Religious Accommodations for military uniform

Interesting article. I know there are accomodations made for different religious beliefs, but I assume not accomodations on the uniform.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/10/2...wear-head-cover-with-uniform/?test=latestnews

How is this addressed at the SAs or in ROTC?

The academies and ROTC follow the same rules as the active military. Religious articles can't be worn while in military uniform if they can be seen. It's no different than a tattoo. You can have a tattoo, just not one that is seen while in uniform.

I personally don't see what the problem is. It's not like it's a constitutional right to be in the military, ROTC, JrROTC, academy, etc... In the military, would a woman wearing head scarfs simply not wear a gas mask because she's not allowed to remove her head scarf for religious reasons. Would a male in the military expect to try and wear a boubou under a flight suit? the thing i find interesting, is that muslims in the military all over the world have no problem removing such military clothing because of the requirements of military gear and uniforms. Even religious terrorists, who believe they are doing their killing in the name of god are willing to dress "Western" to infiltrate their targets. Military uniforms are not conducive to individual style changes. Hence the word "UNIFORM". It's functional clothing that has a purpose that must be uniform. If an individual doesn't like it..... too bad.
 
I believe the CAIR attorney is just using this to make a name for their self. This has no merit because of the reasons CC stated.

It made me think of the case in Florida yrs ago when a woman sued the state because she wanted to have a DL's picture taken in a burka. It was ruled against her.

The only problem I see is this
"It shouldn't have been a shock to them. She wears the headscarf every day. She has been wearing it ever since they approached her to join the program."

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/10/2...r-with-uniform/?test=latestnews#ixzz1bQT5YWsR

They should have discussed this on day one as a JROTC cadet. To allow it to be acceptable for weeks on end only hurt their defense.

JMPO, but these type of cases really bother me. Not from the issue presented, but from a parental perspective. This girl is 14, she is a freshman, and HS is not kind. To take this to a national exposure level only creates more pressures for the child.

She said her daughter has been "stressed" by the whole incident and now has no intention of returning to JROTC --even if she is allowed to wear the hijab.

Hence, this is not really about wanting to be in JROTC and her religious beliefs, it is about something else, mainly religion. The decision has been made that she will not be in JROTC either way, as a parent there is a time to pick up the sword, and times to let it stay on the ground. I would feel differently about the parents if they said she just wants to be in JROTC, and we are willing to transfer her to another HS. That is not the case. They closed the door completely and now IMPO only want to shame the military and the school.

If you read further down they state:
Demin's family and CAIR say they do not intend to sue unless they deem it necessary. CAIR sent a letter last week to the superintendent of Williamson County Schools asking that a formal apology be issued to Demin and that she be allowed to participate in the JROTC program wearing her hijab as part of her uniform.

Which is it... if they apologize and allow the hijab will she return or won't she? Mrs. Hussein said she wouldn't return even allowed, but the family and CAIR implies she will if she can. Again, is this really about the uniform or the ability to fight an argument based on religious reasons from a parental position.

This whole thing reminds me of the Atheist Dad from CA who sued over the Pledge of Allegiance and removing God from it....the DD was interviewed and said I don't have an issue with it, my Dad does, it is his issue and he is using me to fight it.
 
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The girl is being used as a pawn.

These so called "religious" issues aggravate me to no end.
 
I didn't read the original linked article, but I think this one probably has some relevance to the discussion:

First Sikh in years graduates Army Officer School

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3599407...s-graduates-army-officer-school/#.TqI7bBx5q1Y

Sure looks to me like people are allowed to wear religious attire while in uniform. And in fact I can guarantee they are as I have a medical school classmate who wore a yalmuka.

One of my classmates wears a yamuka, but only with the combination cover or the ball cap because it is visible with the garrison cover. We're allowed to wear religious articles as long as they aren't visible in the uniform. Honestly, it's not a right to be in the military.
 
I didn't read the original linked article, but I think this one probably has some relevance to the discussion:

First Sikh in years graduates Army Officer School

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3599407...s-graduates-army-officer-school/#.TqI7bBx5q1Y

Sure looks to me like people are allowed to wear religious attire while in uniform. And in fact I can guarantee they are as I have a medical school classmate who wore a yalmuka.

The sikh in question did apply for and receive a wiaver to wear his turban and had to certify that he could wear a gas mask with his beard (and turban I presume) as part of that process. And I believe the turban is only a convenient way of containing his unshorn hair. I imagine he could have applied to have his hair worn in a bun similar to a female soldier, but a turban may actually be a more practical way of managing his locks.

The yalmuka is worn under the uniform (cover) and a waiver is not necessary for anything worn under the uniform.

The young lady wearing a headscarf (covering hair and neck in the picture with the article) did not apply for (not sure if there is a procedure for JROTC) a waiver (article does not mention whether that requirement was disucssed).

I can imagine at some point in the future the military might develop a uniform standard for hair covering that would allow the maintenance and covering of long hair that would allow more potential recruits from different cultural backgrounds. They will probably develop a digi-cam version of it as well for the ACUs. :confused: I can't imagine however them going as far as developing headwear that covers more than hair (burqa?).

Anyone else here find it odd that her religious doctrine requires her to dress modestly around men and yet participate in activities with them? Haven't seen too many women in the armies of Iran, Saudi Arabia, or other conservative Muslim cultures.
 
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