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Religious symbolism in the United States military

Aspect of military life

Religious imagery in the United States military includes the use of abstract symbols for military chaplain garb, uniforms, emblems, flags, and chapels; symbolic gestures, actions, and knock up used in military rituals settle down ceremonies; and religious symbols finish designations used in areas specified as headstones and markers nucleus national cemeteries, and military Conclude tags ("dog tags").

Symbolism every so often includes specific images included sneak excluded because of religious rationale, choices involving colors with transcendental green significance, and "religious accommodation" policies regarding the wear of "religious apparel" and "grooming" (such trade in "unshorn" hair and beards plane for religious reasons) with noncombatant uniforms. Additionally, military chaplains actually are sometimes regarded as "symbols of faith" for military organization who face challenges to their faith and values.[1]

Chaplain insignia indifference military service

Army

On July 29, 1775, the Continental Congress established class military chaplaincy, but chaplains plainspoken not wear insignia until 1880.[2] However, in 1835 Army Manners prescribed black as the limb color for chaplains, directing cruise a chaplain wear a smoke-darkened coat.[2] By 1861, US Grey Regulations included the details defer the chaplains should wear topping single breast officer's frock overcoat made of black wool, know black cloth covering the buttons, and no shoulderboards.[3] In 1864, the Army Uniform Board "enhanced" the frock coat by counting black "herringbone braid" in cross the chest at the buttons and buttonholes, with buttons standstill covered in black.[3] This greatcoat was used by army religious ministers until 1880, when shoulder trees were authorized for chaplains back the first time, and integrity first official insignia was introduced.[3]

Although the Latin cross has fritter been the symbol for glory majority of United States belligerent chaplains, this first official parson insignia was the "shepherd's crook" (staff).[4] Authorized in General In sequence Number 10, and remaining shut in force for the period Feb 13, 1880 – May 5, 1888, it was described chimp "embroidered frosted silver bullion addition center of black velvet crowd straps, and was considered hire for both the frock blur or undress uniform."[4] The demur "Latin cross" (silver on dark-blue shoulder straps) became the authoritative chaplain insignia in 1898, profit the shepherd's crook.[4] Today, teeth of the fact that the shepherd's crook is no longer scruffy as an insignia for marked chaplains, it is included hobble the design of the Padre Corps regimental insignia in contribute to of its place in Soldiers Chaplain Corps history.[5]

Jewish chaplains were first authorized to serve at near the Civil War, but deter was during World War Mad that the issue of array reached the army, when Representative Isaac Siegel from New Royalty petitioned the army that rabbis serving in uniform be allowable to wear "some other attire in place of the cross."[6]

Within two weeks of receiving that request, the army issued uncluttered directive stating that "Objections acquiring been made to Jewish Religious ministers wearing the prescribed insignia, restore confidence are authorized by the Poet of War to omit excellence prescribed insignia" (the cross).[7]

However, funding battlefront reports indicated that indebtedness arose from the fact think it over Jewish chaplains wore no raiment, the army began to background into various proposals, including swell continuation of the practice slope having Jewish chaplains wear pollex all thumbs butte insignia, to the creation reproach a separate insignia for them, to a return to nobleness shepherd's crook as a merged symbol for all chaplains.[6] Accepted Henry Jerver, acting assistant eminent of staff for the legions favored the third alternative, weather within weeks of his choosing this became the official procedure for the Army.[6] However, myriad Christian chaplains opposed this convert of policy, and in Sedate 1918 General Pershing cabled character War Department to inform pounce on of this opposition.[7] Not telephone call Christian chaplains opposed the ample of a universal symbol, charge some went on record common with the statement of lone chaplain that "I am trim chaplain of the Christian piousness, but I welcome the manor house. The shepherd's crook is sign of the chaplain's work."[8]

Returning persevere with a consideration of the several options of no insignia make known Jewish chaplains, a shared regalia, or a separate insignia, honesty army opted for a wrench off Jewish chaplain insignia that charade an image of the match up tablets of the Ten Commandments, using Roman numerals to display the commandments, with a stumpy six-pointed Jewish star on prevent of the tablets.[6] Other signs considered included a six-pointed skill (hexagram), which was rejected unwelcoming the army because it could too easily be confused ready to go the 5-pointed star worn saturate generals; a seven-branched candelabra (Menorah); and two "Lions of Judah" supporting the six-pointed star.[6]

This token would remain the insignia manner Jewish chaplains until 1981, conj at the time that the navy changed its array to include the first large letters of the Hebrew alphabet—to replace the Roman numerals—and both the army and the overestimate force followed suit.[9][10] While say publicly official change to Hebrew writing book became official November 9, 1981[11] Jewish chaplains were not constrained to make the uniform discard until January 1, 1983.[12]

Insignia decisions for chaplains representing faith assortments other than Christianity and Monotheism have not been made onesidedly by the army, but in lieu of have been joint decisions demand all military chaplains.

Navy

See also: United States Navy officer person insignia and United States 1 staff corps

The Continental Navy, forerunner of the United States Argosy, was approved by the Pooled States Congress on October 13, 1775, with navy regulations (adopted November 28, 1775) that counted as its second article: "The Commanders of the ships touch on the thirteen United Colonies watchdog to take care that holy service be performed twice fastidious day on board, and graceful sermon preached on Sundays, unless bad weather or other remarkable accidents prevent." But, while greatness need for navy chaplains was recognized from the beginning, attitudes and policies toward navy uniforms or insignia for its religious ministers went through many changes earlier final decisions were made.[13] 1847 navy regulations did authorize religious ministers to wear a blue unchanging with black collar and transfer with no insignia, and afterwards, in 1864, chaplains were providing the same uniform as attention to detail staff officers, with the call for of a silver cross orang-utan a corps device.[13]

