Army To Allow Hijabs, Turbans In Junior ROTC

[Paslode]

Army to allow hijabs, turbans in Junior ROTC
3:43 PM 12/22/2011
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The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) has announced that the Department of Defense will now allow Muslim and Sikh students participating in Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) to wear headscarves and turbans while in uniform.

The decision, announced Thursday, followed an October incident in which Muslim teen Demin Zawity quit JROTC when her commanding officer at a Brentwood, Tenn. high school would not allow her to wear her hijab in the homecoming parade.

CAIR later wrote to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta requesting “constitutionally-protected religious accommodations for the girl and for future Muslim JROTC participants.”

In a letter to the Muslim organization sent on Panetta’s behalf, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Larry Stubblefield explained that based on the incident that led Zawity to quit JROTC, the Army will now be making more accommodations for religious headwear in the training program.

“Based on your concerns, the Army has reviewed its JROTC uniform policy and will develop appropriate procedures to provide Cadets the opportunity to request the wear of religious head dress, such as the turban and hijab,” Stubblefield wrote in the letter, made public by CAIR. “This change will allow Miss Zawity and other students the chance to fully participate in the JROTC program.”

Army spokesman George Wright confirmed Stubblefield’s letter to CAIR and explained to The Daily Caller that while JROTC is affiliated with the Army, it is not actually a part of the Army. The new procedures will provide JROTC with a exemption method more similar to current Army procedure mandated through the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993.

That law allows soldiers on active duty to apply for religious accommodation if they want to alter their uniforms in accordance with their religious beliefs. The exemptions are applied on a case-by-case basis. Soldiers who are transferred must reapply.

“Requests for ETP [exemptions to policy] to uniform and grooming standards (AR 670-1) based on religion, are considered on a case by case basis and balanced against military necessity ETPs are temporary, cannot be guaranteed at all times, not liberally granted, and may be revoked due to changed conditions,” Army regulations state.

According to Wright, currently there are three Sikhs and one Orthodox Jewish rabbi who have been approved to wear religious garb outside of their standard regulation uniform on active duty. One female Army captain has applied to wear the hijab for religious observance. Her case is pending.

Still, political commentator Jed Babbin, a former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense, noted that the point of a uniform is uniformity.

“Look at the word: ‘uni’-’form’ — everybody wears the same thing,” Babbin told TheDC. “The military is by its own nature diverse and creates a culture in which everyone, regardless of their race or creed, is blended into one force for a common purpose. This [uniform exemption] divides it, balkanizes it on religious grounds… the point of JROTC is to get you ready for ROTC in college which is preparing you to go on active duty. So if you are going to allow it for ROTC? Why don’t you allow it on active duty?”

CAIR, though, cheered that now Muslims and Sikhs will be able to fully participate in JROTC while wearing their religious attire.

“We welcome the fact that Muslim and Sikh students nationwide will now be able to participate fully in JROTC leadership activities while maintaining their religious beliefs and practices,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad in a statement.

Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2011/12/22/army-to-allow-hijabs-turbans-in-junior-rotc/#ixzz1hNeAG5qP

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[Pete]

Hey ROTC no need to crawfish around on the issue, Big Army let that cat out of the bag a couple of years ago.

The Church of Body Modification's demands will follow shortly.

Although, take it to the next step - a burka on the obstacle course would be interesting.

GAS!

[mojaveman]

I'm waiting for the Hare Krishnas with their colorful robes, bells, flutes and tamborines. Wee!

[greenberetTFS]

Boy,I'm just glad that I'm not having to put up with sh*t like this.........:rolleyes:What will a graduate SF guy wear if he's sikh or muslim,his hijab or turban or Green Beret?......:confused: If I understand this right,he's allowed an option to wear either..........:eek:

Big Teddy :munchin

[MTN Medic]

African Americans that don't have to shave (I get the bumps too, but I'm white)

Gays that are allowed to break the sodomy regulations

Sikhs/Muslims wearing turbans instead of regulation cover

Why have any regulations at all if we are going to cow-tow to every minority? We are still an army at war and all of this undisciplined crap will wreak hell on our Army. The thing that gets me is that proponents of this NEW Army say that we need all the "qualified soldiers" we can get. The most important "qualification" to any new soldier is to do what he is told; not just because it is convenient. We are cutting over 100,000 soldiers and we are using recruitment as an argument for this? Please.

