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.
That is a Sikh who have been fighting the Muslims for a longer time than us, the Sikhs served in the 2 world wars and fought on our side.
He’s a Sikh, not Muslim or Hindu. Regardless, when I went to Basic in 1990, the Army stripped away all vestiges of individuality…for a reason. That reason was to ensure that no one was special or different. Recruits who tried to hold on to their individuality were “strongly encouraged” to assimilate into the platoon. While we all held on to the most important parts of our individuality, it was never allowed to be expressed in uniform. This guy, with his different headgear and full facial hair is asking for trouble on so many levels. And in a very real way, this will serve to break down unit cohesion, discipline, and morale. You want to express your individuality? Do it when you’re off duty!
what has happened to America…it gone down the drain..
Terrorism is not a religion..
NO DEFINATELY NOT
As long as they dont’ start acting like terrorists
The reason it’s called a uniform is because it is uniform to all! There should be no exceptions!
What the $#%&!@* happened to dress right dress! That’s why they’re called uniforms! Are the Native American servicemen going to start wearing feathers too???
This is ludicrous! It is the US MILITARY! Cut out the ” politically correct” c**p . We are Americans, we fight together as Americans. If you don’t like following the established rules and laws of our country, please leave.
BULL $#%&!@* !!!