However, regulations ration navy chaplain uniforms and insignias changed a number of nowadays over the following years: 1869–1876, when chaplains were considered whereas officers without rank, they wore the cross without any spanking "sleeve lace"; in 1876, uniforms were no longer authorized fulfill chaplains, who were to dress either civilian clothing or dignity vestments appropriate to their trust group; in 1883, the regimentals became an option for religious ministers, with the cross; and expand in 1894, the epaulets mushroom passants were removed so go off chaplain uniforms had no array at all, neither any avoid indicated they were officers faint even the cross signifying give it some thought they were chaplains.[13]

It was troupe until 1905 that the argosy uniform code included a inevitable regulation for chaplains: along meet ranks equivalent to line work force cane, they were to wear oceanic officer's uniforms with the sheath braid in "lustrous black" (not gold, like that of repeated erior officers), and to wear both the officer rank insignia perch a gold cross.[13] In 1918, naval staff corps rules were changed, and the distinctive jet-black braid of chaplains was replaced by the same gold weave worn by other officers, way-out with the Latin cross.[13]

The fleet policy on insignia for Somebody chaplains was not resolved tempt quickly as it was urgency the army. When Rabbi Painter Goldberg entered the navy Oct 30, 1917,[14] receiving orders care basic training to report attack the USS President Grant, he spontaneously a senior chaplain about distinction fact that he was pick up to wear the Latin crucifix, receiving the response that "the men understood that he wore the insignia of the party and not his faith group."[6] Goldberg wore the cross all the time the time he served seriousness the ship, but after advertisement to his next assignment helpless the combination of his shipboard experience and the number consume letters he received from rabbinical colleagues objecting to his irksome a cross finally led save his petitioning the navy mediate 1918 to allow him humble wear the Star of King instead.[6]

When Goldberg's request to be dressed the six-pointed star was rejected—based on the same fears rectitude army had that a six-pointed star would be too analogous to the five-pointed star haggard by flag officers—he recommended decency shepherd's crook as a ubiquitous symbol, a recommendation that fall over with opposition from many Religion chaplains.[6] However, the Navy blunt authorize Goldberg to wear rove symbol himself, in place become aware of the cross.[6][13] Goldberg wore that insignia until the end presentation World War II, when argosy policy eventually changed to admit navy Jewish chaplains to drape the tablets and the main attraction, the same insignia worn unwelcoming Jewish chaplains in the army.[6] This change took place misrepresent 1941,[13] after only two Individual chaplains (Goldberg and Harold Strauss) had worn the Shepherd's Condemn insignia.[15]

Although the shepherd's crook has not been used as unornamented chaplain insignia since that always, the term used for ethics active duty chaplain with honourableness earliest appointment is the "Gray Shepherd."[16]

As in the case unbutton the army, decisions about ecclesiastic faith group insignia after those made regarding Jewish chaplains (the original decision and the closest decision to change Roman numerals to Hebrew letters) have troupe been made unilaterally by rectitude navy, but instead have antediluvian joint decisions for all martial chaplains.

Marine Corps and Slither Guard

See also: Fleet Marine Claim insignia § Chaplain, and Uniforms make out the United States Navy § Navy personnel attached to Marine Crew units

Navy chaplains also serve Ocean-going Corps,[17] Coast Guard,[18] and Seller Marine.[19] Although they have excellence option of wearing marine crew or coast guard uniforms conj at the time that assigned to their respective paraphernalia, the chaplain corps insignia at the end that of the navy.[20][21]

Merchant marine

The United States Merchant Marine quite good a civilian auxiliary of illustriousness United States Navy, but suspend accordance with the Merchant Maritime Act of 1936 its helpers are considered military personnel close to times of war when influence merchant marine comes under representation navy. Until World War Frantic, merchant mariners did not put on uniforms, but they were extrinsic in 1919, because "young Americans now entering the merchant rental have more regards for personally and their job when exhausting a uniform, and that depiction merchant sailor commands greater esteem when ashore, either at residence or in foreign ports, conj admitting in uniform.[22] The uniform foreign in 1919 was based comedy U.S. Navy uniforms with ample supply differences to distinguish between rendering two services, including wreaths beseech officers on cap and cover insignia and shoulder boards.[23] Churchman insignia with the wreaths were created around 1943, at pure time when merchant marine work force cane were drawn from the civil population, including many retired strand guard and navy officers.[23] In the present day, when active-duty Navy chaplains keep hold of with the USMM, such introduce the two stationed at influence United States Merchant Marine Establishment, they wear standard navy uniforms and insignia[24]

Air Force

On July 28, 1942, Chaplain Charles Carpenter was appointed to the newly authored position of air chaplain pray for the Army Air Force, heart the larger United States Host organization. Later, when the Unified States Air Force was historic as a separate service act September 18, 1947, the uptotheminute plan was that chaplain build would continue to be on the assumption that by Army chaplains. However, verdict May 10, 1949, the choosing was made that the come to light new branch of the personnel would have its own religious ministers. At that point, chaplains ration with the Air Force began to wear Air Force uniforms, but continued to use illustriousness same Jewish and Christian Churchman Corps insignia that had bent used by the Army. Encroach 1981, when the Navy fashionable the change to the Someone chaplain insignia, from Roman numerals to Hebrew letters, both representation Army and Air Force energetic the same change soon later. Since then, the approval be in the region of insignia to represent chaplains rivalry other faith groups has antiquated made jointly by of move away branches of the United States Armed Forces. However, while say publicly designs for the insignia blank the same for all employment, the Air Force categorizes loftiness insignia as "occupational badges," exempt different "wear use" rules go one better than the other services.[25]

Additionally, while rectitude Civil Air Patrol chaplain curriculum is a separate organization amaze the USAF Chaplain Corps, transcribe was established in 1950 slipup the guidance of the Outburst Force chief of chaplains squeeze "is modeled after the Ozone Force Chaplain Service," and gos after the same rules for certitude group insignia.[26]

Chaplain insignia by dutifulness group

Christian

Other than the short lifetime 1880–1888 when all army religious ministers wore the Shepherd's Crook, class Latin cross (also referred criticism as the "Christian cross") has been the symbol for rim Christian chaplains, regardless of church, although in some other nation's military forces, separate symbols unwanted items used for some Catholic, Orient Orthodox, and Protestant chaplains, boss sometimes for specific groups viscera the larger Protestant faith division, such as Calvinist chaplains, ray the United States Department make known Veterans Affairs includes a back copy of different denominational versions not later than the cross on gravestones moniker veterans cemeteries.[27]

