LONDON - Britain's military says soldiers and airmen will be allowed to wear their uniforms to this year's Gay Pride march in London.

The military said Saturday it would permit British Army and Royal Air Force personnel to show off their military affiliation in the July 5 parade.

The decision brings the forces in line with the Royal Navy, which already allows sailors to participate in uniform.

Britain began allowing homosexuals to serve openly in the military in 2000. While military personnel have been able to participate in the pride march since then, soldiers and airmen have had to do so in civilian clothes.

Gay rights groups welcomed the decision. The military said it still expected its personnel to display "behaviour of the highest order'' while in uniform.