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.
who wants to wear a damn rag on their head????
No not in the USA army.
Unless you’re a Christian, then you can not have bible versus on your erasable board.
I served, I fought, I lost brothers. All for what? Well, in my mind it was for the great United States of America and the superior melting pot that she is. If you’re from a different country, have different practices and religious beliefs then fine. As long as you mean my Mother land no harm you’re welcome to share it. Now as far as our military is concerned, if one desires the proud gift of serving and defending our great country then there are certain things you must conform to and if you can’t do that, to be one of our elite soldiers, then you don’t deserve the honor of wearing our uniform. That’s just the way it works. Go cry somewhere else to someone who gives a damn. We are superior for a reason!
NO NO NO…THE BIG QUESTION…WHY ARE FKG MUSLIMS IN OUR MILITARY.?
bull $#%&!@* , what a bunch of cowards and spineless traders , this is America remember we need to shove that tribune wright up Obama ‘s back side. ( HAVE SOME AMERICAN PRIDE )
I wouldn’t trust a soldier wearing a turban. could be muslim.
Christians are allowed to pray and read bibles, just not proselytize. Same goes for the Jewish and Muslim. There are plenty on people who serve admirably in the Military no matter what religion they are.
Applications handled on a case by case basis? Every application will be approved, since anyone in the chain of command will be too afraid of appearing insensitive/racist/ etc….. The uniform regulations exist for a purpose. Will religious items that are currently prohibited be allowed now? Probably not since those Catholics and Jewish people are already used to their rights being trampled on. Let’s just change everything so the Sikhs and Arabs can feel good shall we….. Pathetic…. If you can’t conform to uniform regulations as they stand, then GTFO of the military!!
Effing dummies