U.S. soldiers can now wear hijabs, turbans

Policy change sought by Sikhs also allows beards

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.