At what level may commanders authorize religious accommodations for the wear of a hijab, beard, and turban?

Commanders at the brigade level are designated with the authority to authorize religious accommodations for their personnel, such as the wearing of a hijab, beard, or turban. This level of command is appropriate because it allows for a balance between the operational needs of the unit and the individual rights of service members to practice their religious beliefs.

At the brigade level, commanders have a comprehensive understanding of their unit’s mission as well as the capabilities and units under their command, enabling them to make informed decisions that consider both operational effectiveness and the personal beliefs of their soldiers. This responsibility includes ensuring that any accommodations do not negatively impact unit cohesion or readiness, which are critical for maintaining effective military operations.

Other command levels may not have the same breadth of authority or understanding of the operational context necessary to make such decisions. The division, company, and battalion levels all play essential roles but typically do not have the same level of oversight and authority regarding religious accommodation policies as the brigade commander does.