I love the Army I joined with, but damn if I ain't having second thoughts about my reinlistment knowing I am going to have to soon be one of a small minority following all the regulations because I am not a minority. Pun intended.

Jesus had long hair, does that mean I can wear mine in a pony tail? GTHO. :rolleyes:

[longrange1947]

In the 70's, while I was with 10th at Devens, there was a Sihk in the NG Group on the east coast, do not remember which. He wore his turban with crest, beard, long hair, and knife/dagger. He jumped into the FTX and I do not remember how he got his hair and stuff under the helmet. He was a young guy and admitted that the turban, beard, and long hair was not conducive to good military appearances.

This is not new and it caused a problem in the 70's and was stopped for the 80's and 90's and now we have gone full circle back to Bulls**t. :munchin :rolleyes:

[Dozer523]

Frankie sez RELAX!

Guys, it's High School ROTC. It's not really about the Army. Check out thieer mission statement and their vision statement. You have to get all the way to #7 before you even see the word military.
************************************************** ***********
TO MOTIVATE YOUNG POEPLE TO BE BETTER CITIZENS.

Our Vision:
Providing a quality citizenship, character, and leadership development program, while fostering partnerships with communities and educational institutions.

Why Join Army Junior ROTC:

1. To appreciate the ethical values and principles that underlie good citizenship.
2. To develop leadership potential, while living and working cooperatively with others.
3. To be able to think logically and to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing.
4. To appreciate the importance of physical fitness in maintaining good health.
5. To understand the importance of high school graduation for a successful future, and learn about college and other advanced educational and employment opportunities.
6. To develop mental management abilities.
7. To become familiar with military history as it relates to America's culture, and understand the history, purpose, and structure of military services.
8. To develop the skills necessary to work effectively as a member of a team.

[MTN Medic]

Frankie sez RELAX!

Guys, it's High School ROTC. It's not really about the Army. Check out thieer mission statement and their vision statement. You have to get all the way to #7 before you even see the word military.
************************************************** ***********
TO MOTIVATE YOUNG POEPLE TO BE BETTER CITIZENS.

Our Vision:
Providing a quality citizenship, character, and leadership development program, while fostering partnerships with communities and educational institutions.

Why Join Army Junior ROTC:

1. To appreciate the ethical values and principles that underlie good citizenship.
2. To develop leadership potential, while living and working cooperatively with others.
3. To be able to think logically and to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing.
4. To appreciate the importance of physical fitness in maintaining good health.
5. To understand the importance of high school graduation for a successful future, and learn about college and other advanced educational and employment opportunities.
6. To develop mental management abilities.
7. To become familiar with military history as it relates to America's culture, and understand the history, purpose, and structure of military services.
8. To develop the skills necessary to work effectively as a member of a team.

Its isn't though. There were two sikhs who did this a few years ago; father and son doctors. It is just a trend towards lack of discipline. It is not just an isolated incident her and there. It is a trend, and I don't like it one bit.

[The Reaper]

Then why call it a uniform?

Whatever happened to the military experience about subordinating the individual for ones teammates and the mission?

Color me clueless. :rolleyes:

TR

[grigori]

I agree that this isn't a good idea.In the regular Indian Army ,Sikhs due to their large numbers are allowed to keep beards(short and neatly trimmed) and wear turbans,even Muslims are not allowed to wear beards,all those who aren't Sikh are also not allowed beards.

The only exception to the role are the Army SF,the MARCOS(Navy SF),Special Group(Joint Intel and SF group) where due to their operations in Kashmir they are allowed beards to blend in with the locals.