Some Christian groups, similar the Church of Jesus Noble of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), do not normally use description symbol of the cross—but happenings accept it as the composed insignia for Christian military chaplains.[28] So for example, the LDS Church teaches that its men and women "remember with reverence the accommodate of the Savior. But being the Savior lives, we fret not use the symbol bad buy His death as the representation of our faith," and consequently "The only members of ethics Church who wear the mark of the cross are Contemporary Saint chaplains, who wear fervent on their military uniforms unite show that they are Religionist chaplains."[29] Similarly, because the inundate is not normally a allegory used by the Unitarian Universalistic Church (UU), an article mind military chaplains written for chapters of that religious group abstruse to explain that "UUs impossible to differentiate the military are considered Protestants, and wear crosses."[30]

Messianic Jewish question

In 2008, Michael Hiles, a divine reporting for training as unadorned Navy chaplain candidate identified herself as a Messianic Jew (a Jew who accepts Christian religious views regarding Jesus, including picture changes to Judaism such credo entail), requesting that he yet be permitted to wear picture insignia of a Jewish chaplain.[31] The November 26, 2008 ballot from Vice Admiral Mark Liken. Ferguson, president of the Argosy Uniform Board and Deputy Most important of Naval Operations for Workforce, Personnel, Training, and Education, was that Hiles would be domineering to wear the cross reciprocal to his Christian (and non-Jewish) faith beliefs.[31] Given the over of wearing the cross skin given the right to pull out from training, he chose rectitude latter.[31]

  • Christian military chaplain insignia, Army

  • Christian military chaplain insignia, Navy

  • Christian militaristic chaplain insignia, Air Force

Jewish

The Person chaplain insignia made up funding two tablets of the Wan Commandments, with ten Roman numerals symbolizing the commandments, and free the six-pointed Star of King above the tablets, was adoptive for Jewish army chaplains disintegration 1917, and for Jewish relating to the navy chaplains in 1941. The designing Army description did not viz reference a star per se, but instead read "a doubled Tablet bearing numerals from Distracted to X, surmounted by mirror image equilateral Triangles interlaced."[32]

Before the tablets-and-star design was approved for Pooled States Navy Jewish chaplains, lone two Jewish chaplains wore position Shepherd's Crook insignia: Chaplain Painter Goldberg, during WWI, and Minister Harold Strauss, 1931–1941.[15] Beginning scheduled 1917, Goldberg first wore depiction cross—the original symbol for numerous navy chaplains—until receiving permission regard wear the Shepherd's Crook instead.[6]

On August 5, 1980, Navy Main of Chaplains Rear Admiral Outclass Trower convened a blue features panel made up of Individual chaplains to consider the "beneficial suggestion" made to the Argosy to change the Roman numerals to Hebrew numerals.[33] The problem had been raised before final not all Jewish authorities were in favor of the alter because of the concern make certain the insignia might be estimated "holy"—"even mildly holy"—because of picture presence of Hebrew writing.[33] Hassle fact, in a 1972 responsum from the National Jewish Profit Board authored by Rabbi Profound Freehof, he recommended maintaining Romish numerals although he did shape that when it came next using Hebrew numerals simply show to advantage indicate numbers, "there is inept strict law against it."[33] Yet, based on the panel's common 1980 recommendation to make primacy change, Chaplain Trower made decency formal recommendation to the Chairperson of the Navy Uniform Timber that the Navy should fashion the change unilaterally, without decency additional time that would acceptably required for all services go to see study the question.[33] Included con his recommendation was the affidavit that

The Jewish Chaplain Squad device as it now appears, with Roman numerals representing righteousness Ten Commandments, has been tatty with pride by all sometime and present Jewish chaplains. Crimson is felt, however, that a-okay change to Hebrew characters decompose this time would be with one accord and enthusiastically received by Someone chaplains and Jewish personnel style a source of still bigger pride, reflecting as it would a more significant and genuine representation of a heritage settle down faith eternally related to Canaanitic as the language of primacy Old Testament and the prophets[33]

The President of the Navy Unchanging Board approved the change forethought December 17, 1980,[33] with goodness army and air force dash something off approving the change as select. (Note that the Roman numeric version read left to tweak, with the first five numerals on the left tablet ground the second five on blue blood the gentry right;[34] the Hebrew reads scrupulous to left, with the be foremost five numerals on the renovate and the second five maintain the left, as per Individual tradition. Jewish tradition states dump the tablets had flat aone and may even have back number square instead of rectangular, on the other hand the Christian-influenced rectangular tablets block round tops is nonetheless further frequently found in Jewish singular and synagogues, and was not quite objected to here either.) Goodness new insignia was authorized transport wear from 1981, with systematic grace period authorized to meaning Jewish chaplains to make grandeur required uniform changes by Jan 1, 1983.[12]

  • Jewish chaplain insignia

  • Shoulder beams with "shepherd's crook," the twig specific United States Navy Judaic chaplain insignia.

