Should the US Navy / Military allow beards to accomodate Muslims in the ranks?

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 11:48:05 -0500

I saw this in the main stream media a while back. The US Navy is also toying with a pilot project of allowing women to keep certain hairstyles in bootcamp. They are thinking of expanding it over to men as well.

To be fair it also falls in line with Hindu requesting to wear turbans and beards too.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 11:59 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 11:59:48 -0500

Absolutely Not! CPO Private RallyPoint Member, it is a volunteer Military and a person must abide by everything to serve in that volunteer forum.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 12:10 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 12:10:25 -0500

I think we should go back to the days when everyone could wear beards. No religious reason, I just don't like shaving. But I do, because that's what the regs say.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Jan 23 at 2015 3:02 PM

LTC Trent Klug — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:02:28 -0500

Having been in a Marine Detachment back when beards in the Navy were allowed, I'd have to say no. No religious accommodations. I know the Army has allowed Sikhs to keep their beards and turbans, and Orthodox Rabbis can have their beards as well, but getting that gas mask on and seal aint gonna work with a beard.

If I have to tuck my St. Christopher medal or my cross into my t-shirt, then the other religions need to comply as well. No favoritism.

Response by CSM Victor Angry made Jan 23 at 2015 3:11 PM

CSM Victor Angry — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:11:29 -0500

No. Military customs and courtesies are important for the traditions of all branches of services. I believe that there has to be a foundational structure that when every leaf has been plucked off the tree, the one thing that gaurentees it's continual growth is its roots. This beard discussion kills the root of the foundation of military and service. You make the decision before you join. Do I want to loose my hair, my beard? Or do I want to serve something greater than self? That choice is yours.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 23 at 2015 3:29 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:29:18 -0500

CPO Private RallyPoint Member, I would say No, for all the reasons articulated by SSG Private RallyPoint Member, CSM Victor Angry and LTC Trent Klug.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 5:19 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 17:19:54 -0500

I believe that beards should be aloud. As long as you are not in a combat environment for you do need a seal on your gas mask. With all the terrorist plots to seek and kill military members in the US. Military members stick out like a sore thumb! You can still look professional and have your hair grown out and a beard.

Response by PO3 Michael Pierotti made Apr 23 at 2015 5:26 PM

PO3 Michael Pierotti — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 17:26:18 -0400

While it is important to accommodate a persons beliefs there are health and safety issues involved which need to be heavily weighed before a decision on this is made.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 8:49 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 May 2015 20:49:38 -0400

Response by SPC Abelardo Diazdeleon made May 10 at 2015 8:56 PM

SPC Abelardo Diazdeleon — Sun, 10 May 2015 20:56:45 -0400

I say why not, then when an ied with a chem round instead of HE blows up let's see if they still like having beards.

Response by SGT Anthony Bussing made May 10 at 2015 10:34 PM

SGT Anthony Bussing — Sun, 10 May 2015 22:34:46 -0400

no...dont want to shave your beard...dont freaking join...too easy...

when you serve the US Military...you bend to IT'S will...it doesnt bend to YOURS...get over it

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 10 at 2015 10:38 PM

PFC Tuan Trang — Sun, 10 May 2015 22:38:46 -0400

I know it might be not fair to some that they get to keep they beard, and they don't. But understand this, they doing the same thing we been doing in the decade. Protect freedom. So i don't thing the exception is bad, it just some individual make it look like it bad.

Response by PO1 Kevin Goldston made May 14 at 2015 8:30 PM

PO1 Kevin Goldston — Thu, 14 May 2015 20:30:04 -0400

I don't understand. They made it illegal for a sailor to wear a beard? Every new non-qual had the right no matter how smooth his face was to attempt a beard. A right of passage. Beards, moustache and bell bottoms and you knew a sailor was a sailor. I knew when they outlawed liberty cuffs it was the begining of the end. LOL

Should we change the rules to allow everyone to play? I just keep reading about one after the next duty station commander being relieved because we "thought" everyone could be equal. There is a reason we are different and I myself appreciate it. If you want to be special, become a politician. They all like to be different.

Its called a uniform for a reason, uniformity.

No beards....Pffft!

Response by CPO Ted Hetherington made May 17 at 2015 1:25 PM

CPO Ted Hetherington — Sun, 17 May 2015 13:25:30 -0400

The Navy/DOD Regulations should be applied to everyone. If the rule is no beards.....then no one wears a beard.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 17 at 2015 3:01 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Sun, 17 May 2015 15:01:49 -0400

It's all or nothing. If Muslims are allowed to wear beards, then so should everyone, if they can't then neither can anyone else.

Response by CPO Stephen Allen made May 22 at 2015 1:17 PM

CPO Stephen Allen — Fri, 22 May 2015 13:17:53 -0400

They belong to Uncle Sam now. And he says no!

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made May 22 at 2015 7:57 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Fri, 22 May 2015 19:57:08 -0400

ABSOLUTELY NOT, unless you allow everyone to wear a beard. If Private X is muslim, he eats the same food, works the same schedule shaves and cuts his hair like everyone else...OR everyone else gets the same special privileges. If the Sikh can have long hair wrapped up in the turban, then by what morality do you make his entire unit get a high and tight.
The US Army is being used as a playground for social experiment, and it makes me 1) Very Grateful that I am retired, and Sick To my Stomach that Army Leadership has not/can not tell the self serving politicians to go perform an un-natural act with themselves.
Part of being in the Army is conforming to the uniform standards, and if you can not, then go someplace else and ask if you want fries with that.

