The Pentagon has approved a new policy that will allow troops to wear turbans and other religious clothing and engage in religious observances.
Until now there has been no set policy in the military to allow accommodations for religion.
Soldiers must apply for a waiver to be able to wear their religious garment or engage in a specific religious activity, which the military says they will take on a case-by-case basis.
The Pentagon has approved a new policy that will allow troops to seek waivers to wear religious clothing, seek prayer time or engage in religious practices.Defense officials say the waivers will be decided on a case-by-case basis and will depend on where the service member is stationed and whether the change would affect military readiness or the mission.
Until now there has been no consistent policy across the military to allow accommodations for religion. Now, for example, Jewish troops can seek a waiver to wear a yarmulke, or Sikhs can seek waivers to wear a turban and grow a beard.
Others can request specific prayer times or ask that they be allowed to carry prayer beads or other items.
The policy also says that service members can choose not to recognize any religion, according to NBC News.
According to Defense Department statistics obtained by NBC, there are only three Sikh Americans in the military. There are about 3,700 Muslims. 6,300 Buddhists, and 1,500 Wiccans.
The directive stresses that “the importance of uniformity and adhering to standards, of putting unit before self, is more significant and needs to be carefully evaluated when considering each request for accommodation,” according to NBC.
There goes our military and our country soon after!!
I have no problem with turbans for garrison wear. Accommodates good Soldiers and doesn’t cost nobody nothin’. I do, however, have a big problem with beards, because how do you seal a gas mask while bearded?
Now — what, pray tell , means “a waiver…to engage in a specific religious activity”? Huh? Like, say, praying, or going to church ?
NO! NO! NO! If they are in OUR military they must abide by standards of our military. This is the government’s attempt to water down, even more, our strength as a United nation. Stop this now!!!
Ridiculous .
i would not last long in todays military i would be ut out in less than 1 year
If they wear a Turbans they are NOT US SOLDIERS.
Wow this is a bunch of c**p what is the Pentagon thinkin!!!!!…
Wanted: Islamic recruits for US military. Must have at least 6 mo. experience in ISIS, Hamas, Al-Qaida, or similar religious factions…..
bull $#%&!@*, they are not in uniform and need a shave right out of our country
Stupid, they can wear what they want on their time