"Muslims Demand Army Change Its Dress Code To Include Turbans And Beards"

I have a reasonable suspicion that Muslim's are no more entitled to religious garb than
a catholic, protestant, Jew, or Buddhist would be. Perhaps some one more learned than I can explain how a Sikh could get a helmet on over his turban, or a Muslim could seal a field protective mask with a beard. I have always believed that once you sign your name on and enlistment contract, or accept a commission that you are required to follow the orders of those placed in authority over you. Should the army give into these demands, surely more will follow until good order and discipline are things of the past.

(Oh my, this is going to be long winded)

I cannot say I agree with what the article, standards are there for a professional and tactical reason that encourage uniformity and help to not show favoritism towards any one entity. I feel that when you recite your oath of Enlistment/Commission, you are openly acknowledging that you WILL abide by the standards of Military regulations and standards and that yes, you are fighting for the rights of the American people, and supporting the values and ideals of the Constitution which encourage personal freedoms in all aspects. But you voluntarily joined knowing that there are standards and in reference to this....a Price. Honestly, if something like not being able to wear a turban (aside from religious gatherings) or grow a full beard without a MEDICAL shaving profile stops you from joining the ranks of those before you, then it is quite clear that Military service is not for you and that you are not willing to make the sacrifices that EVERY man & woman that puts on/ has put on that uniform is making or has made. So to be as brutally honest as possible, "Either nut up or Shut up"

So is a Soldier allowed to wear a beard due to his religion then exempt from CBRN training? Or is he suddenly non-deployable because he cannot wear a protective mask?

I ask from a common sense, combat necessity angle here. I care not to which God(s) a Soldier prays to, that's their right as an American. However, when uniform policies are pandering to specific religions it raises concerns. Are they no longer counted on as a combat strength? Isn't EVERY Soldier in the Army required to be able to survive on the battlefield?

Does anyone know the answer? Is a Soldier with a beard, authorized due to religion and not a shaving profile, deployable?

Sikh's are not Muslim's.

i feel that if you want to join the armed forces then you must dress the part just like everybody else.

Sir, I am guessing whoever wrote this article is mistaken the Sikhs for Muslims. However, I believe that we all must abide by AR 670-1. The Department of Defense shouldn't change their regulations to accommodate demands by different religions--soldiers can practice their religions but they must abide by the regulations or they can request to ETS, I am sure they will let them go.

It's an all volunteer force, right? Nobody is saying that anyone has to serve. With that said, if serving in the military would violate your religious or moral creed you don't serve. Nobody will look down on you. Now if we were drafting people, then you have a valid argument.

Well let's understand this .. You can't have prayer in school due to the misunderstanding of "separation of church and state".. but the military is considering this. These garments are all,, RELIGIOUS in nature... NOT traditional wear. At the VA employees can not wear a cross outside of their scrubs.. but I see hijabs and burqas all the time.. again.. this is a RELIGIOUS garment. I am supposed to be tolerant of your religion but you condemn mine and put me down for my belief in my God. A few years back these same organizations tried to have the Chaplains remove the cross from their uniforms and not to be able to mention God or Jesus in their sermons or at military funerals. There is a reason you don't see the cross on the chapels anymore or nativity scene at Christmas.. someone was offended at my belief but I am supposed to roll over and accept theirs.. There is a regulation for a reason.. it sets the standard.. FOLLOW IT.. Next we will be hearing the call to prayer form the same speakers that sound retreat..

things sure have changed in the 10 years since I retired. All I know is the regulation should be very clear on this. The military is about discipline and following orders. If you can't conform then don't enlist or if you are in get out and then you can do what you want.

Turbans and beards are NOT a requirement of observant Muslims. Enough is enough! You choose to join the Military, it doesn't join YOU. Conform to the grooming and appearance guidelines or move along!