WASHINGTON: The US military eased restrictions on religious tattoos, hairstyles or apparel that troops can display while in uniform, as long as it does not jeopardise “unit cohesion”.
The Pentagon said the rules it unveiled marked the first time the agency has laid out a general policy on the issue. “The new policy states that military departments will accommodate religious requests of service members unless they have an adverse effect on military readiness, mission accomplishment, unit cohesion, and good order and discipline,” spokesman Lieutenant Commander Nate Christensen said.
However, certain apparel or other expressions of religious faith would not be permitted if it “interferes with the wear or proper function of special or protective clothing or equipment,” such as helmets, flak jackets or flight suits, Christensen said.
The new rules will help commanders maintain order and discipline and are designed to “reduce both the instances and perception of discrimination among those whose religious expressions are less familiar to the command,” he said. Requests to waive rules on grooming and appearance will be handled on a “case-by-case” basis, he added.
AFP
