Since Muslims can wear "religious beards" while in uniform, can someone who took the vow of the Nazarite also do the same?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 11:46:04 -0400

Should be a simple yes or no answer but I doubt it. Since the military is now allowing Muslims to wear "religious beards" while in uniform, does this mean that a Christian or Jew who has taken the vow of the Nazarite will also be allowed to wear a "religious beard" while in uniform? Or is this a muslim only exception to the ban on beards?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jun 11 at 2018 11:58 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 11:58:14 -0400

This should not be a Muslim only exception to the ban on religious beards; in my humble opinion.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2018 1:39 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 13:39:46 -0400

That BDE CO allowed the person claiming Norse so maybe?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 28 at 2018 6:15 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 06:15:27 -0400

It's a possibility.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2021 3:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 15:34:11 -0400

Yes. I'm living proof.

https://taskandpurpose.com/news/army-religious-exemption-hair-beard/

Army approves Christian soldier's request to wear long hair for religious reasons

“I just felt utterly compelled that this is what I was being called to do.”

Response by CSM William Everroad made Jul 30 at 2021 4:18 PM

CSM William Everroad — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 16:18:59 -0400

Great question! It seems like it was posted some time ago and answered by SGT Private RallyPoint Member in regard to the Christian faith. As for the Jewish; This one is a tricky as adhering to Nazarite vows, as a Jew, is more in depth than not just cutting hair. They can't comb it either. Or drink wine or any grape products. Some even go far as to prohibit being near anyone consuming grape products. The more strict interpretations also include any substance that would impair devotion (such as drugs, other alcohol, tobacco, coffee, or caffeine products). It is a heck of a sacrifice for the truly devoted. So much so that most Rabbis will caution against taking the vow (its permanent (may the temple be rebuilt) without thoughtful reflection. I don't think I have met anyone that has even met a Jewish Nazarite, even those that went to yeshiva in Isreal. Due to its orthodox nature, I don't think it is very common in the faith outside of that sect.
It is the part where the Nazarite can not be near dead bodies that would present implications for certain MOS in the military. However, if a tenet of the vow is broken, the period of sacrifice simply starts over. That aside, it would be interesting to hear from any Soldiers of the Jewish faith who have taken, or are interest in taking, the vow while serving.