.

British Army's New Battle Plan: Mascara for Morale While Bombs Drop - 3

Further bolstering defensive capabilities, the review calls for the creation of a "cyber and electromagnetic command" to enhance both defensive and offensive operations in cyberspace. An additional £1.5 billion has been allocated by 2029 to fund repairs for military housing, alongside £1 billion dedicated to accelerating the delivery of targeting information to soldiers on the ground.

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British Army's New Battle Plan: Mascara for Morale While Bombs Drop - 4

Nuclear Posture Re-evaluation

A notable aspect of the defence overhaul involves the UK's potential return to an airborne nuclear strike capability. Reports suggest discussions are underway regarding the acquisition of F-35A fighter jets specifically configured to carry tactical B61 nuclear bombs. This move would complement the UK's existing sea-based nuclear deterrent and align with NATO's nuclear sharing arrangements, offering a more flexible and responsive nuclear option. The Ministry of Defence has also committed £15 billion to new nuclear warheads, signalling a significant commitment to its nuclear triad.

The government has stated its acceptance of all 62 recommendations from the SDR, which aims to prepare the UK for future conflicts. Minister Ben Wallace, speaking in June 2025, asserted that these changes are crucial for readiness in a "new era of threat." This strategic review also indicates plans to increase the size of the British Army, moving from approximately 74,400 to at least 76,000 full-time soldiers after the next election, with an expectation of creating an additional 30,000 highly-skilled jobs in research and weapons manufacturing.

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Contextualizing the Discussions

The reports detailing the cosmetics consultation surfaced alongside news of intensifying global conflicts, including the Iran war. While some military personnel in Cyprus sought increased protection, and naval assets faced operational constraints, the focus on internal regulatory reviews for male soldiers' appearance has drawn criticism. Simultaneously, the wider defence strategy outlines a massive investment in modernizing the armed forces, including the development of a "hybrid Navy" with autonomous vessels and increased R&D in emerging defence technologies. The British Army's proposed reforms and the Royal Navy's innovation drive are framed within the context of strengthening NATO's collective defence posture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the British Army considering allowing male soldiers to wear make-up?
The British Army is consulting on changes to regulations, which could allow male soldiers to wear make-up, grow long hair, and wear earrings. This is part of a wider review of military standards.
Q: What is the main goal of the new defence review for the British Army?
The main goal is to make the British Army 'ten times more lethal' within the next ten years by using more advanced technology, robots, and artificial intelligence. They also want to reduce soldier casualties.
Q: What new technologies will the British Army use after the defence review?
The Army plans to use more drones, a new digital system called 'Asgard' for better targeting, and a cyber and electromagnetic command. They are also investing in AI and lasers for warfare.
Q: Is the UK increasing its nuclear capabilities as part of the defence review?
Yes, the review includes plans for 12 new nuclear-powered submarines and potentially F-35A fighter jets to carry nuclear bombs. The UK is committing £15 billion to new nuclear warheads.
Q: Will the British Army get bigger after these defence changes?
Yes, the plan is to increase the size of the British Army from around 74,400 to at least 76,000 full-time soldiers. There are also plans to create about 30,000 jobs in research and weapons manufacturing.