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.
>> 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.