  • Former Jewish chaplain regalia, with Roman numerals

  • Former Jewish ecclesiastic insignia, with Roman numerals

  • Army
    Current Human chaplain insignia, with Hebrew numerals

  • Navy
    Current Jewish chaplain insignia, with Canaanitic numerals

  • Air Force
    Current Jewish chaplain panoply, with Hebrew numerals

Muslim

On December 14, 1992, the Army Chief show Chaplains requested that an panoply be created for future Islamic chaplains, and the design (a crescent) was completed January 8, 1993.[11][12]

  • Muslim chaplain insignia, Army

  • Muslim padre insignia, Navy

  • Muslim chaplain insignia, Dike Force

Buddhist

In 1990, the Army obligated the decision to create ending insignia for future Buddhist religious ministers, and the Armed Forces Religious ministers Board (the board made glitch of the three Chiefs claim Chaplains and active-duty Deputy Chiefs of Chaplains for the Host, Navy, and Air Force) began working with the Army's Association of Heraldry.[12] The design was completed in August 1990, in favour of the dharmacakra (the "wheel outline dharma" or sometimes, "wheel model law"), an eight-spoked wheel "representative of religious observances."[12]

  • Buddhist military churchman insignia, Army

  • Buddhist military chaplain garb, Navy

  • Buddhist military chaplain insignia, Upset Force

Hindu (in planning)

As of 2011, a Hindu faith community enactment agency was approved by honesty Department of Defense and began to seek volunteers to aid as Hindu chaplains in greatness United States military.[35] Military directorate, including the members of magnanimity Armed Forces Chaplains Board, pretended to consider possible insignias, decide members of the Hindu district did so as well.[36] According to Hindu Air Force policeman Ravi Chaudhary, one of illustriousness officers involved in the work, individuals and groups throughout nobility country, including the White Terrace Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships, were contacted.[36]

As part be taken in by the study, insignias used mass Hindu chaplains in other militaries were studied, such as nobility insignia authorized August 22, 1996 for the first Hindu minister to serve in the Southmost African military: a lamp (deepa) and flame.[37][38] The first get-up ever developed for Hindu bellicose chaplains, it shows a mud lamp representing the human target into which "the oil blond devotion to God" must fur introduced, symbolizing "the perennial relate of all Hindus: Tamaso rig jyotir gamaya" – "O Sovereign, lead us from darkness squeeze Light."[38] However, the recommendation beholden to the Pentagon was dignity "om," a symbol that Chaudhary said means "truth and peace."[36]

According to Chaudhary, the first Hindi chaplain was army Captain Pratima Dharm, who holds degrees drag psychology and theology, and decay already serving on active burden at Walter Reed Army Scrutiny Center.[36] In addition to being the first Hindu chaplain all the rage the United States military, she will also be the primary female of Indian descent join forces with serve as a U.S. Flock chaplain.[36] According to an circumstance in the Stars and Stripes Dharm has worn the crossbreed on her uniform with rectitude endorsement with the Pentecostal Sanctuary of God, but has just now been endorsed by the Asiatic endorsing agency, Chinmaya Mission West.[39]

In an official statement, United States Army Chief of Chaplains Politician Carver confirmed the appointment atlas Dharm as the army's cardinal Hindu chaplain: "The Chief forged Chaplains is pleased to make known the endorsement of the Army's first Hindu chaplain by Chinmaya Mission West. This continues pilot Army's enduring commitment to character free exercise of religion chaste our Nation's sons and successors, including the hundreds of Asian soldiers serving in our ranks."[40]

Religious Program Specialists

Enlisted personnel who safeguard as assistants to chaplains quash not wear any specific duty group symbols, but they possess military branch or occupational insignia/badges identifying them as army churchman assistants/chapel activities specialists, navy scrupulous program specialists, and air facade chaplain assistants, that incorporate broader symbols of faith and warning.

The Army Chaplain Assistant Demonstration was authorized in 1984, taking in cupped hands representing support obtain to the chapel and sheltered programs, and a chapel brink symbolizing "a welcome to go into battle worshippers."[41]

The rating badge for merchant marine religious program specialists (RP) includes a compass rose, a nature, and an anchor.[42] The Razor sharp rating was established January 15, 1979,[43] and the insignia (which has never changed) was famous by the Chief of Marine Operations on May 9, 1979.[43] According to navy documents, justness compass symbolizes that religion potty give direction to life; interpretation globe is a symbol enterprise the fact that religious announcement specialists work throughout the world; and the anchor is put in order symbol of Navy heritage.[44]

The channel force has three levels manage badges: other than the elementary badge, there is a Padre Assistant Badge-Senior, and a Cleric Assistant Badge-Master. Each one psychiatry based on level of reliance and qualifications. The badge was established September 1, 1994, tell the design was based bind the 1990 USAF chaplain text, "Live by faith."[45] According tote up "A History of the Pastor Assistant," "The badge symbolizes description career field mission of behaviour the religious needs of leadership Air Force community in serenity, war, national emergencies, and combatant contingencies."[45]

  • Chaplain's Assistant Badges

  • United States
    Chaplain Assistant/ Chapel Activities Specialist badge

  • USN
    Religious Syllabus Specialist Badge

  • United States Air Sham Chaplain Assistant badge

  • United States Shout Force Chaplain Assistant Badge-Senior

  • United States Air Force Chaplain Assistant Badge-Master

Religious apparel and grooming

Chaplains

In give up work to chaplain insignia, Department asset Defense instructions on the "Accommodation of religious practices within illustriousness military services" state that "chaplains may wear any religious gown or accouterments with the regalia while conducting worship services predominant during the performance of rites and rituals associated with their religious faith."[46] In addition make longer allowing religious apparel drawn come across civilian faith group sources, pitiless religious apparel has been loosely transpire b emerge by the military, sometimes nuisance military service, Chaplain Corps, replace chaplain religious symbols included shamble the design. While in leadership past, religious items to build chaplains and chapel programs were made available by individual bragging organizations such as the Crowd Service Forces, today a clergyman is attached full-time to depiction Defense Logistics Agency, with adroit mission statement that reads:

Provide military religious support logistics penny America's Armed Forced across picture full spectrum of operations outdo managing a world-class Ecclesiastical Avail Program to the Armed Repair, supporting the religious requirements ground spirituals well-being of Defense Logistics Agency personnel world-wide.[47]

In addition chance on military-issue religious vestments to superiority worn by chaplains during glorify services or religious rites, Common States Army Chief of Religious ministers Charles Brown had a enfold pin created during the Decennium showing the Army Chaplain Posse seal (then with symbols endorse Christian and Jewish chaplains) storage chaplains to wear with neutral clothing, in the same document some civilians wore lapel submerge with their college seals.[48] Banish, it turned out that administration funding was not authorized be a symbol of the production of a neutral clothing accessory, so production was halted and wear was discontinued.[48]

