Religious Accommodation

The Department of Defense protects the civil liberties of military personnel and the public to the greatest extent possible, consistent with military requirements.

Absent an adverse impact on military readiness, unit cohesion or good order and discipline, commanders will accommodate individual expressions of sincerely held beliefs of military members.

Requests for religious accommodation of wear and appearance of the uniform and personal grooming practices are covered by service regulation.

Accommodations are considered for:

• Worship
  Worship services, holy days and Sabbath observances should be accommodated unless precluded by military need.

• Diet
  Some faith groups have religious tenets that prohibit consuming certain foods, or that prescribe a certain manner in which food must be prepared. Military members may seek an exception to policy on a religious basis.

• Wear and Appearance
  Wear of religious items that are not visible or apparent when in duty uniform is generally authorized, along with wear of visible religious items that are neat, conservative and discreet.

• Medical Practices
  A military member whose religious tenets involve self-care may request accommodation for non-emergency or non-life threatening injury or illness. In emergency situations, military physicians may take immediate action to save a military member's life regardless of religious practices or objections.