US military relaxes uniform rules for religious items

BBC ^ | 22 January 2014

[kingattax]

The US military is easing its uniform rules to allow religious wear including turbans, skullcaps, beards and tattoos, officials have said.

Muslim, Sikh, Jewish and Wiccan soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen can now request exemptions to strict military uniform and grooming policies.

Requests will be evaluated individually and can be denied if they hinder military readiness.

Previously, at least three Sikhs had won specific accommodation.

Sikh soldiers such as Army Cpt Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi, photographed in 2010, may receive religious dispensations to wear head coverings and facial hair

[kingattax]

how long, O Lord, how long ?

[Bronco_Buster_FweetHyagh]

Is this a joke?

[Gene Eric]

The Sikh soldier is actually a reprieve to my concerns.

[FR_addict]

Evidently, it’s not a joke. I saw it on Fox News last night.

[Kozak]

“Muslim, Sikh, Jewish and Wiccan “

And what group appears to be excluded?

[ScottinVA]

Yes, it’s a joke, all right.... A sick one that plays out with increasing absurdity every friggin’ day.

[ScottinVA]

“And what group appears to be excluded?”

Satanist, but they’re working on it.

[FoxInSocks]

Does he get to wear a long knife on his belt too?

Shoot me now. “Back in the old Corps . . . .”

[Kozak]

Nope, guess again.

[hattend]

What is the uniform of the Wiccan? Jew? Hassan...er, I mean Muslim?

So glad I did my 20 when there was some sanity in the military.

[ScottinVA]

I was giving that “guess” from the viewpoint of the proggies who are destroying our military.

I’m sure the wearing of crosses will be deemed a “hate crime,” punishable by UCMJ action.

[ScottinVA]

My question is, will they keep their beards in basic training while everyone else shaves theirs away?

[laplata]

I agree. And Sikhs hate muzzies.

[kingattax]

My question is, will they keep their beards in basic training while everyone else shaves theirs away?

are you asking about female recruits ?

[RandallFlagg]

Beards??
How are they going to run general quarters drills on the ships while getting an airtight seal on their OBA?
Will they be exempted from having to participate?

[kingattax]

Beards?? How are they going to run general quarters drills on the ships while getting an airtight seal on their OBA? Will they be exempted from having to participate?

OBA - Oxygen Breathing Apparatus - FYI for anyone who doesn't know

[RandallFlagg]

Thank you.

[kingattax]

no prob, my friend. :)

[ImNotLying]

Marine Corps drill sergeant to recruits during 30 mile hike in the mountains: “We will take a brief break to let Abdul and Achmed roll out their prayer rugs, now everyone face to the West. Abraham, please take off your skull cap as a show of respect.”

[X Fretensis]

If these people are willing to serve in our army and hence to ultimately serve the American people, I could really care less what the head gear looks like.