Help to Fully Accept Sikhs in the US Military

"The message of the Sikh faith, although peaceful, has a strong theme of justice and upholding human rights running through it." My dear friend's cousin, Major Kamaljit Khalsi, will be going in front of congress to fight for Sikhs Service in the US Military. We need 100,000 signatures but are only at 5700. Please sign the petition and please share with your friends and family to help everyone. This isn't only for Sikhs but anyone from different faiths that look to join and serve their country."

To:

We, the undersigned individuals, respectfully call on your Administration to give devout Sikh Americans an equal opportunity to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Sikh community has been an integral part of the American fabric for over a century and made numerous contributions to the progress and prosperity of our society, including a proud tradition of military service dating back to World War I. Unfortunately, the U.S. military effectively banned devout Sikh soldiers from serving in the 1980s and continues to severely limit their ability to do so.

As you are aware, the U.S. Army recently made limited progress by granting three Sikh soldiers the opportunity to serve while wearing turbans and maintaining unshorn hair and beards in accordance with their religion. Two of these patriotic Americans have served in Afghanistan. One received a Bronze Star Medal for his service, and another earned a NATO Commendation Medal.

America’s allies, including Great Britain, Canada, and India, presumptively allow Sikhs to serve in their militaries. By allowing devout Sikhs to serve with their articles of faith intact, America's military can project core values of pluralism and equal opportunity to the world and expand its pool of qualified soldiers. We therefore call on you to end the presumptive ban on devout Sikh soldiers in the U.S. Armed Forces so that patriotic Sikh Americans can freely serve the nation they love.

While we are at it, let’s allow Muslims to fully practice their religion, including the killing of unbelievers and the wearing of beards (how does that work with a gas mask?). Or . . . we could treat everyone the same and have them conform to uniform standards or go volunteer to help the country in another capacity.

My bigger concern would be the use of chemical protective equipment. We saw this with women. It can be difficult to get on a protective mask with a lot of hair.

Also, how does the turban work with helmets (infantry, tank drivers, pilots), and tactical operations (think patrols, wearing soft covers)?

I am not opposed to Sikhs serving, just don’t know how to match up all of the different requirements.

So now IF a Sikh wanted to serve and would follow the same rules all people in the military follow he would be allowed to serve.
That is as it should be

I did not read the entire petition that carefully.
I would not sign any petition calling for special exemptions of any kind
thanks for clarification

>> Also, how does the turban work with helmets <<

While the Sikhs in the USA all seem to wear giant turbans, I’ve seen Sikhs in SE Asia who wear what’s basically a “one-large-handkerchief” head covering.

So if the Sikhs who want to join the US Army could switch to the latter kind of head gear, then wearing helmets should present no problem.

(But maybe their ceremonial daggers could be run up against the no-concealed-weapons policy on US military bases!)

The Indian Army & the British before them have dealt with Sikh issues for many decades. They value their Sikh regiments for their fighting qualities.

Sikhs in the U.S. Army won’t bother anyone. They are not muzzies. As for problems with helmets & NBC gear, again, ask the Indians.

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