I wouldn't want to be sleeping next to one in a mangy field if I were in the military.
Like Elvis Presley, they need to get a BUZZ haircut, and shape up and get in UNIFORM.
I support this, Sikh’s have proven themselves over and over as great soldiers.
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.
Want to serve? Then here are the rules, no exceptions. That includes accepting and adhering to the grooming standards of the service you are joining.
Had a bunch of Sikhs in uniform up at Fort Lewis circa 1970.
Sure, lose the hair and all the other non regulation nonsense and head to basic training.
Oh, we had don’t ask, don’t tell. Now lets just have don’t look, don’t see anything. Yes! Yea! Yea! That will work.
The Sikhs have been pushing the special rights/racism routine in our military for decades now, Reagan handled them, but weaker presidents buckle.
The American military suffers more blows from the usual suspects.
No. While all sorts of devout folks serve, none require special treatment.
Be devout but be part of the team. My Christian faith was never an issue, as my performance of my craft was what defined my service over some 22 years. Fellow Soldiers knew who I was by both my actions and my conversation, but I did not expect to be able to be treated any differently than the atheist or agnostic etc I fought alongside.
My heritage was secure in my own mind and heart, not in some external display.
We would not let a Ghurka wear his Kukri either....
Sikhs bombed Air India 182 killing 329 people, 268 of them Canadians.
Watch this video: Sikh Extremists in Canada
The bottom line is that Sikhs make superb soldiers in every army they belong to. Being a soldier is highly respected among Sikhs, and they are intensely loyal. Those who are not soldiers tend to be middle class entrepreneurs and professionals.
The formerly British, now Indian Sikh Regiment is one of the most highly decorated regiments in the world.
Sikhs fought in World War I and II.
Because of prejudice against them they were forced out of the US military in the 1980s, over demands that they shave and not wear their olive-drab turbans, and they were very unhappy about this discrimination. When the rules were changed to permit their return they celebrated, and the first Sikh graduate of a US military school was held up as a semi-hero and role model.
From my own experience, every Sikh soldier I’ve met was disciplined, their uniform was perfect, their attitude good, they were capable in their duties, and they were motivated to be good soldiers.
The Army can develop a standard for uniform to accommodate the Sikhs allowing for beard and hair as well as other items like I guess a turban. The Sikhs are true warriors and I would have had no problem fighting beside them when I was a soldier.
Nah, they always call in Sikh!
Can Christians wear crosses and have Bibles on the desks? Its part of their religion also right?