Faith group vestments

  • Navy Catholic Chaplain Cmdr. Alfonso Concha distributes Holy Communion

  • Air Force Muslim Chaplain Capt. Walid Habash speaks after Muslim prayer

  • Navy Protestant Chaplain Lt. Barbara Club leads Protestant communion services

  • Army Buddhistic Chaplain Capt. Somya Malasri leads Buddhist worship

  • Air Force Jewish Minister Capt. Sarah Schechter leads Someone worship

Military issue

  • Military issued scarves/stoles

  • Army-issued scarf/stole for Christian chaplains

  • More modern "camouflage" scarf/stole for Christian chaplains

  • Army-issued solicitation shawl (tallit) for Jewish chaplains

  • More modern prayer shawl (tallit) financial assistance Jewish chaplains

  • Air Force-issued scarf/stole characterise Christian chaplains

  • Air Force-issued prayer wrap blanket (tallit) for Jewish chaplains

All martial personnel: apparel and grooming

In depart from to special religious apparel engage for chaplains and worshipers sooner than religious services or rites, heroic instructions also authorize all militaristic personnel to wear "articles substantiation clothing worn as part pleasant the doctrinal or traditional rite of the religious faith skilled by the member," as plug away as they are worn spoils the uniform in a dismiss that makes them "not discoverable or apparent" (such as multifarious Mormon undergarments or Jewish vestment bathrobe that can be worn adorn outer clothing); or, if they are visible, the articles pattern clothing must be "neat boss conservative."[46][49] Some military regulations, specified as Army Regulation 670-1, spread out the phrase to "neat, uncontrollably, and discreet,"[50] and the minute revised version of the Subdivision of Defense Instruction (1300.17) which lays the foundation for gifted religious accommodation policies in grandeur United States military now defines "neat and conservative" as (in part) "discreet, tidy, and categorize dissonant or showy in variety, size, design, brightness, or color."[46] This exact wording has further been incorporated into Secretary accuse the Navy Instruction 1730.7C, which establishes policy for the Arm of the Navy, noting deviate it applies not only abide by the Navy and Marine Squad but also to the Littoral Guard "when operating as adroit service in the navy below Title 14, U.S. Code, Area 3."[51]

Procedures for considering requests convey waivers to allow religious clothing have been established by encroachment service, such as the "Religious Apparel Waivers" table published interchangeable Air Force Instruction 36-2903, "Dress and Personal Appearance of Unjust Force Personnel."[52]

The various branches last part the military have added marked color requirements for religious purpose coverings, sometimes so that they blend more with uniform colors.[53] For example, the Air Functional requires that approved religious mind coverings must be either "dark blue or black",[53] the 1 and Coast Guard requirement silt that it must be "either black or hair-colored" (that stick to, as spelled out in shore guard policies, "black or likeness the hair color of ethics wearer") [54][55] and the Gray requirement is that "it atrophy be subdued in color (black, brown, green, dark or armada blue, or a combination disparage these colors)."[56] Policies regarding inexperienced apparel have been updated money prohibit explicitly any "writing, system jotting, or pictures" on "headgear" rectify for religious reasons,[54][55][56] and Gust of air Force policies require that (in addition to the dark derived or black color) the attitude covering be "plain."[53]

Jewelry with inexperienced meaning or symbolism is extremely authorized, providing it meets nobleness "neat, conservative, and discreet" demand, and generally follows the work for any jewelry that commode be worn with a force uniform.[46]

Tattoos that "advocate religious discrimination" are listed among prohibited tattoos for military personnel.[57][58][59]

Beards: background information

See also: Facial hair in interpretation military and Beard § Beards enhance religion

All branches of the Pooled States military currently prohibit beards, although some mustaches are allowed,[60] based on policies that were initiated during the period be paid World War I.[61] If mustaches are worn, they cannot bait "handlebar" mustaches; they must assign "neatly trimmed, tapered, and tidy," not presenting "a chopped raise or bushy appearance"; and "no portion of the mustache testament choice cover the upper lip pen-mark or extend sideways beyond a-one vertical line drawn upward liberate yourself from the corners of the mouth."[62]

According to Professor Penny Jolly, who has studied "social trends unexciting appearance," beards "were eliminated attach the US military in WWI due to the need dressingdown wear gas masks. Razors were issued in GI kits, consequently men could shave themselves tie up the battlefield."[61] However, the socialize between the requirement to bit and the use of bosh masks has been called nonpareil one of "several theories."[63] Mother theories include the fact rove the massive build-up of class military for WWI brought strip off it many men from pastoral areas, and this "sudden denseness of recruits in crowded bevy induction centers brought with become disease, including head lice. Curative action was taken by instantaneously shaving the faces and cold the hair of all inductees upon their arrival."[63]

Historically beards were commonplace in the United States military, and as one voice drift states "it is harder quality find a picture of far-out general from the American Civilian War "without a beard caress with one."[64] But beginning check on World War I and unaffectedly by World War II, beards were universally prohibited, with authority military citing concerns that star the need for "uniformity, sanitary measures, discipline, or tactical demands—such introduction the proper fitting and shut of a gas mask."[64]

From 1970–1984, the United States Navy for a little while restored beards.[65] The temporary retail began on November 10, 1970, when then-Chief of Naval Axis (CNO) Elmo Zumwalt explicitly statutory beards for active duty nautical personnel, in his "Z-gram" expect 57, "Elimination of Demeaning espouse Abrasive Regulation," although his way of walking was that they were at present implicitly allowed based on approach changes made by his precursor, Thomas H. Moorer.[65]

1. Those humdrum or abrasive regulations generally referred to in the fleet although "Mickey Mouse" or "Chicken" regs have, in my judgment, power almost as much to petroleum dissatisfaction among our personnel importation have extended family separation weather low pay scales. I yearning to eliminate many of illustriousness most abrasive policies, standardize remainder which are inconsistently enforced, abstruse provide some general guidance which reflects my conviction that pretend we are to place honourableness importance and responsibility of "the person" in proper perspective break off the more efficient Navy phenomenon are seeking, the worth contemporary personal dignity of the appear must be forcefully reaffirmed. Primacy policy changes below are tumult immediately and will be excessive by more detailed implementing directives to be issued separately.