I wish US Army wouldn't allow this,else there is more freedom for future Nidal Hassan's.

[Dozer523]

Its isn't though. There were two sikhs who did this a few years ago; father and son doctors. It is just a trend towards lack of discipline. It is not just an isolated incident her and there. It is a trend, and I don't like it one bit.
Oh . . . well that's different. ;)
except it IS JROTC. And JROTC isn't the Med Corps or the Army.

Other then that, you're right. Merry christmas bro.

[ZonieDiver]

Frankie sez RELAX!

Guys, it's High School ROTC. It's not really about the Army. Check out thieer mission statement and their vision statement. You have to get all the way to #7 before you even see the word military.
************************************************** ***********
TO MOTIVATE YOUNG POEPLE TO BE BETTER CITIZENS.

Our Vision:
Providing a quality citizenship, character, and leadership development program, while fostering partnerships with communities and educational institutions.

Why Join Army Junior ROTC:

1. To appreciate the ethical values and principles that underlie good citizenship.
2. To develop leadership potential, while living and working cooperatively with others.
3. To be able to think logically and to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing.
4. To appreciate the importance of physical fitness in maintaining good health.
5. To understand the importance of high school graduation for a successful future, and learn about college and other advanced educational and employment opportunities.
6. To develop mental management abilities.
7. To become familiar with military history as it relates to America's culture, and understand the history, purpose, and structure of military services.
8. To develop the skills necessary to work effectively as a member of a team.

I'm going with Dozer here. It is JROTC, not ROTC. I'm not sure of the numbers overall, but I'd be very surprised if large percentages of the J' go on to regular ROTC, or even go into the military. They tread a fine line on a lot of HS campuses (how come it's not 'campii'?:)). Of the programs I'm familiar with, some of the kids are very interested in the military (here, more often than not, it's the USMC), and some are looking for a not-too-difficult elective, or hanging with friends.

There is a lot of latitude in uniform and grooming - depending on the campus or JROTC staff. We had a hard-charging Ranger SFC on our campus when I arrived, and he could attract a lot of kids - male and female - and interest them in uniform, grooming, PT, proper flag detail in uniform, and military bearing. The SF E8 who replaced him kind of let things slide, and the leg 1SG there now has let it go further. Why the change? New principal... very opposed to the military.

If it spreads to college ROTC, then I'll get alarmed.

[MTN Medic]

It already happened in the Regular Army.

http://articles.cnn.com/2009-10-28/us/sikh.us.forces_1_sikh-coalition-uncut-hair-turban?_s=PM:US

and in basic training...

http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/sikh-soldier-completes-us-army-training-with-turban-on-65640

[alright4u]

I'm going with Dozer here. It is JROTC, not ROTC. I'm not sure of the numbers overall, but I'd be very surprised if large percentages of the J' go on to regular ROTC, or even go into the military. They tread a fine line on a lot of HS campuses (how come it's not 'campii'?:)). Of the programs I'm familiar with, some of the kids are very interested in the military (here, more often than not, it's the USMC), and some are looking for a not-too-difficult elective, or hanging with friends.

There is a lot of latitude in uniform and grooming - depending on the campus or JROTC staff. We had a hard-charging Ranger SFC on our campus when I arrived, and he could attract a lot of kids - male and female - and interest them in uniform, grooming, PT, proper flag detail in uniform, and military bearing. The SF E8 who replaced him kind of let things slide, and the leg 1SG there now has let it go further. Why the change? New principal... very opposed to the military.

If it spreads to college ROTC, then I'll get alarmed.


These education systems in the cities and smaller towns tend to do what the local Principal or school board agrees to/votes on.

I am long removed from the AD ranks, and; I saw enough crap with Emerson and his Gunstock rock concerts complete with smoking thai sticks approval. Add Japenese reds (seconal-sp). Hell, I had troops fall flat on their ass in formation. I declared war against that policy plus falsifying numbers on URR's.

