What kinds of religious jewelry, if any, are allowed to be worn at Basic Training?

Michael Gilbert — Fri, 08 May 2020 13:02:34 -0400

I am a practicing Wicca and I have a Lapis Lazuli necklace that I wear every day with a pentacle on it. My question is, if I will be allowed to wear that at basic training and AIT with my dogtags or if the Army will issue me one specifically.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2020 1:11 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2020 13:11:10 -0400

You are allowed 1 I believe.
(a) Soldiers may wear religious apparel, articles, or jewelry with the uniform, to
include the physical fitness uniform, if they are neat, conservative, and discreet.
“Neatconservative,anddiscreet”isdefinedasmeetingtheuniformcriteriaofthis
regulation. In other words, when religious jewelry is worn, the uniform must meet
the same standards of wear as if the religious jewelry were not worn. For
example, a religious item worn on a chain may not be visible when worn with the
utility, service, dress, or mess uniforms. When worn with the physical fitness
uniform, the item should be no more visible than identification (ID) tags would be
in the same uniform. The width of chains worn with religious items should be
approximately the same size as the width of the ID tag chain.
(b) Soldiers may not wear these items when doing so would interfere with the
performance of their duties or present a safety concern. Soldiers may not be
prohibited, however, from wearing religious apparel, articles, or jewelry meeting
the criteria of this regulation simply because they are religious in nature, if wear is
permitted of similar items of a nonreligious nature. A specific example would be
wearing a ring with a religious symbol. If the ring meets the uniform standards for
jewelry and is not worn in a work area where rings are prohibited because of
safety concerns, then wear is allowed and may not be prohibited simply because
the ring bears a religious symbol.
(c) During a worship service, rite, or ritual, soldiers may wear visible or apparent
religious articles, symbols, jewelry, and apparel that do not meet normal uniform
standards. Commanders, however, may place reasonable limits on the wear of
non-subdued items of religious apparel during worship services, rites, or rituals
conducted in the field for operational or safety reasons. When soldiers in uniform
wear visible religious articles on such occasions, they must ensure that these
articles are not permanently affixed or appended to any prescribed article of the
uniform.

Response by SrA John Monette made May 8 at 2020 1:39 PM

SrA John Monette — Fri, 08 May 2020 13:39:45 -0400

I can't see why they would issue you one. I doubt if they issue crosses to Christians, Stars of David to Jews, etc

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2020 1:49 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2020 13:49:27 -0400

I wore 2 gold chains throughout my time.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2020 3:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2020 15:33:39 -0400

The Army will not issue you any religious icons to wear. They will ask you if your religious affiliation for both your Dog Tags as well as your Soldier Record Brief.

You can wear your current necklace but it cannot be easily seen such as outside of your top but hidden with your dog tags under your under shirt. While we have a lot of Pagan, Muslim, Jewish and Christian personnel wearing necklaces please note that they must be conservative in appearance and not easily seen.

It's wonderful to know a fellow Wiccan American will be joining our talks!

Also if I'm incorrect in my information, let me know and I'll update it.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2021 5:46 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 17:46:29 -0400

You can wear what you want under your shirt while in uniform. 670-1 clearly defines this.unless this has changed.but I digress.

Response by LTC Ray Buenteo made Apr 5 at 2022 11:32 AM

LTC Ray Buenteo — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:32:10 -0400

They will print it in your dog tag

Response by Willy Grey made Jan 20 at 2023 8:58 AM

Willy Grey — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 08:58:15 -0500

I don't think the Army prohibits wearing religious jewelry. I have a gold chain with an icon pendant that I wear always and everywhere. No one has the right to make me remove my most valuable amulet, which protects me from all harm. I wear other jewelry as well, but I never take off this chain. Most of the time, I wear rings and bracelets. I like precious metal or vintage style jewelry. I recently ordered a ring for https://www.aurorapromise.com/pages/mood-ring-color-meanings. It was popular in the 70's. This ring changes its color depending on your mood.

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Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2023 9:33 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 09:33:12 -0400

Hey there! I love making my own jewelry too, and I know how confusing it can be to figure out what's allowed and what's not. As far as I know, small hand-made jewelry is usually allowed, but it really depends on where you're going and what their specific rules are. Regarding the stones you can use, it's probably best to check with the organization or place you'll be visiting. But, if you're looking for some inspiration or ideas, I've found some beautiful gemstone beads on https://www.nationalfacets.com/collections/gemstone-beads. They have a great selection and their stones are high-quality.

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Response by Alysson Smith made Aug 8 at 2023 4:34 AM

Alysson Smith — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 04:34:32 -0400

Even though this thread is from a few years back, your question about religious jewelry is always relevant. It's great that you're considering your practices while in basic training. As for the specifics, it's best to reach out to your unit or superiors for accurate information on what's allowed.

By the way, if you're ever curious about exploring jewelry that's more about personal expression, you might find mood rings interesting. They're not related to religion, but they change colors based on emotions. If you're intrigued, you can check them out at https://www.moodringcolors.com/. Wishing you the best in your journey, both in the military and in your personal beliefs!

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Response by Teddy Maddox made Sep 19 at 2023 8:44 AM

Teddy Maddox — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 08:44:06 -0400

It's great to hear that you were practicing Wicca and had a meaningful Lapis Lazuli necklace with a pentacle. In most cases, during Basic Training and AIT, the military has specific regulations about what jewelry and accessories are allowed for safety and uniformity reasons. Generally, religious accommodations are made, so you should inquire with your superiors or the relevant personnel to ensure you can wear your necklace. If there are any restrictions, you might consider the jewelry options at https://soufeel.com/collections/photo-bracelets for a special keepsake during your service. Good luck with your training!

Just a moment...

Response by Atticus Barrett made Jan 24 at 2024 10:48 PM

Atticus Barrett — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 22:48:33 -0500

Love the personal touch with the Lapis Lazuli and pentacle! Army gear might come with dog tags, but how about upgrading that drill aesthetic with a leather jewelry display ( https://pinkstorepackage.com/collection/jewelry-display ) for your Wiccan bling? A bit of magic flair never hurt anyone! Just make sure it doesn't disappear in the camouflage.

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Response by 1SG John Millan made Jan 29 at 2024 3:30 PM

1SG John Millan — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 15:30:16 -0500

Under the tee shirt, luke a Cross, Star of David, Crescent, etc.