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

Having been raised in the Navy (father was a submariner for 25 yrs), first enlisting in the marines and then joining the army this is more of a DOD problem then pure army. If they were to change the Reg's to allow people of certain religions special treatment it would contradict not only uniformity but also good order and discipline. I dont even agree with allowing the captain in the picture wear a beard and turban because of his religion. the only way that would work is if they were to fill an entire unit of personnel of the same religion to make it uniform across a formation like what happened in WWII with the samoan forces, they were allowed to were skirts but it was an entire formation. as of current outside the captain only SOF elements are allowed to disregard grooming standards and only when deployed to better assimilate to their environment and accomplish their mission. I for one would love to sport a beard, wear a ball cap in place of a patrol cap or beret and even in an extreme example grow my hair out a little (not shoulder length but definitely down over my ears). The point is i am only against changing the rules for some. Not to mention the military does not research what religion a person is (iv known someone who was a jedi!) so many soldiers would change their religion in their file to islam so they can grow a beard.

I better keep the comment to myself. All I can say is that the next item might be to wear your own flag on the uniform....

That would be a definite NO. I mean you got to have standards and you got to stick to them. The US Army has always been one to lead the way and not one to do the following. We can not let a few try to change the way for us to be the pillar of excellence. Too many times this country has made changes to things because of a handful of people. You want to be part of the group than you do the changing not the group change to you. If we did this than we open the door to all kinds of changes, where will it stop? I'm sorry but I joined this Army because it was something that showed we are the top of the heap. If we let this happen than we will just fall into the rest of those who blend in. We have to be the beacon of light and the hope the world needs.

Many years ago when we were still focused on NBC training, we were told that beards would interfere with the seal on the pro-mask. Not sure when that changed and I hope that we never have to find out.

Wow now this is a huge change. I wonder how this change will affect our Army in times of deployment? What will they wear?

no beards for reasons of gas mask unable to seal. PERIOD, if you cannot wear a mask, you are non-deployable and god knows we have enough of those every time a mission is called. This better not happen!

To hell with that. You now what you are getting into when you sign the contract and should not even begin to think of getting special treatment after sign on the dotted line. as a catholic, why is it that on fridays during lent I have a hard time finding a non-meat option such as fish at some commands? One time I asked about it and was told to deal with it. God forbid someone tell a muslim this cause they would probably be processed out within 24 hours.


If we are going to do this for one religion, then it needs to be done for all. I don't know how protective gear is in the other services, but onboard a submarine, I can make a perfect seal around an EAB (piece of temporary firefighting equipment) with a beard, so I think is an argument out the window how I see it. We all have had the special instances when we are authorized to grow a beard, therefore I think THAT reason is the only we should be authorized to wear them, other than medical reasons.

I think I have jumped around enough here, but this is something that I am sure not only pisses me off, but plenty of other people based on the responses I see here.

Just plain silly to seriously consider doing this. Go ahead and say yes Army....open up that can of worms if you want to.

This is the United States Army and our traditions. If you plan to be part of this profession then abide by its policies, traditions, and regulations. Plain and simple. It is the individuals' decision to join (not mandated) and should fully understand what is required. The army should not have to change policies because of the type of people joining. If you don't like it then get out or don't join!

First of all, the picture isn't Islamic...
But, did somebody forget that America wasn't founded on Islam? Going down that path would lead us into a non-uniformed force with a battery of dress codes due to the myriad of options under "religious attire". We'd be a goofy-looking gaggle.