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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsArmy denies soldier's request to grow beard in observance of Flying Spaghetti Monster religion
https://www.armytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2019/05/23/army-denies-soldiers-request-to-grow-beard-in-observance-of-flying-spaghetti-monster-religion/Why are we here? What is our purpose? Why are U.S. service members not allowed to grow beards?
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Where, then, is the line in the sand drawn?
That question was at least partially answered this year when Spc. John Hoskins applied for a beard exemption as part of his strict devotion to the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster a faith also known as Pastafarianism.
This request is based on my deeply and sincerely held belief in the Pastafarian faith, Hoskins wrote in his request to the Army. It is my personally held belief that growing a beard will bring me closer to my God and bring me into his favor.
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rampartc
(5,403 posts)Arazi
(6,829 posts)Who also profess a religious requirement for a beard? Or mandatory clothing on their head (add in strict Jewish believers here too)?
Odoreida
(1,549 posts)HAB911
(8,880 posts)obamanut2012
(26,068 posts)Are followers of other faiths Section 8, too?
rampartc
(5,403 posts)many people in the military who are not mentally ill have reasons to appear so. my first thought was that this guy might be one of them
hlthe2b
(102,220 posts)small pearl stud earrings instead of the only acceptable small gold ball earrings. A former African American senior AIDS researcher at CDC, who was a Public Health Service Commissioned Officer, was disciplined for dreadlocks.
Sikhs were once allowed to wear turbans and beards--dating back to WWI... A legal settlement in 2017 allows for some exemptions but regulations are very stringent as to the length of beard and modifying the turban.
So, this is hardly surprising.
eppur_se_muova
(36,258 posts)PS: Judging from context, I think he meant to say flavor, not favor.
Brawndo
(535 posts)Or, better yet, don't open that door at all.
Sneederbunk
(14,289 posts)Mc Mike
(9,114 posts)Otherwise he has to get in touch with Mike Weinstein's MRFF.