The Pentagon approved a new policy that will allow U.S. troops to invoke religion in order to violate troops’ rules:
The new policy took effect Wednesday, and the waivers will be decided on a case-by-case basis, according to defense officials. Approval of the waiver will depend on where the service member is stationed and whether the change would affect military readiness or the mission.
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If the waiver involves something that violates the service’s policy governing troops’ uniforms or appearance — including tattoos, beards and clothing — then the decision is made by a senior officer, most likely the three-star general in charge of personnel for each service. If it involves something else, such as prayer time, the decision can be made by a unit commander.
If the waiver violates the service’s policy it shouldn’t be allowed, period. Rules are the same for everybody, religion (and any other kind of personal preferences) notwithstanding.