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.
But not a Bible or a cross I suppose.
Why does everyone want to change everything! ? The Military (All Branches) have made so many changes to accommodate certain people’s that otherwise couldn’t make it!
What a slap in the face of the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country!!
This country has gone completely nuts if there is a change in uniform for American military . GD
So let’s get this straight. Soldiers aren’t allowed to celebrate Christmas and decorate or hold any Christian based activities on base because of freedom of religious foundation. And they were told to remove crosses from military burial areas and from Christian soldier ceremonies but they will allow Muslims to wear turbans? I’m 1 story away from shooting a few sand n*ggers in the face and exercising some god given rights
This is UnAmerican
What happened to that bullsh*t excuse they have been using for Christians….you know separation of church and state right? Military branches are government that’s what they said in court right? Oh but they won’t confront sand n*ggers and skinnies about their rag heads right -_- it’s things like this that make me want to go join the rebel fight in Syria
Sorry, you should be ready to move 34/7.. not having to wait to pray twice a day. If you care enough you shouldnt have to wear extra clothing to prove it…!!
Nooooo. they wont even let our guys pray or be patriotic. THIS IS SO ANTI AMERICAN.
Ugggggg, ugly….