I have no proplem with the turbans,the beards I am not sure of and thats because of the gasmasks
Were they part of the regular British Army [as distinct from Commonwealth Forces] and were they British citizens?
I know they have a nice history except Indira Ghandi’s murder where they were traitors.
but the Brits allowed a lot of indigs to wear tribal gear because they were colonial and had to deal with that reality.
this guy is an American on American soil, if his custom is more important than the US military then he should find something else to do
what’s next?
all southerners (a huge chunk of combat guys) get to wear butternut grey and plumed felt hats or slouch caps...it’s a tradition ya know?
/s
however given where we are headed here all this may seem quaint in a generation or so
As of 2005, there are about 230 Hindus, 220 Buddhists, 90 Sikhs and 305 Muslims in the British Armed forces and the appointment of non-Christian chaplains would ‘boost non-Christian recruitment’ and enable British Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims and Buddhists to find a home in the UK Armed forces, an official said.
IMO The United States Armed Forces would be well advised to make an exception for Sikhs. Let them wear their turbans and beards and carry their kirpan. Like the Gurkhas and the Maori, there are no finer soldiers on this planet than the Sikhs.
Have a read about this battle: 21 Sikhs against 12,000 muslims at the Battle Of Saragarhi. Fought to the last man and died in battle rather than surrender, just like the Greeks at Thermopylae.
Rules are for the guidance of the wise and the obedience of fools: in this case, the rules should be bent.