Recently, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered a review of all military physical fitness and grooming standards with a focus on how these standards have loosened in the last decade. Periodically reviewing standards meant to keep our force strong and unified is an important part of deliberate, strategic leadership. Military decision makers must understand the real-world effect these standards have on our ability to maintain the world’s strongest, most able-bodied military force. And military leadership must be able to enforce these standards.   

Equally important — and ingrained in the very origins of American constitutional government — is the nation’s commitment to protecting the free exercise of religion, including within the Armed Forces.  

As the Department of Defense executes its review of fitness and grooming standards, military leadership can and should confidently retain separate existing DOD and service branch policies — many established during President Donald Trump’s first term — that provide a path for service members who sincerely need religious accommodations involving uniform wear and grooming for items such as beards, turbans, and yarmulkes. 

Fortunately, high standards and religious freedom in the military are not in conflict. Maintaining the most impeccable military standards and allowing tailored accommodations for sincere religious........

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