(JNS.org) The Pentagon last week agreed to allow U.S. troops greater freedom to grow beards or wear religious garments such as headscarves, turbans, and yarmulkes with their military uniforms. Men and women in the military, however, still must seek special approval from their commanders to wear religious garments, and the request can still be denied. “The new policy states that military departments will accommodate religious requests of service members unless a request would have an adverse effect on military readiness, mission accomplishment, unit cohesion and good order and discipline,” Pentagon spokesman Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nathan J. Christensen said in a statement released by the U.S. Department of Defense.