Belgian soldiers participating in the national parade on July 21 will now be required to cover their faces with a “buff,” a tight scarf covering the lower part of the face. This new security measure aims to protect military personnel amid growing concerns about AI and advanced surveillance technologies.
- Soldiers must cover faces with buff
- Buff covers lower part of face
- Measure applies to all deployed soldiers
- Targets NATO eastern flank operations
- Protects soldiers against AI threats
- Implemented by Defense Minister Theo Francken
Minister of Defence Theo Francken (N-VA) announced on 2025-07-15 19:10:00 that this rule will also apply to Belgian troops deployed abroad, particularly on NATO’s eastern flank. The move reflects increasing caution in military operations during an era of supercomputers and artificial intelligence.
How will this affect the visibility and recognition of Belgian soldiers during official events? And what does it mean for their safety in international missions? These questions highlight the evolving challenges faced by the Belgian Defence forces today.
Why introduce this measure now? It signals a shift in military protocol driven by technological advances and security risks. The buff serves both as a practical defense and a symbol of adapting to modern warfare challenges.
- Protects soldiers from AI-driven identification and targeting
- Standardizes protective gear across domestic and foreign deployments
- Reflects Belgium’s commitment to NATO’s eastern flank security
- Raises questions about balancing tradition with new security needs
As Belgium continues to modernize its defence strategies, will other protective measures follow? Keeping informed and supporting our armed forces is vital as they navigate these new security landscapes.
