In Brief
A Muslim Air Force airman sought to keep a beard on religious grounds, but Air Force authorities rejected his application citing policy requirements for uniformity and discipline. After he was found sporting a beard, he was ordered to shave or face discharge. The Supreme Court upheld his discharge, holding that Regulation 425(b) permits beards only where religion strictly prohibits shaving—mere desirability does not suffice. The Court found no mandatory Islamic prohibition on shaving. Policies are clarificatory and cannot override regulations; they can be modified to serve Force discipline and national security. Military cohesion and identity maintenance outweigh individual claims based on varying religious interpretations.
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