AFPD52-2 governs Air Force policy for accommodating religious practices, including requests affecting apparel, worship, diet, and medical practices.
View AFPD52-2 on armypubs.army.mil
It addresses policy for religious expressions and accommodations, including pre-accession requests and effects on readiness, cohesion, discipline, and safety. It assigns approval and coordination authorities for accommodation requests and requires compliance with the publication.
Applies to: This publication is applicable for all uniformed members of the Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Academy, and Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets.
The Air Force will approve an individual request for accommodation unless the request would have a real (not theoretical) adverse impact on military readiness, unit cohesion, good order, discipline, or public health and safety. (paragraph 1)
Until approval of their requests, Airmen will continue to comply with directives, instructions, and lawful orders. (paragraph 1)
Commanders may impose limits on such expressions when there is a real (not theoretical) adverse impact on military readiness, unit cohesion, good order and discipline, or public health and safety for both the individual and unit levels. (paragraph 1)
An Airman's expression of sincerely held beliefs may not be used as the basis for any adverse personnel action, discrimination, or denial of promotion; and in so far as practicable, may not be used as a basis for making schooling, training, or assignment decisions. (paragraph 1)
The Air Force will allow qualified individuals intending to enter service to submit a pre-accession request for religious accommodation exception to policy for dress and personal appearance standards and receive a decision before entry. (paragraph 1)