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.
Wow!!!!!!*
What a disgrace to the men and women that have given their lives for this country. But then again what a disgrace we have in the Whitehouse.
No way not right..,
Seriously bad idea….
Not, if they can’t pray, have religious hearings and gatherings, then they cannot display other religious sectors , if you allow for one then you must allow for all
So glad the Army did away with Mules years ago!!!
Unless they are Christian then it’s a serious NO NO.
unbelievable
Are they not tring to choke out god from schools because of speration of church and state. Winter break instead of, Christmas vacation. Spring break instead of easter break. Its sad we as americans let guests run our country. Some aren’t even guests, they are invaders.
I remember when it was about getting shaving profiles( meaning they didn’t have to shave) it was the blacks,they were always trying to get the profiles as they said shaving caused bumps on their faces and irritation etc and thy would go out of their way’s to try to get the profiles or excuses although most didn’t get them cause the docs said it was bull c**p,now it’s turbans etc? bullcrap I say hell no it’s the military and uniformity has to be a must do thing regarles of anyone’s religious preferences,what, are they going to want to wear turbans wgen their asses are fighting in a war? this is insane and the heads of the military branches need to start doing their jobs