A PHOTO of a bearded Australian naval officer with a painted pinky fingernail has sparked outrage on social media.

The Defence Australia Twitter account recently posted a photo of Lieutenant Maritime Warfare Officer Jonathan Milton who was showing his support for the 100 Days For Change campaign.

media_camera Royal Australian Navy officer, Lieutenant Maritime Warfare Officer Jonathan Milton, of minehunter coastal vessel HMAS Gascoyne, painted his pinky fingernail in support of gender equality campaign, 100 Days For Change.

The movement, launched by Women and Leadership Australia, is a ­nationwide push among companies for gender ­equity in the workplace.

“To encourage gender equality and diversity in the workplace, personnel in Sydney painted their pinky fingernails pink as a visual indication of support,” Defence Australia posted.

But Australians have slammed the Navy for its involvement as “virtue signalling” and ”identity politics”.

“The Australian Navy should stay neutral in these issues … Quit politicising the armed services,” Brendan Quinn posted.

“Stick to defence and employing people according to merit and ability not their gender. This is an affront to real diggers — male and female — who just want to get on with their job,” Kirralie Smith posted.

Wow I feel so much safer now. — Steven Fanner (@SteeeeeV) July 28, 2018

NSW RSL president James Brown told The Australian he was concerned the Navy was politicising the defence force.

“Navy has made great progress in making sure women aren’t unfairly treated,” he said.

“But ordering uniformed personnel to join social-activism campaigns is a step too far and risks politicising the defence force.”

Rear Admiral Hammond said the navy needed to look at a range of measures — from supporting women’s sporting events to ­reviewing procedures for unconscious gender bias.

“We must do this as one navy, regardless of age, rank, race, ­religion, sexual orientation, ability or gender,” he said. “We cannot afford to leave anyone behind.”