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 totally disagree. They should wear the full American Army uniform.
it,s just wrong.
But they are trying to ban Christianity
What a CROCK!!!
Ridiculous… Cowering down
fraud needs federal prison
Stand for something; or fall for anything; our Country seems to be falling apart; since there’s no responsibility or accountability for anyone or anything.
This is such BS, Your are in the army everyone should be the same…period,….. Next thing coming will be something like this…my religion does not allow me to fight on Saturday, Sunday and after 5 pm…
You have got to be kidding. Absolutely WRONG. BIG TIME WRONG!
I think we should put a stop to this. If you fight for America and are in USA service wear the correct uniform. Otherwise we are diluting our belief. Let’s not vote for anyone that approves this and do a petition of some sort. I am a senior citizen lady but I will sign and help. Anyone out there know how to start this.