Author Topic: U.S. Military Relaxes Rules on Religious Garb  (Read 741 times)

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U.S. Military Relaxes Rules on Religious Garb
« on: January 24, 2014, 08:01:39 am »
By Julian E. Barnes


The Pentagon announced Wednesday it had relaxing uniform rules to allow troops to wear jewelry and apparel as well as groom their hair to comply with requirements of their religion.

Military service members will have to request exemptions from current uniform rules from their commanders, and in some cases higher headquarters. But religious garb that had previously been banned, including head coverings or pendants, is likely to be allowed under the new rules (PDF of directive).

In addition to religious apparel, jewelry and facial hair, the new rules specifically allow tattoos and body piercings that are religious in nature.

“All requests for accommodation of religious practices will be assessed on a case-by-case basis,” said Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Christensen, a Pentagon spokesman. “Each request must be considered based on its unique facts.”

Cmdr. Christensen said that military commanders will base approval of the request based on whether it could impact “unit cohesion” and the ability of a military unit to complete its assigned missions.

The directive also says that requests can be denied if the religious item would cause a safety hazard or interferes with protective equipment, like a flak jacket, flight suit or camouflage uniforms.

Military officials wouldn’t say if the new rules would allow Muslim headscarves, but the new rules appear drafted to accommodate such requests.  Indeed, the changes come after Sikhs pressed the military to allow members of their faith to grow beards, keep their hair uncut and wear turbans, as required by their faith.

In recent years, the military has begun to accommodate the religious requirement of Sikhs and the new directive extends that accommodation more broadly.

The new directive also now specifically protects the rights of non-believers, noting  that the department “places a  high value on the rights of members of the Military Services to observe the tenets of their respective religions or to observe no religion at all.”
     
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2014/01/22/u-s-military-relaxes-rules-on-religious-garb/?mod=WSJBlog&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wsj%2Fwashwire%2Ffeed+%28WSJ.com%3A+Washington+Wire%29

rangerrebew

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Re: U.S. Military Relaxes Rules on Religious Garb
« Reply #1 on: January 24, 2014, 01:49:21 pm »
Do these new "relaxed" rules allow for men to "marry" 10 year old girls?  Does it allow for "honor" killings?  Will it require booze to be taken out of base stores because it offends a religion?  Will the troops be allowed to rape goats as long as it is done by religious standards?

Offline Fishrrman

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Re: U.S. Military Relaxes Rules on Religious Garb
« Reply #2 on: January 24, 2014, 10:45:54 pm »
[[ “All requests for accommodation of religious practices will be assessed on a case-by-case basis,” said Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Christensen, a Pentagon spokesman. “Each request must be considered based on its unique facts.”
Cmdr. Christensen said that military commanders will base approval of the request based on whether it could impact “unit cohesion” and the ability of a military unit to complete its assigned missions. ]]

Certain to be prohibited in any style, shape, or form:
- Christian symbols, primarily the Cross, and
- Stars of David.

How long before females are permitted to wear burqhas ???

Offline Chieftain

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Re: U.S. Military Relaxes Rules on Religious Garb
« Reply #3 on: January 24, 2014, 11:38:18 pm »
We used to play these games when I was on active duty all the time.  There is always someone who has to be different...has to wear sunglasses all the time so you cannot see their eyes...someone who has "dereticulitis" and is therefore not required to shave...those who must have odd and/or offensive tattoos visible and in your face...there are endless examples of people who choose to exercise their freedoms by being on the very cutting edge of acceptability and by challenging every single rule or regulation they run into.

Besides, with Chuck Hagel in charge at the Pentagon, the last priority is the morale of the force.