Source: The Washington Post

On December 21, 1998, the Washington Post published an article entitled, "Military, Muslim Life Meld on U.S. Bases." The article noted the increased recognition and visibility of Islam in the Armed Forces, including "appointing three Muslim chaplains, beginning with the Army in 1993; drafting about a dozen others into chaplain training programs; offering pork-free field rations; allowing Muslims to leave duty stations to attend prayers on Friday ... ; facilitating travel to Mecca for Muslim personnel making the hajj, or pilgrimage, to that holy city; and according Islamic symbols parity with those of other religions."