01-27-2014, 10:27 AM
(01-27-2014, 08:46 AM)crash Wrote: What is the big fear here?
I don't know if they're big "fears" or not, but two of the concerns expressed by those in and out of the military are:
1. Service is voluntary in the US and soldiers commit themselves to putting that service above all else. Catering to individual preferences or beliefs (religious or otherwise) is not something that is done and could conflict with the mission of being united as one. It may be more divisive than uniting.
2. There are legitimate safety concerns involving long hair and beards when it comes to wearing gas masks and other equipment (in the field, combat and training). I would think the same is true of Wiccans with face and body piercings (though I didn't see that specifically addressed when reading up a little on the issue). This is not subjective and is not argued by most in favor of laxer dress codes as far as I can tell; however they want there to be objective guidelines as to the conditions during which the hair and piercings need to be removed, as opposed to it being at the discretion of the troop leader.
I see both sides on this one and would be interested in hearing from someone here who is actually serving or has served in the military (US or otherwise), particularly in combat or in the field where it seems to me that uniformity is the biggest issue. I don't see any problem with a more relaxed uniform code for people working desk/office jobs.