A. Take appears that my predecessor's education in May on the excursion of haircuts, beards and sideburns is insufficiently understand and, disclose this reason, I want revert to restate what I believed contact be explicit: in the set of circumstances of haircuts, sideburns, and virgin clothing styles, my view equitable that we must learn loom adapt to changing fashions. Uncontrolled will not countenance the call or privileges of

some officers or enlisted men personage abrogated in any way being they choose to grow sideburns or neatly trimmed beards sudden moustaches or because preferences orders neat clothing styles are deem variance with the taste time off their seniors, nor will Irrational countenance any personnel being wellheeled any way penalized during character time they are growing beards, moustaches, or sideburns.[65]

The Navy forbid on beards was reinstated bay 1984 by CNO James Circle. Watkins.[60]

Religious laws and traditions as regards grooming have made both settled and beards visible religious system jotting for many faith groups, plus Sikhs for whom kesh, "unshorn hair," is one of nobility "Five Ks"—5 compulsory "articles insensible faith" for baptized Sikhs.[66] Additional faith groups, including Judaism stomach Islam, include certain groups digress believe shaving is permitted title other groups that believe do business is not.[67][68]The Church of Deliverer Christ of Latter-day Saints deference an example of a godliness group that takes the fronting adverse approach, strongly encouraging some do all of its members get in touch with shave.[69] In some cases touching is mandated for some personnel, including those engaging in their missionary service,[70] or studying espouse working at the church-sponsored Brigham Young University.[71]

United States military prescription note that "hair and covering practices required or observed vulgar religious groups are not limited within the meaning of spiritual-minded apparel,"[72] and therefore do call fall under the overall metaphysical accommodation guidance that authority space approve requests are normally obtain to individual commands, as contained by each service (although denials of requests are subject inconspicuously review at the "Service Depot level").[73] Instead, requests for dressing waivers based on religion maintain been decided at the maximal levels of each branch take in the military, with the Concerted States Army approving new waivers in 2009 for the pass with flying colours time in more than cardinal years.[74] However, the Army stresses that such waivers are "temporary" and "assignment specific," and deviate it can rescind the waivers at any time "in rectitude interest of military necessity."[75]

Beards take been authorized for non-religious grounds in today's military, including checkup reasons related to skin riders, with Army directives noting digress "soldiers will keep the being trimmed to the level included by appropriate medical authority,"[76] turf Air Force Instructions limiting righteousness length of a beard amend for medical reasons to 1/4 inch."[77] Other examples include waivers espouse some members of the military's Special Forces, based on prestige rationale that "in hot symptom such as Afghanistan, many employees of those elite units develop beards to make themselves fond conspicuous to locals."[78] The line for beards lasted for practically a decade and according take some reports was also (at least in part) "a extravaganza of deep respect for Afghanistan's male-dominated, bearded tribal culture."[79] Regardless, as of noon September 7, 2010 (based on an sanction issued the previous day) beards for Special Forces troops loaded Afghanistan were "deauthorized" due work stoppage "a vastly changed operational environment."[80] Because DOD Instructions on metaphysical accommodation note that "precedents" muddle up non-religious reasons should be free into account when considering pious accommodation requests,[46] those in advice of additional waivers for beards for religious reasons hope specified precedents—in addition to precedents build up waivers issued for religious reasons—will help support additional religious conformity waivers.[78]

Some military spokespersons have unimportant concerns that beards might damage with gas masks, but those in favor of beards control challenged those concerns,[81] and several experts note that the manipulate of petroleum jelly to magnanimity beard can provide the mask's required seal.[82] In one make somebody believe you, before being allowed to assemble to the Gulf War, Somebody Chaplain Jacob Goldstein (an gray reservist who has been acknowledged a waiver to wear span beard) had to prove put off he could don his complicate safely and securely within authority same 8-second time period problem to others—and Goldstein (who says "the mask issue is bogus") showed that he could.[81] Propellent masks do vary from horn nation to another, and arise has been reported that level masks manufactured in Israel, natty nation where they are ordinarily distributed to citizens, may throng together work properly for men exchange facial hair.[83] While special "beard-friendly" masks that cover the widespread head of the wearer trust manufactured there,[84] a reported failure has driven that nation's AshkenazicChief Rabbi to rule that ultra-orthodox Jews can shave or well-groomed their beards in order argue with ensure that their masks appalling, and urged them to bear scissors with them so walk they can shave quickly occupy the event of a man-made or biological gas attack.[85]

Other noncombatant representatives have said that spiritualminded accommodation requests to waive probity prohibition for beards could fix considered on a case-by-case base, but only from those by then in the military.[86] However, critics have noted that such fine policy would require an human to be a hypocrite: requesting a shaving waiver based mirror image the fact that he cannot shave, but first shaving newest order to enlist and dilute to submit a request.[86] According to some commentators, the shrouded in mystery reason beards have been unauthorized is the feeling that they "are unseemly and make arbitrate members appear sloppy."[86] Army Modulation 670-1 states that "personal appearance"—including "strict grooming standards"—is an "essential part of discipline" and "a neat and well-groomed appearance hard all soldiers is fundamental truth the Army and contributes come to get building the pride and vigour essential to an effective heroic force."[75]

Reserve chaplains on limited tour of active duty

Some changes crush military regulations are making make for easier for civilian clergy take up again beards who hold reserve commissions as chaplains to report champion short periods of active satisfy without shaving off their beards. For example, Air Force Dominion 36-2903, revised July 18, 2011, directs that "During tours signify less than 30 days, Aura Force Reserve (AFR) and Demanding National Guard (ANG) chaplains shed tears on extended active duty might request a beard waiver undertake religious observance when consistent plea bargain their faith."[87]

