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U.S. Army eases rules on beards, turbans for Muslim, Sikh troops

As long as it doesn't put their lives, or the lives of their fellows in danger (can't think of anything here except for the issue with beards and masks above), while being something that is important to their self-identity, who cares?

The point is that they are willing to risk their lives to serve and defend the nation. It's the same IMHO as Catholic's wearing a cross to battle. Absolutely no harm.

We could always design something based on the Indian and Saudi Arabian military uniforms and gear to help their integration as well.
 
MaggieD said:
Well, if they're in war zones, they may make themselves targets.
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Actually, the biggest targets are officers and NCO's, not grunts, some who might even be wearing turbans now. The enemy always looks for someone giving a hand signal to others, thus designating himself a leader. That's a priority target for them.
 
trouble13 said:
When i served beards were prohibited and ww were told it had to do with gas masks and other such gear fitting appropiately as well as not getting caught im moving mechanical parts. I do also believe there is merit in uniformity of appearence. Being in the military is not the enviroment to express ones individuality. I really dont think its something that can easily be appriciated unless you have served.

This seems like anothe bridge too far even if it is done with good intentions.

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But on the other hand there are lots of pictures of forces in the field with beards. Part of it I'm sure has to do with looking like the locals but if there was a real problem with it I'm sure the brass wouldn't be changing the rules.
 
jet57 said:
What if they need to use a fire rescue mask? The navy had to curtail facial hair for that reason.
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Canada's Minister of Defense, Harjit Sajan, invented a mask that worked with his beard when he was in the military. He patented it, maybe it's available in the US.

This is him presenting a kirpan to the American general he served under in Afghanistan...

r-HARJIT-SAJJAN-JAMES-TERRY-403xFBcredit.jpg
 
eohrnberger said:
I don't know if this is such a big deal or not, probably not. What's more important is how they perform their duties while in the military.
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Agreed. Not too long ago we had an uproar at some Canadian Legions over Sikhs wearing Turbans within the Legion. For those unaware, messes, no headdress permitted.
Yet some of these people denied entry fought on the battlefield, referring to WW2 wearing their religious headdress yet some Legions then denied entry.

Sikh veteran Jauhal, who battled Legion over turban rights, dies - The Globe and Mail
 
Renae said:
We wear UNIFORMS. Get it, UNIFORMITY. When you join the US Military, you leave individualism behind.
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They aren't drones.

And it's not like they won't be wearing the same uniform as the rest of them. As long as they are are able to perform their duties, I see no major problem with this revision.
 
countryboy said:
As long as non Muslims can have beards too, then I don't have a problem with it.
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Is it a religious requirement?? = Nope=Question answered.
Next up.
 
Renae said:
We wear UNIFORMS. Get it, UNIFORMITY. When you join the US Military, you leave individualism behind.
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You do not become Borg Like when serving.

Check US Military history and when they served and when it (Turban prohibited) changed.
Time to increase your knowledge of the topic.
 
Just a note: personally I don't care for the idea. The US military has a standard, and if you join up you have to live by that standard in my view. It's a slippery slope created by the PC world.
 
trouble13 said:
When i served beards were prohibited and ww were told it had to do with gas masks and other such gear fitting appropiately as well as not getting caught im moving mechanical parts. I do also believe there is merit in uniformity of appearence. Being in the military is not the enviroment to express ones individuality. I really dont think its something that can easily be appriciated unless you have served.

This seems like anothe bridge too far even if it is done with good intentions.
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I was told the same thing. Which makes me wonder... do we officially not care if these people die immediately in a chemical attack? Or, was the official reason bogus and we really could have had beards all along? :shrug:

I wouldn't be surprised if it was bogus justification, but it is logical, too, so probably not.

Anyway, like you, I also see value in uniformity in the military.
 
jet57 said:
Just a note: personally I don't care for the idea. The US military has a standard, and if you join up you have to live by that standard in my view. It's a slippery slope created by the PC world.
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Horse Pucky -
 
Renae said:
We wear UNIFORMS. Get it, UNIFORMITY. When you join the US Military, you leave individualism behind.
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So, you would argue that the rule allowing wear of a religious symbol (under the uniform) should be revoked?
 
JANFU said:
U.S. Army eases rules on beards, turbans for Muslim, Sikh troops | Reuters

About time.
Thoughts are?
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Don't particularly care but part of being the the military is being uniform, while uniformed. Can't tell you the number of times everyone had to take their jackets off in cold weather because a couple of people forgot them so we all had to take them off (and many similar such things). You join knowing you're making a lot of sacrifices.

So basically anyone should be able to wear a beard or w/e if others are allowed.
 
pinqy said:
So, you would argue that the rule allowing wear of a religious symbol (under the uniform) should be revoked?
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Just had to.
Atheists can Thank God that will never be enacted.
 
pinqy said:
So, you would argue that the rule allowing wear of a religious symbol (under the uniform) should be revoked?
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So you would make up strawmen to knock down trapping e with a nonsensical point (under uniform, unseen, not conflicting) so you can call me a hypocrite if I disagree
 
Yuchi were wearing turbans when White Eyes arrived. Euchee, Tennessee.
 
TheGoverness said:
They aren't drones.

And it's not like they won't be wearing the same uniform as the rest of them. As long as they are are able to perform their duties, I see no major problem with this revision.
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You haven't served. We all wear the same covers, the same uniforms... there is a reason for this.
 
Fishking said:
Don't particularly care but part of being the the military is being uniform, while uniformed. Can't tell you the number of times everyone had to take their jackets off in cold weather because a couple of people forgot them so we all had to take them off (and many similar such things). You join knowing you're making a lot of sacrifices.

So basically anyone should be able to wear a beard or w/e if others are allowed.
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I disagree. Religious accommodation that prior to this prevented Sikhs from serving their country. Basically, religious discrimination that has been amended, the original ban came out in the 80's
 
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