My ass paid for pissing off 0-6's. Either you have a military that is expected to meet minimum standards at each level or you have a BS outfit.

[longrange1947]

This was done in the 70's, as I had stated earlier, but then the Army was begging guys to come in and they were lowering standards to accomodate all sorts.

This is not the present reason. today we are pandering to all sorts and soon the Army will pay dearly for this social engineering crap.

As as been shown, this is not just JROTC.

[alright4u]

This was done in the 70's, as I had stated earlier, but then the Army was begging guys to come in and they were lowering standards to accomodate all sorts.

This is not the present reason. Today we are pandering to all sorts and soon the Army will pay dearly for this social engineering crap.

As as been shown, this is not just JROTC.

What is the diff? Both effect morale and unit combat readiness. Even when the Army begged for troops they did not have to recycle. I see a totally different 18-21 year old group these days. These kids are mostly not in shape. They are gadget happy.

[wmaousley]

I dont see an issue with wearing a Hijab in the RA, it doesnt take away from the uniform nor does it affect the wear of head gear. Alot of guys/girls in the army wear a baclava which is pretty much the same as a hijab in terms of the way its worn.

Turbine has no place in any US Military Organization. The only reason a Sikh would join the military is for a free education. How can one who wears a Turbine effectivly wear a KP? Let the British deal with this not us.

[akv]

Turbine has no place in any US Military Organization. The only reason a Sikh would join the military is for a free education.

Actually there are plenty of "turbines" on jets in the US Military Organization.

As for the Sikhs agreed they shouldn't get special benefits, as for their motivations you could be right, it's not like they are a warrior culture who historically love to fight, harboring an ancient enmity for Islam, and of course they don't have a distinguished service record dating back from the Sepoy Rebellion up to Afghanistan today. How does 400 plus years of warrior ethos weigh against the chance to get a free diploma in animal husbandry from Hindsight A&M polytechnical seminary state?

[Badger52]

Don't much care for this. JROTC helped fuel the dream leading to the enlistment as soon as HS was behind. (I will admit that rapid exodus from the insane asylum that was becoming Southern California was also in play.)

We had a pretty good rifle team, I fired volleys at Forest Lawn over several older members of the cadet Bn during those times, we went off & did day & night land-nav in a piece of the country that came to be known as Ft Irwin. Several I know also went on to careers in the Army.

No matter how all this pandering shakes out this is one who will be forever grateful for the experience and, personally, to SFC (Ret) John P. Towhill. Didn't matter whether it was popular at the time or not, we were imbued with his pride in service. No matter the audience he was a leader and when you get to see one at their craft, something changes...

[Sand_Rogue]

African Americans that don't have to shave (I get the bumps too, but I'm white)

Gays that are allowed to break the sodomy regulations

Sikhs/Muslims wearing turbans instead of regulation cover

Why have any regulations at all if we are going to cow-tow to every minority? We are still an army at war and all of this undisciplined crap will wreak hell on our Army. The thing that gets me is that proponents of this NEW Army say that we need all the "qualified soldiers" we can get. The most important "qualification" to any new soldier is to do what he is told; not just because it is convenient. We are cutting over 100,000 soldiers and we are using recruitment as an argument for this? Please.

I love the Army I joined with, but damn if I ain't having second thoughts about my reinlistment knowing I am going to have to soon be one of a small minority following all the regulations because I am not a minority. Pun intended.

Jesus had long hair, does that mean I can wear mine in a pony tail? GTHO. :rolleyes:

I'm personally aware of white soldiers who have shaving profiles. I do agree that often time the ability to get such a profile is abused primarily by black soldiers (though I get the bumps too I've never gotten one).

Why should it matter if gays break the sodomy rules? I have had relations that may or may not have been within the scope of sodomy with several women, should I also been punished?

I wholly agree with the turban bit though. How the hell are you supposed to A) Put on a helmet, B) Put on a gas mask?