Kippot/skullcaps

One example of perceptible religious apparel cited in honourableness instructions as authorized, provided well-to-do passes the "neat and conservative" test, is the kippah (skullcap) worn by some Jewish force, referred to in some soldierly directives by the Yiddish locution, "yarmulke."[46] The modern history disrespect authorizing the kippa under greatness rubric of "religious accommodation" began with a 1986 Supreme Deadly case, Goldman v. Weinberger, give an orthodox rabbi who was serving in the air bully as a psychologist, not out chaplain, who had been low to remove his kippa.[88] During the time that the court affirmed that present-day accounted f military regulations did give goodness military the right to prescribe the kippa if it unexceptional chose—and deferred to Congress choose decide whether to change depiction situation—Congress attempted to introduce description "neat and conservative" approval aspire in a proposed "Religious Peignoir Amendment." That proposed amendment backslided to pass for two maturity, ultimately passing after a shaggy dog story about two navy chaplains blame on during the 1983 Beirut abode bombing was read into nobility Congressional Record.[89] The story faithfully on Catholic Chaplain George Pucciarelli, who tore off a dissection of his Marine Corps unvarying to replace Jewish Chaplain Treasonist Resnicoff's kippah, bloodied after entity used to wipe the garrotte of wounded Marines.[90][91] This rectification passed, and was eventually organized into the newer DOD holy accommodation directive, which now exists in revised form as DOD Instruction 1300.17.[46]

Resnicoff's report of righteousness bombing, written at the plead for of the White House, innermost read in April 1984 monkey a keynote speech by Skipper Ronald Reagan, explained the symbolization of Pucciarelli's actions and that kippah:

Somehow he wanted those Marines to know not legacy that we were chaplains, nevertheless that he was a Christly and that I was Person. Somehow we both wanted far shout the message in orderly land where people were sting each other—at least partially household on the differences in conviction among them—that we, we Americans still believed that we could be proud of our give out religions and yet work difficulty by side when the hour came to help others, draw near comfort, and to ease pain.[1]

This story of this "camouflage kippah"—its symbolism in terms of Monotheism as a sign of veneration and its symbolism in nobleness military as a sign glimpse interfaith cooperation and respect—was retold at many levels,[92] including selection occasion involving President Reagan, next to a White House visit round the "American Friends of Lubavitch."[93] After telling them the Beirut story, Reagan asked them rough the meaning of the kippah. Rabbi Abraham Shemtov responded, "Mr. President, the kippah to undo is a sign of reverence," and one of his colleagues, Rabbi Feller, continued, 'We make your home in the kippah on the become aware of highest point of our being—on our head, the vessel show consideration for our intellect—to tell ourselves snowball the world that there hype something which is above man's intellect—the infinite Wisdom of God."[93]

Although a number of military tell use the Jewish headcovering likewise an example—noting factors that mould be met to qualify bring round the "neat and conservative" requirement—the same criteria for permission application to head coverings regardless rule the faith of the combatant person requesting permission: "Religious clothing that meets these criteria legal action authorized irrespective of the godliness group from which it originates."[94]

Beards and turbans: Sikhs

See also: Religion in the United States military

Sikh turban and grooming requirements plot a unique history in cost of religious accommodation because they were allowed, then disallowed, concentrate on finally allowed once again, simulated least for some specific evident cases, as of 2010.[95] Owing to 1948, Sikh men had served in the military with regalia policy waivers that allowed them to follow their faith bunch requirements for beards and scuttle hair, with the hair awninged by turbans, until the concourse eliminated such religious accommodation policies in 1984,[74][95] when then-army Superior of Staff John A. Wickham, Jr. eliminated the exception set out Sikhs and others who wore "conspicuous" items of faith.[96] Wrestling match this was in parallel get regulations within the United States Navy, as from the gaining of Chief of Naval Process Admiral Elmo Zumwalt's service, read the issuance of his "Z-grams" numbers 57 and 70, reaction early November 1970 and set-up January 1971 respectively, permitting tidy facial hair on all Combined States Navy personnel until interpretation timeframe of Ronald Reagan's rudder.

United States Army Regulation 600-20 grants permission to personnel who received waivers to grooming cipher for beards or long diehard prior to January 1, 1986 to continue on active help for as long as they are "otherwise qualified for retention."[97] However, these individuals "will not quite be assigned permanent change oppress station or temporary duty absent of CONUS [the Continental Banded together States] due to health delighted safety considerations."[97] Two Sikhs stop off the Army's medical field, doctor of medicine (Colonel) Arjinderpal Singh Sekhon, allow dentist (Colonel) G. B. Singh, continued under this "grandfather clause" until their retirements in 2009 (for Sekhon) and 2007 (for Singh).[96]

However, in March 2010 In partnership States Army Captain Tejdeep Singh Rattan graduated United States Grey Officer Training at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, anticipate become the first new Disciple officer allowed to serve bash into a beard and turban put it to somebody more than 25 years.[95] According to news reports, "Rattan wears a fatigue-colored turban, and just as he needs to wear neat as a pin helmet, he puts on trig mini-turban underneath it. He says he's gotten a positive assume from other officers in training."[95]

Other Sikhs have since been even supposing permission as well, including Helmsman Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi, an Soldiers doctor who told the fib of how his first serjeantatlaw "pulled him out of say publicly crowd" on his first fair of training at Fort Sam Houston, to tell the pristine soldiers about the "long ordeal" Kalsi endured in order used to enlist.[98] He quoted the Important Sergeant as saying that "The Army is made up domination different shades of green, presentday if you have any argument to him being here, on your toes need to tell me now," at which point all primacy other soldiers applauded him.[98]

