(Military.com) Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Leo Katsareas can, for the first time in his Navy career, wear a beard consistent with his religious beliefs while in uniform — at least for now.
The Navy’s personnel chief granted Katsareas, a Muslim sailor, a special grooming accommodation to grow his facial hair up to 4 inches long. Katsareas, who converted to Islam at age 16, believes his faith requires him to wear a fist-length beard.
Getting the waiver wasn’t easy, though, and it applies only to Katsareas’ current assignment as an auxiliary security force member with the aircraft carrier George Washington. Once the petty officer moves on to a new duty station, he said, the special accommodation can be overturned.
