Grooming Standards
Grooming Standards
Posted on Jun 11, 2018
Since Muslims can wear "religious beards" while in uniform, can someone who took the vow of the Nazarite also do the same?
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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?
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Grooming Standards
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Grooming Standards Religion
Posted 6 y ago
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This should not be a Muslim only exception to the ban on religious beards; in my humble opinion.
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LTC (Join to see)
IMHO the 14th amendment's Equal Protection Clause should guarantee that by allowing Muslims they'd also have to allow Nazarite beards. However, I can see pushback and questions requiring "proof" of a soldier's status as a Nazarite.
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Great question! It seems like it was posted some time ago and answered by SGT (Join to see) 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.
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.
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SGT (Join to see)
CSM, I adhere to the tenets specifically mentioned in the book of Numbers within the Bible. The brief and basic overview, nothing containing grapes, no alcohol, no being with the dead, and of course no cutting the hair of my head. That's a pretty basic rundown of my adherence.
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CSM William Everroad
SGT (Join to see) how long has your devotion been going? Do you socialize with any other Nazarite faithful?
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SGT (Join to see)
CSM William Everroad since November of 2019. The Army has only recognized it fully and officially since the 19th of July 2021. And no, unfortunately, I know it's pretty uncommon. But it's a special thing between God and I, so I'm OK with that, you know?
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