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.
Is this America?
A lot of bigots on here. The man in the turban isn’t Muslim. Get a clue you racist $#%&!@*s!
Keep the tradition, uniforms are part of that in each branch. Navy retired.
This is wrong
Just as long as you don’t do any of that Christian stuff.
This custom is observed by many of the worlds militaries. For instance the British Gurkahs. The Gurkas have been a proud part of the British military for years, and they’re turbaned.
All military should have to wear the same thing. If they don’t like it go home.
Wow that’s sad I can’t believe that
Yep,, an ARMY of ONE.. Me, Myself and “I” Ridiculous at best,, a problem with a big sign on it for sure,, soon the LGBT community will want to wear rainbow colors in their uniforms… this will create nothing but strife within the ranks.
I thought people who serve their country are soldiers … I did not know serving your country meant displaying your religion