I haven’t seen this personally but I honestly don’t know why people (especially retirees) have such a problem with this.
I know the military is different but Freedom of Religion is protected under the First Amendment. These are some of the questions that should be asked about these people:
Are they loyal to the USAF and the USA?
Are they hard workers?
Are they doing the job to the best of their ability?
If the answers are yes, then I don’t have a problem with them wearing turbans or having beards.
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Also, beards DO NOT affect the seal on a gas mask or O2 mask....