Muslim Rights Groups: US Army Grooming Standards May Infringe on Religious Freedom
Muslim advocacy groups are raising concerns that the U.S. Army’s newly updated grooming and appearance standards could make it harder for Muslims and Sikhs to serve. Currently, only about 10,000 to 20,000 service members identify as Muslim, and the number of Sikhs in uniform is believed to be in the low double digits.
One effect of the updated policy is the end of accommodations that previously allowed transgender-identifying personnel to follow grooming rules of their chosen gender. Under the new rules, all soldiers must adhere to standards based on biological sex.
The Army unveiled its revised grooming, appearance, and uniform regulations after a comprehensive force-wide review, saying the changes reflect professionalism, discipline, and the Army’s warfighting priorities. The updated directives clarify rules on hairstyles, cosmetics, fingernails, jewelry, uniforms, insignia, and body composition. Officials emphasized that the standards are designed to eliminate ambiguity and keep the focus on readiness.
In July 2025, the Army also reinforced its facial hair policy through Army Directive 2025-13, requiring soldiers to remain clean-shaven while in uniform or on duty in civilian clothes, with only temporary medical exemptions or permanent religious accommodations allowed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the policy plain, telling military leaders: “No more beards. We’re going to cut our hair, shave our beards, and adhere to standards.” The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) urged the Pentagon to confirm that religious accommodations will remain available for Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, and others.
Historically, the Army has attempted to balance religious freedom with mission readiness, following the principle of “mission first, soldiers second.” For instance, Jewish soldiers were long permitted to wear a yarmulke beneath their helmets, but beards were restricted since they prevent gas masks from sealing properly. Similarly, Sikh turbans were deemed incompatible with helmets and combat gear. From 1948 until 1984, Sikhs could serve with beards and turbans, but the policy changed in 1984 under Army Chief of Staff Gen. John A. Wickham Jr., citing safety concerns.
Civil rights advocates later argued that such rules effectively excluded Sikhs, but defenders of the policy said it simply applied one uniform standard to all soldiers. In recent years, however, the Army reversed course, granting permanent accommodations for beards, turbans, and hijabs. Beards may be grown to any length provided they can be rolled to under two inches from the chin, with approvals issued by brigade-level commanders.
Yet, safety concerns remain. Studies continue to show that facial hair weakens the seal of protective masks. The current rules state that soldiers with religious beard waivers may only be ordered to shave if there is specific evidence of an imminent chemical attack, and such an order must come from a senior-level commander. Soldiers with beard accommodations are barred from certain schools and roles that require compliance with chemical, biological, or nuclear safety standards. Turbans are permitted in place of Army-issued headgear except when helmets or other protective gear are required.
The new policy also officially ends grooming exceptions for men identifying as women and vice versa. Transgender personnel may continue to serve but must comply with the standards of their biological sex. Male soldiers are barred from wearing cosmetics, nail polish, or earrings (except with a medical waiver), while female soldiers may wear limited makeup, clear or skin-tone nail polish, and simple earrings in certain uniforms.
Commanders are instructed to enforce grooming, medical, and physical standards based on biological sex, not gender identity. Defense Secretary Hegseth has framed the reforms as part of a broader effort to restore the Army’s focus on combat readiness and eliminate what he called “social experiments” from the ranks.
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