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.
I sure hope they don’t have to wear their long robes. How could the troops run in a row; with this hinderance.
As the saying goes’ ”GIVE AN INCH AND THEY WILL TAKE A MILE”.
Wrong on all levels.
What is wrong with this picture? anyone?
They should U>S> army regulation gear– no turban!! What other country would permit this.
Just wrong. Persecute Believers in Christ & bow down to the wicked! Where are we going?
THIS IS SO WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Does any one remember the first movie RED DAWN? The fighter pilot that got shot down talking about them infiltrating the military!!! Now this is getting scary.
Does this mean the Catholic solders can wear their religious medals and have a Bible? Hmmmmmmmmmm!!!!
Christians can pray, carry their bible, NO because their not MUSLIM , whats right for one should be right for the other