Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets, sporting distinctive mullets, captured second place at the prestigious Sandhurst Military Skills Competition held at West Point, New York. Competing on April 26 and 27, the teams from the Royal Military College of Canada and the Royal Military College Saint-Jean stood out not only for their performance but also for their unique haircuts, embracing a “business in the front, party in the back” style.
During the grueling two-day event, which tested military skills, physical endurance, and teamwork, the Canadian teams faced tough competition from 46 teams across 14 countries. Despite the challenges, the Canadian cadets showcased their skills in events such as rifle marksmanship, swimming in full combat gear, and navigating challenging terrains.
The mullet has become a symbol of camaraderie and identity among the Canadian teams, differentiating them from their American counterparts who prefer a more traditional military appearance. This distinctive style aligns with recent changes in the Canadian Armed Forces’ dress code, which now allows more personal expression, including longer hair and face tattoos, aiming to attract a diverse range of recruits and represent the authentic selves of its members.
Maj.-Gen Denis O’Reilly, commander of the Canadian Defence Academy, praised the teams’ performance, highlighting the quality of military training at Canadian Military Colleges and the valuable lessons learned from the competition.