Robert Spencer: 14-year old girl’s scarf might undermine the U.S. Army’s “singleness of purpose”

by Sheila Musaji

Robert Spencer sees a new Junior ROTC uniform policy as another sinister incidence of creeping Sharia.  His emotional article on this development focuses primarily on attacking CAIR because they seem to be the organization that raised the issue, but he does include this one paragraph giving his reasons for objecting to the decision:

The whole idea of a uniform is to convey a sense of singleness of purpose, both to those within the organization and to those who encounter members of it. So if one group is allowed variations on the uniform, all other groups should be allowed them as well, and the very purpose of a uniform is destroyed. Hijabs and turbans in the JROTC will create a sense that the wearer has another allegiance and a different purpose from those of the rest of the outfit, rather than being dedicated primarily to the organization’s mission and goals.

Now, here is a straightforward factual account of this development

The Department of Defense has agreed to change its Army Junior ROTC uniform policy to permit Cadets to request to wear religious head coverings, such as the Sikh turban or Muslim hijab. The policy change comes after a 14-year old high school student in Tennessee was forced to transfer out of her JROTC class because her commanding officers refused to allow her to wear her hijab while marching in the September homecoming parade.

Actually, while a Muslim organization may be the one who raised the issue this time regarding hijab, it is not a new issue .  A DOD memo on Accommodation of Religious Practices Within the Military Services includes this statement: In accordance with section 774 of Reference (c), members of the Military Services may wear items of religious apparel while in uniform, except where the items would interfere with the performance of military duties or the item is not neat and conservative. The Military Departments shall prescribe regulations on the wear of such items.

Wearing of religiously mandated clothing even in the actual Army, not just a JUNIOR ROTC is allowed unless those items of clothing interfere with such things as shooting your weapon, etc.

Orthodox Jews can wear http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_7827558_wear-kippah-army-uniform.html ]a kippah[/url] when in Army uniform.  Sikhs are allowed to wear their turbans.  Muslims can wear skull caps or hijabs. 

Insisting that a 14-year old girl being allowed to wear a scarf on her head is a topic that requires noting on “Jihad Watch” as something that will destroy the U.S. Army’s “singleness of purpose”, and that the wearing of said scarf is a sign that the wearer has “a different allegiance or purpose” than the rest of their group is bigoted! 

Here is the purpose of the JROTC from their website

— To appreciate the ethical values and principles that underlie good citizenship. — To develop leadership potential, while living and working cooperatively with others. — To be able to think logically and to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing. — To appreciate the importance of physical fitness in maintaining good health. — To understand the importance of high school graduation for a successful future, and learn about college and other advanced educational and employment opportunities. — To develop mental management abilities. — To become familiar with military history as it relates to America’s culture, and understand the history, purpose, and structure of military services. — To develop the skills necessary to work effectively as a member of a team.

And, here is the JROTC Cadet Creed that this 14-year old girl agreed to when she joined

I am an Army Junior ROTC Cadet.
I will always conduct myself to bring credit to my family, country, school and the Corps of Cadets.
I am loyal and patriotic.
I am the future of the United States of America.
I do not lie, cheat or steal and will always be accountable for my actions and deeds.
I will always practice good citizenship and patriotism.
I will work hard to improve my mind and strengthen my body.
I will seek the mantle of leadership and stand prepared to uphold the Constitution and the American way of life.

May God grant me the strength to always live by this creed.

That sounds like the sort of genuine patriotism that ought to be encouraged, and wearing a scarf, turban, kippah, or whatever on your head is not likely to undermine those principles.  Respecting the rights of those who whose religion requires such items of clothing can only enhance those principles.