U.S. Army soldiers can now wear hijabs and turbans and grow beards under a policy change long sought by Sikhs.
Members of the Sikh religious faith cover their hair with turbans or hijabs and are prohibited from cutting their hair or beards. Army Secretary Eric Fanning announced the changes to the uniform and grooming policy in a memo this week.
"Based on the successful examples of soldiers currently serving with these accommodations, I have determined that brigade-level commanders may approve requests for these accommodations," Fanning wrote.
Previously, soldiers who sought to serve wearing turbans or long beards had to fight for an exemption from Army rules. Now, they can adhere to their religious practices if the Army determines the request is based on a "sincerely held religious belief." Those seeking the religious accommodation must still ask their brigade-level commanders.
Once granted, the permission to wear a head covering and keep long hair remains for a soldier's entire career unless specifically revoked by the Army secretary. Men must keep their beards trimmed to 2 inches or less.
Sikhism, which originated in the Punjab region of India, has about 25 million followers worldwide and is the world's ninth-largest religion.
The Sikh Coalition campaigned for eight years for a change in Army policy to allow observant soldiers to serve without violating their religious principles. The group called Fanning's announcement "a historic step forward for Sikhs and other religious minorities seeking to serve in our nation's military.
Previously, soldiers weren't allowed to wear head coverings or grow beards because they could interfere with equipment, like helmets or gas masks.
"All soldiers must wear the advanced combat helmet and other protective headgear in accordance with the applicable technical manuals," Fanning wrote in the memo. "As necessary, soldiers will modify the placement and style of their hair to achieve a proper fit. Removal of pads from helmets for fit or comfort is not permitted except as authorized by the applicable technical manual."
The Army said it would test existing equipment or find alternatives for protective masks, which are inhibited by long facial hair. Until an alternative is found and approved, those with the religious accommodation can't attend toxic-chemical agent training or be assigned to positions where wearing a face mask is necessary.
Women's hijabs must be "made of a subdued material" and not have any designs or markings, except combat soldiers who are permitted to wear camouflage hijabs to match their uniforms.
Last week, the New York Police Department allowed Sikh officers to wear turbans instead of traditional police caps, and grow beards up to a half-inch long. Officers must get approval and wear the NYPD insignia attached to turbans. Police Commissioner James O'Neill said there are about 160 Sikhs in the department.
