Muslim airman granted Air Force’s first beard waiver

Bad decision. Jewish yamakas are not allowed. Strict observance of the Sabbath on both Sat or Sun allowed. Uncut hair for Sikhs is not allowed. Military is effective because it treats all as equal. Allowing some to be different undermines basic principles.

Thank you my friend SSG(P) (Join to see) for making us aware that Air Force Staff Sgt. Abdul Rahman Gaitain, who is an airman with the 821st Contingency Response Squadron, received the service's first religious accommodation, based on his Muslim faith, allowing him to grow a beard.

"The Air Force has granted its first ever religious accommodation beard waiver designed to allow an airman to observe his Muslim faith.
Staff Sgt. Abdul Rahman Gaitan, an airman with the 821st Contingency Response Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, California, was granted the exemption after waiting years for approval, an Air Force release said.
Gaitan, who was raised as a Catholic, first developed an interest in the Muslim faith while stationed at an air station in Izmir, Turkey, a curiosity that remained strong when he left for his new duty station in Hawaii.
“When I left Turkey, I felt as if a little bit of myself was left behind,” he said. “I began to read the Quran and the more I learned, the more I was drawn to its teachings."
FYI LTC Jeff ShearerSGT Philip Roncari Lt Col Jim CoeCWO3 Dennis M.SGT (Join to see)PO3 Bob McCordSGT Jim Arnold Sgt Albert Castro PO3 Phyllis Maynard Maj Robert Thornton SPC Douglas Bolton Cynthia Croft PO1 H Gene Lawrence PVT Karl Goode CW5 John M. CMSgt (Join to see) PO2 Kevin Parker SGT James Murphy SrA John Monette

Not true, all female airmen are automatically granted a shaving waiver.