Posted this elsewhere after some long reflection. I know some here will disagree... but here goes anyways, because I value y'all's opinion.
I've been in the military long enough to see some pretty significant changes. Each has been met with a cabal of people who opine that this particular bit or that is going to "ruin the military," and I've even been guilty of it myself at times.
DADT ending: "This is gonna ruin readiness!!! And morale and blah blah" Even though every unit I've ever been in has had homosexuals in it who everyone KNEW was gay, but they couldn't be open about it.
The black beret, prohibiting drinking in uniform, blah blah blah.
The military changes. It's part of life.
Do I think that there will be some people who will use this as an excuse to be different for the sake of being different?
Absolutely.
However, the nice thing about it is this rule still leaves things up to a Commander's discretion.
I know a surgeon who wanted to join the army. Experienced trauma surgeon who wanted to do his part. This may allow him to do so, because he can't shave.
In the end, after 13 years of service, 16 months in Iraq, a year as a drill sergeant, and countless training, combat, and staff positions, I've come to a conclusion.
I don't care about this. These decisions are above my pay grade, and if it doesn't hamper my ability to train troops for combat, I don't care. There is precedent for bearded troops. From the Navy all the way into the 80s, to operators, to Soldiers in the Army prior to WW1, etc. In my mind it's no different than a yamulka (already permitted), and certain other religious headgear (I don't know what the flat topped one that some muslims wear is, but i've seen them in garrison. I guess the difference is you'll start to see them outside of religious services in garrison.
If there's potential for NBC encounters, commanders will have the authority to order them to shave. People will be made aware of this. Unit commanders will also have the power to make the determination if some soldier is actually observing their religion, or if they're faking the funk to get over.
There will be resistance, and there will be conflict, but it will get resolved. Same as any other. Many other militaries throughout the world allow these things. I don't think the Captain in the photos looks any worse because of his beard. I see a commissioned officer who has worked hard to get where he's at, stood by his convictions, and triumphed.
In the end, I trust that my command, the NCOs around me, and other leadership will be able to identify legitimate vs illegitimate observances, and adjust fire accordingly.
As long as I can still train my troops to accomplish their mission, perform in an honorable manner, and bring pain upon the enemy in mass quantities, I don't care.
Bring it on. I support this decision.
we also allowed draftees from pacifict religions to serve in non combat jobs , Christians wear crosses, Muslims are allowed to fast during Ramadan and have accommodations related to that. Makes no difference to me.
let them in, give them a rifle, and lets go deliver pain upon our enemies.