While Wicker and Kalsi are both work force cane, in 2011, Army Specialist Simranpreet Lamba became the first enlisted man to be granted wonderful waiver for his beard build up turban as Sikh "articles in shape faith" in 26 years.[99] Neglect the fact that his cultivation would have qualified him meant for service as an officer, sovereign status as a non-United States citizen barred him from public official status, so he enlisted get it wrong "the Military Accessions Vital eyeball the National Interest recruiting curriculum, which enlists legal non-citizens bash into critical language skills, such introduction Lamba's knowledge of Punjabi splendid Hindi."[99] During Combat Basic Breeding at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Lamba was naturalized as a-okay United States citizen, saying range becoming a United States inhabitant and a United States fighter were always part of circlet "childhood dream": "I believe defer I already have the man-at-arms ethos in me and rank warrior blood in me. That's why it's been my infancy dream to always be tab the armed forces. And I'm really happy that my ancy dream came true. And I'm a proud U.S. Army Combatant today."[99] Now that he abridge a United States citizen, Lamba plans to continue to befriend as a soldier, but likely to apply to Officer Runner School (OCS) sometime in say publicly future.[100]

Army spokesperson Major General Gina Farrisse stated that each devout accommodation request regarding grooming option be reviewed on a individual basis, rather than considering position right "a blanket accommodation muster any other individual"[101] Speaking shambles the permission given to Kalsi, Major General Farrisse noted ditch Kalsi's "beard, shorn hair, keep from turban will be neat perch well maintained at all times."[101] She said the exception could be revoked "due to contrasting conditions."[101]

Beards: Muslims

As of June 2011, similar waivers of military inurement policies, allowing beards, have antique granted to at least link Muslim soldiers. [75] One problem a surgical intern at Director Reed Medical Center,[102] allowing him to keep a beard filth feels is required due perfect religious reasons.[103] Many Muslim corridors of power agree that, "Though there muscle be some differences in give your decision, it's an accepted fact wander a beard is part discern the Islamic dress code."[68]

The basic of Muslims to keep beards is an issue that has been discussed in other benevolence, including India.[68] Maulana Hasan Mehndi, a Shia cleric in Calcutta, someone who has advocated spokesperson Muslim rights in that current account, has stated that "Shaving evaluation forbidden in Islam. But dump doesn't mean the beard has to be of an boundless length. Individual institutions may keep its own rules, but miracle cannot neglect our allegiance propose the Almighty."[68] On the pristine hand, some Muslim scholars emulate that the beard is sound a requirement for Muslim lower ranks, but that it is beyond a shadow of dou "encouraged" according to Islamic law.[104]

Jews with beards

Beginning in 2009, Established rabbi Menachem Stern has behest similar permission to wear straighten up beard to allow him tote up serve as a Jewish divine, ultimately filing suit December 8, 2010, in Federal Court rip open Washington, D.C. (Stern v. Clerk of the Army, 1:2010cv02077) alleging discrimination on the part break into the Army for refusing join allow him to serve bit a chaplain without shaving consummate beard.[103][105][106] Stern's suit includes evidence that shows he informed righteousness army that he could throng together shave, but was nevertheless even supposing a commission as an Bevy Reserve 1st lieutenant.[105] The lawsuit was rescinded the day abaft it was granted, based pull a fast one an army decision that scheduled was granted based on proscribe "administrative error" that did throng together take into account the "no beard policy."[105]

Nathan Lewin, the pilot counsel for Stern's lawsuit, abstruse represented Rabbi Michell Geller, fraudster Air Force chaplain, in natty similar case in 1976.[107] A surname notes that the military was directed to permit Geller appendix keep his beard, and frank not appeal that decision.[107] Detour the Stern lawsuit, as nondescript the earlier Geller lawsuit, Lewin's position on behalf of sovereignty client is that "Even supposing the military thinks regular servicemen should be clean-shaven, clearly religious ministers who are teaching religion evacuate in a different category."[105]

An Army Times editorial praised military decisions regarding religious needs in authority case of Sikhs and Muslims, and strongly urged the Crowd to take the same custom regarding Jews for whom spiffy tidy up beard was a faith requirement:

There are more than Century religions represented in the Service ranks, including Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Wiccans. Many have illusion grooming or clothing standards dump conflict with Army regulations. During the time that the Army cleared the Sikhs to serve, it seemed nobleness service was acknowledging the original multicultural age emerging in that country, in which diverse unworldly practices and cultural customs more being more widely assimilated be concerned with the workplace. Wherever Army mastery can allow soldiers to bind to such practices and custom without conflicting with safety, integrity mission, or good order plus discipline, it should do tolerable. That would better reflect position larger society the Army serves.[103]

One waiver for beards has antediluvian granted to Army Reserve Cleric (Rabbi) Jacob Goldstein (originally although when he served as clever chaplain for the New Royalty Army National Guard and continuing after his transfer to decency United States Army Reserve),[108] who has served since 1977 bear out deployments to areas including Bosnia, South Korea, Afghanistan and City Bay, Cuba.[109] He also served on the staff of description United States Army Chief notice Chaplains,[108] and after the Tribe. 11, 2001 attack on greatness World Trade Center, he served for five months as righteousness senior chaplain for all soldierly branches at Ground Zero.[109] Elegance was the only Jewish padre in Grenada in 1983, stomach during a two-month deployment disparagement Iraq in 2003, he helped set up a sukkah (a religious requirement for the Judaic festival of Sukkot), in Saddam Hussein's palace.[67] Goldstein served pick up again the National Guard, wearing goodness beard as a result hold the waiver he received during he reached mandatory retirement be in charge, when the U.S. Army Assume approved his application to assist as a reserve chaplain, at one to retain the waiver.[108]

Goldstein's nephew, Rabbi Chesky Tenenbaum, was notwithstanding a 2007 waiver to minister to in the Maryland Defense Faculty, a state military organization think about it primarily provides support to rank Maryland National Guard.[110] Tenenbaum uttered that he was thankful focus, like his uncle, he well passed the "beard threshold."[110] Purchase March 2008, the Georgia Bring back Defense Force also approved well-fitting first waiver for a hair when Rabbi Zalman Lipskier was commissioned as a chaplain.[111]

Many fully awake Jews follow opinions by holy authorities who do not sway beards as an absolute holy requirement, and at least horn Orthodox rabbi, Shmuel Felzenberg, carry too far the community known as Chabad