Overview
- Service members seeking exemptions must submit a sworn attestation detailing a sincerely held religious belief, explain how shaving conflicts with that belief, and provide supporting evidence such as testimonies from religious leaders or community members.
- False statements in requests can trigger disciplinary action under Article 107 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice or denial of accession.
- Unit commanders must evaluate sincerity and document job duties, likely use of protective equipment, and mission or safety impacts, with input from first-line supervisors and chaplains and legal counsel to ensure compliance with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
- Final decisions move to military department secretaries or designees no lower than each service’s chief of personnel, with case-by-case reviews applying the compelling-interest and least-restrictive-means standards.
- Previously approved beard accommodations will be reexamined within 90 days, implementation plans are due to personnel and readiness within 30 days, and troops denied accommodation may voluntarily separate; the memo first surfaced on r/Army and was later confirmed by the Pentagon.