It is Department of Defense (DoD) policy that any requests for accommodation of religious practices should be approved by the commanders, given that such accommodation will not have an adverse impact on military readiness, unit cohesion, standards or discipline. Additionally, if there are health or safety concerns, accommodation may not be possible (e.g., a cadet may be required to remove all jewelry, religious or not, while navigating an obstacle course during training). At the Academy and throughout the Air Force and Space Force, we will accommodate free exercise of religion and other personal beliefs, as well as freedom of expression, except as must be limited by compelling military necessity (with such limitations being imposed in the least-restrictive manner feasible). Chaplains impartially advise commanders in regards to these matters. Concerning religious apparel, Public Law 100-180, Section 508 (reference C) states that members of the Armed Forces may wear religious items or articles not visible or otherwise apparent with the uniform, provided they do not interfere with the performance of the member’s military duties nor with the proper wearing of any authorized article of the uniform. Whether an item of religious apparel interferes with the member’s military duty performance depends on its characteristics, the circumstances of its intended wear and the particular nature of the member’s duties. However, hair and grooming practices required or observed by religious groups are not included within the meaning of religious apparel. If you have further questions regarding the accommodation of specific religious practices, please feel free to contact the Academy Chaplain’s Office.