Should we allow Individuality in Uniform, in the name of Religion?

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 10:17:52 -0400

First of all, I know this is not a first or a new topic. But, I am interested in seeing if I am out of touch, or not...

- Yes, I know we make provisions for religious items (AR 600-20 Para 5-6), garments, as well as other areas too. Heck, over 25 years ago, I saw an SF Sergeant First Class, in uniform, with a Green Turban, flash, and crest. So, again, I know this is not a new topic. This is what the AR (currently says - excerpt):

(g) Religious headgear may be worn while in uniform if the headgear meets the following criteria:
1. The religious headgear is subdued in color (generally black, brown, green, dark or Navy blue, or a combination of these colors).
2. The religious headgear is of a style and size that can be completely covered by standard military headgear.
3. The religious headgear bears no writing, symbols, or pictures.
4. Wear of the religious headgear does not interfere with the wear or proper functioning of protective clothing or equipment.
5. Religious headgear that meets these criteria is authorized irrespective of the faith group from which it originates.
6. Religious headgear will not be worn in place of military headgear under circumstances when the wear of military headgear is required (for example, when the Soldier is outside or required to wear headgear indoors for a special
purpose).

(5) Grooming practices. The Army’s grooming standards are contained in AR 670–1. Religious-based exceptions to policy previously given Soldiers under the provisions of this regulation prior to 1 January 1986 continue in effect as long as the affected Soldiers remain otherwise qualified for retention. However, Soldiers previously granted authority to wear unshorn hair, unshorn beard, or permanent religious jewelry prior to 1 January 1986 will not be assigned PCS or TDY out of CONUS due to health and safety considerations.

- That said, I also believe being a Soldier (Sailor, Airmen, Marine) is about assimilating, surrendering some of your individuality and individual freedoms, and becoming part of the team. As a leader, our number one job is to model the standard, and what right looks like. I am not sure how you can lead, if you expect to have a different standard for you... Again, that is from my lens.

- While I value individual freedom, liberty, and choice, I also believe the standards of the organization come before your personal preferences. I also believe in the volunteer military, and that if you don't like the rules and regulations, you can find another place to make your mark.

- So, what do you think?

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2015/06/16/sikh-student-wins-rotc-ruling-can-keep-beard-turban/28800587/

AR 600-20 - Paragraph 5–6. Accommodating religious practices

http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r600_20.pdf

Sikh student wins ROTC ruling, can keep beard, turban

Iknoor Singh initially attempted to join Hofstra's ROTC program in 2013.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 10:19 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 10:19:39 -0400

If they don't want to wear the uniform like everyone else, they shouldn't join. The uniform is a requirement of the job.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jun 17 at 2015 10:22 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 10:22:35 -0400

The reason for the uniforms is for good order and discipline. To allow individuals to wear what they want in uniform everywhere they go is asking for trouble. I have no problem if they are participating in their religious ceremony but that's it, when finished it comes off and back into their appropriate uniform. My thoughts.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 10:27 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 10:27:14 -0400

In my simpleton mind, it boils down to this:
Either you forgo your religion to join the military or you uphold your religious morals and DON'T JOIN the military. You can't have it both ways!

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 17 at 2015 10:27 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 10:27:30 -0400

COL Charles Williams I have to agree with your assessment. If individuals with religious preferences and practices want to be a part of our uniformed services, then they should conform to the regulations set in place. The problem with today's society we are trying so hard to please every religious group and compromise on every issue that comes up in the public. I think a lot of this is a distractor from what the real purpose of our armed forces represent. This is just my opinion and I'm sure there are others that are for and against!

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 2:10 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 14:10:51 -0400

"Looking the same" hasn't deterred or won a single war or killed a single bad guy (well, maybe a tiny role in deterrence). Discipline has. And discipline can be developed in lots of ways. The only limit is our ability to think creatively. Discipline and uniforms are only linked because we say they are.

Do you know who made up AR 670-1? We did! We can change it however we like. It serves our purposes, not the other way around. As an institution, I hope we focus on deterring and winning war--considering how smart and adaptable our foes are, we might even be better served by a little less uniformity.