Hi,
I was reading through the AP’s and i couldn’t find anything on the wearing of religious symbols, such as a christain cross around the neck. Does anyone know the rules regarding the wearing of these symbols? If so could you please tell me and make sure that you refence it.
Thanks
Mmmm. I seem to remember there was some controversy over this in the news not so long ago involving a WRAF wearing a cross.
Not sure on policy but if in doubt give Sgt Badger a call at HQAC.
Certain things are permitted on religious grounds but that has generally been taken (in court cases) as being a situation where the religious faith of an individual REQUIRES them to wear certain hair, clothing or jewellery. Examples would be muslim/sikh beards, the 5 Ks for a Sikhs and so on.
The christian faith does not REQUIRE its adherents to wear any symbology so it is a different situation. People may not choose to deviate from the organisation’s dress policy simply because they want to show their affiliation to a certain organisation: that would apply to a cross, a noodle strainer, a rainbow flag badge, a “Cthulhu Fthagn” wrist band and so on.
Does this mean that you can wear them?
I can’t quote RAF rules for obvious reasons, but the cross is a bit of a grey area. As mentioned earlier it is not a requirement of the religion that it be worn so there is no automatic right to wear it. As such it counts as jewellery.
Are you for or against?
It would just count as jewellery to the rules of jewellery will apply. Paras 0152-0154
Note the phrase (my bold):
“the wearing of watch-chains and trinkets in such a manner as to be seen is not permitted when wearing uniform.”
That would come under “Wearing of Trinkets & Jewellery”.
In simple terms, no; It means specifically that you can’t.
[quote]
0152. Males.[color=#ff0000] In the case of male personnel, the wearing of watch-chains and trinkets in such a manner as to be seen is not permitted when wearing uniform.[/color]
The wearing of a wedding ring and/or one other plain signet or precious metal ring is permitted. A watch of inconspicuous style may also be worn. Thumb rings and tie pins are not permitted. Earrings are not to be worn.
0153. Females.[color=#ff0000] The prohibition in Para 0152 is equally applied to female personnel who are similarly forbidden to wear jewellery when in uniform.[/color] They may, however wear a wedding and/or engagement ring plus one other plain metal ring. Thumb rings are not permitted. A watch of inconspicuous style may also be worn. Additionally, if ears are pierced, one small, unobtrusive plain yellow gold spherical stud earring may be worn in each ear love at all times except when on parade.[/quote]
The only exception to the above given is that Sikh personnel may wear a Kara (a steel bracelet).
If a Christian chooses to wear a cross necklace which is not visible (for example with shirt and tie) that’s fine.
The moment it can be seen it is not permitted.
Edit - Once again I start a reply, get called away, and by the time I come back to finish I’ve been beaten to it 
Does inconspicuous include the massive “diver” / “pilot” watches many people who would never go swimming or get on plane other than for a holiday, seem to have a passion for? Some of these have faces that are larger than the wrist of the wearer and are that thick they’d make a good ‘wedge’ for a wobbly table.
[quote=“wdimagineer2b” post=23837]
If a Christian chooses to wear a cross necklace which is not visible (for example with shirt and tie) that’s fine.
The moment it can be seen it is not permitted.[/quote]
^^^That
as simple and straight forward as it comes is the short and sweet answer
this is something the Cadets get confused over
Me: Bloggs…i can see your necklace
Bloggs: buts its religious sir
Me:…your point? I am not asking you to take it off…just for it not to be seen
9/10 they then remove it knowing it can’t be worn in a manner where it cannot be seen.
Indeed. There’s a difference between something which is a ‘requirement’ of a religion, and merely wishing to show your affiliation to one.
Does inconspicuous include the massive “diver” / “pilot” watches…?[/quote]
Personally, I’d say no.
What I always say is “If it’s big and obvious and I notice it straight away, it’s not inconspicuous is it?”
Ia! Ia! May his loathsome, rubbery, sanity-draining bulk rise from the depths to consume certain bits of Lincolnshire (and bits of Glamorgan while he’s at it and if it’s not too much trouble)! Ia! Ia! Cthulhu Ftaghn!
Does anyone need a Cthonic Padre…?
Does inconspicuous include the massive “diver” / “pilot” watches…?[/quote]
Personally, I’d say no.
What I always say is “If it’s big and obvious and I notice it straight away, it’s not inconspicuous is it?”[/quote]
Whoa whoa whoa. Lets not diss the watches. I love My Suunto Core. Been everywhere with it.
Miles better than Naff G shocks.
Off topic but did anyone else see the medic awarded for something (cant remember what), wearing a bright red g shock?
Does inconspicuous include the massive “diver” / “pilot” watches…?[/quote]
Personally, I’d say no.
What I always say is “If it’s big and obvious and I notice it straight away, it’s not inconspicuous is it?”[/quote]
Whoa whoa whoa. Lets not diss the watches. I love My Suunto Core. Been everywhere with it.
Miles better than Naff G shocks.
Off topic but did anyone else see the medic awarded for something (cant remember what), wearing a bright red g shock?[/quote]
See I’d read the regs as no, then I look at what the regulars wear day to day and think, why the F do I bother! Best thing about the dress regs, no matter how much we ignore them we still seem to abide by them more than your average airman!
Does inconspicuous include the massive “diver” / “pilot” watches…?[/quote]
Personally, I’d say no.
What I always say is “If it’s big and obvious and I notice it straight away, it’s not inconspicuous is it?”[/quote]
Whoa whoa whoa. Lets not diss the watches. I love My Suunto Core. Been everywhere with it.
Miles better than Naff G shocks.
Off topic but did anyone else see the medic awarded for something (cant remember what), wearing a bright red g shock?[/quote]
See I’d read the regs as no, then I look at what the regulars wear day to day and think, why the F do I bother! Best thing about the dress regs, no matter how much we ignore them we still seem to abide by them more than your average airman![/quote]
While I agree on the bright red g shock. But a good functioning watch is a must. Maybe not for you RAF lot while your Checking in, but the rest of us have to Dig in. My Suunto has saved my bacon a few times in numerous environments.
Function over Aesthetics any day.
Hmmm, a good functioning watch needed to Dig in… You’re doing it wrong!
I suppose that the depth meter can tell you how far down your scrape hole has gone? :-p
I think that in GW1, one of the best watches was a $5 Casio (or copy), set for an hourly(?) alarm to remind crews to change the IFF codes. Some crews wore them inside their bone domes to ensure audibility.
Maybe you’re simply under-qualified for the RAF?
Did you use the dial to flash the bright sun into Johnny Taliban’s face and spoil his aim? Or did you use it solely to ensure you weren’t late to the cookhouse? :evil: :evil:
The depth function only works when the watch is underwater, otherwise its a very useful altimeter.
Cookhouse? Disgusting.
Not quite as extreme as blinding terry, although if you threw it… now that could be a useful projectile…However it did help me out of sticky situations, white outs and the like. And came in awfully handy for micro navving in the Jungle.
We cant all keep our left hand on the fence for navigation you know
Jungle?
Ugh! Don’t like the jungle. More to the point, I don’t like what’s [I]in[/I] it…
Last time I put my hand on a fence, I found the fecking thing was electrified. Made me jump, I can tell you.
Won’t somebody please think of the topic???
Sorry pEp. Back on topic.
As I was saying, this fence was clearly religious, y’see. It was very holy. Geddit? holy as in ‘lots of holes’. :lol:
I’ll get me coat…