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.
this is bull$#%&!@*…
If it’s military there can be only one uniform for all. If you want to carry an artifact or icon keep it in your pocket. If you wish to practice a religion do it on your off duty time, it’s that freaking simple. If you can’t agree to those terms do not enlist.
Hell NO. They are out of uniform Article 15 time. Kick them out of the military.
Mike Honey
Josh Garcia
Bet they wont let the Christians ware the cross, or cary a BIBLE
Lets disgrace our military by accommodating everybody except our own so we don’t hurt anyone’s feelings. Blah.
that’s bull$#%&!@* were turning soft
THIS IS NOT THE US MILITARY ANY LONGER. WE HAVE BEEN INFILTRATED BIG TIME. IT USED TO BE THE MOST POWERFUL AND RESPECTED MILITARY IN THE WORLD. WAKE UP.
USA DEFEATED BY A TURBIN??????SAD SAD SAD
no way this is the American Military not the Muslin, they join here and should respect all of the rules that go with the job.