The United States Army requires short hair and absolute uniformity. But there is an exception that few know about.
Major Patrick Sorensen, of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, requested in 2023 something no regulation provided for: keeping his long hair and wearing sacred eagle feathers during service. It was not a whim. His hair represents spiritual growth and renewal; each of his five feathers honors a fallen comrade, woven into his faith and Indigenous heritage.
The Army approved his request, on a case-by-case basis, as the protocol requires for religious accommodations. It is not an automatic privilege because of his background: each request is evaluated individually, and in 2026 the Armed Forces ordered all previously granted exceptions to be reviewed again. Sorensen continues serving with his history visible at every formation. Because there are identities that no uniform should force anyone to hide.