Response by MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM made May 22 at 2015 9:16 PM

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Fri, 22 May 2015 21:16:26 -0400

At first I was going to say sure. My final determination is that the answer should be no. There are professional Iraqis and Afghans all over those countries that shave. Either way, something has to give. Either we adapt to their religion or they adapt to our ways. If they want to be on our team then they should conform, not the other way around.

Response by CPO James Sirigos made May 23 at 2015 2:10 PM

CPO James Sirigos — Sat, 23 May 2015 14:10:40 -0400

Absolutely not! Military service is not mandatory, people volunteer to become a member of a team of professionals who live by higher standards. Conform and support the standards or get out of the service and live how you please. Military service requires dedication and sacrifice well beyond a level most people are willing or able to provide.

Response by SGT Anthony Bussing made May 23 at 2015 2:19 PM

SGT Anthony Bussing — Sat, 23 May 2015 14:19:55 -0400

if it is for stricly religious purposes...no...

before you join the US military, you have SOME idea of uniform regs....if you want to grow a beard...tough, dont join...your religion says you have to wear a beard or a turban...tough dont join...

when you join the US Military...you bend to ITS rules...it doesnt bend to YOU....

Response by CPO Wayne Mead made Jun 7 at 2015 10:58 PM

CPO Wayne Mead — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 22:58:06 -0400

Absolutely not.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 8 at 2015 1:34 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 13:34:36 -0400

No bibles but beards and turbans are ok? I don't understand.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jun 8 at 2015 1:43 PM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 13:43:08 -0400

I remember when Jewish Air Men wanted to wear yamakas. And they were shot down. So I'm wondering if this has anything to do with appeasing Muslims. And I read about the Hindu.

Response by TSgt Thomas Monaghan made Jun 8 at 2015 2:30 PM

TSgt Thomas Monaghan — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 14:30:11 -0400

Response by CPO Clayton Graham made Jun 22 at 2015 1:47 PM

CPO Clayton Graham — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 13:47:48 -0400

I don't think they should, but if they do. I don't believe they will keep their beards after they have gone through the gas chamber!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2015 1:17 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 13:17:52 -0400

The military should allow beards to accommodate men.

Response by PO1 Kevin Goldston made Sep 10 at 2015 8:26 PM

PO1 Kevin Goldston — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 20:26:34 -0400

I think they should allow beards, it always distinguished sailors, like the Dixie cups, the bell bottom dungarees, and the chambray shirts. There was never a doubt who the sailor was in the crowd. Now they all look like they are wearing Air Force Camo BDU's. Why do you need camo on a submarine? You need to hide shipboard?

Let those that need cammies get them but seriously how many in the navy need to hide except from the chief?

Wear the beard, not the turban, and if you don't seal, its your own fault!

Response by CPO Mark Brewer made Sep 18 at 2015 10:45 PM

CPO Mark Brewer — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 22:45:12 -0400

Not just No, HELL NO. It's the Navy and it's a volunteer force. Bring back beards for all and we'll talk.

Response by PO2 Chris Rodriguez made Sep 19 at 2015 11:22 PM

PO2 Chris Rodriguez — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 23:22:29 -0400

I was always told you can't have a beard because the gas mask wouldn't make a seal. What the fuck are they trying to appease a religion for.

Response by CPO Anthony Picciano made Oct 22 at 2015 12:10 AM

CPO Anthony Picciano — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 00:10:34 -0400

First one must understand why Beards were removed. I was in when one could grow a bread. Safety issue at the onset.

Response by CPO David Sharp made Oct 26 at 2015 7:35 AM

CPO David Sharp — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 07:35:00 -0400

I have no problem, they won't get a seal on their gas masks in a CBR environment. Problem solved after one incident.

Response by CPO George Bass made Nov 11 at 2015 6:38 PM

CPO George Bass — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 18:38:54 -0500

HELL NO

Response by CPO Odie Anderson made Nov 13 at 2015 10:54 PM

CPO Odie Anderson — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 22:54:53 -0500

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Dec 2 at 2015 4:24 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 16:24:30 -0500

It is called uniform for a reason...UNI meaning one. When we allow for differences to creep in then it separates the oneness we try so hard to get to. You can have your beliefs and practice them just not in the ranks. I am not against beards...the day I retired I started growing a goatee and got an earring (earring has gone away.) For 26 years I abided by the regulations because that is what we collectively had to do. If we give on this reg, then what is next...it can quickly turn into a slippery slope. If we change the regs, don't do it for religious reasons...do it because it is what is best for the service, because we will never get all of that back in pandoras box.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Dec 2 at 2015 5:24 PM

SSG Todd Halverson — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 17:24:14 -0500

Of course and the current regulations be damned. Why just let the Muslims have all the fun, let everyone grow a beard and wear a turban, if they want. The main problem will be all those companies that sell shaving products will have massive layoffs and more people will have to go on welfare. Does the Military really want to be responsible for all those people losing their jobs and companies going bankrupt.

Response by SGT John Hamby made May 13 at 2016 2:57 AM

SGT John Hamby — Fri, 13 May 2016 02:57:02 -0400

Chief, to answer your question, the straight-up, no Bullshit answer is NO, and as far as Moslems in the ranks, that is in blatant violation of Public Law 414