How to Wear a Kippah in Military Uniform

Jewish kippah

A Jewish kippah, also known as a yarmulke, is a skullcap typically worn every day by Orthodox Jewish men and members of traditional and conservative Jewish sects. A kippah is made of cloth and comes in a variety of designs and colors. The Department of Defense Directive 1300.17 regarding "Accommodation of Religious Practice within the Military Services" specifically addresses how a kippah can be worn with a military uniform.

Instructions

1. Ask permission from your commander before wearing your kippah. Mission requirements differ for each commandk and these issues should be addressed with your superior before wearing a kippah with your military uniform.

2. Wear your kippah in accordance with Department of Defense Directive 1300.17, which states that a "Jewish yarmulke may be worn with the uniform whenever a military cap, hat or other headgear is not prescribed. A yarmulke may also be worn underneath military headgear as long as it does not interfere with the proper wearing, functioning, or appearance of the prescribed headgear..." For example, a yarmulke may interfere with the proper fitting of a helmet or gas mask, in which case it cannot be worn.

3. Choose a conservatively designed kippah that is not "showy in design, size, design, brightness or color," according to Department of Defense Directive 1300.17.

Tips & Warnings

• If your request to wear a kippah is denied, this decision will be reviewed at the service headquarter level within 30 days for cases within the United States and 60 days if outside the United States, according to Department of Defense Directive 1300.17.

References

• Department of Defense: Directive 1300.17 - Accommodation of Religious Practics within the Military Services