Army Approves Sikh Soldier To Serve While Wearing Turban, Beard

TownHall ^ | 4/1/2016 | Christine Rousselle

[BlackFemaleArmyColonel]

In what is fantastic news for religious liberty, the U.S. Army granted a Sikh soldier a long-term accommodation to serve in the military while wearing a beard and turban. Captain Simratpal Singh, a West Point graduate who received a Bronze Star in Afghanistan, had previously cut his hair and beard while serving, but filed a request for accommodation in October of 2015. That accommodation was granted today.

As part of the accommodation, the turbans worn have to be either black or camouflage.

Three other Sikhs are seeking a similar accommodation before beginning Basic Combat Training, but according to the Sikh Coalition, these requests have been ignored.

The government should be doing everything possible to allow for religious liberty. Captain Singh is clearly an accomplished soldier, and a beard and turban won't have a negative effect on this.

[Sooth2222]

You all thought Cpl. Klinger in M.A.S.H. was comedy, didn't you?

[PhiloBedo]

I say it’s OK only if they have enough Sikhs to form a Gurka battalion; have them in the same unit.

[ichabod1]

HE’s been shaving his face and cutting his hair for the military for 15 years so I’m sure he would take necessary precautions in special circumstances. I’m happy for the officer, but do have concerns about the nose under the tent. What the heck, if they can cross dress, why not beards, hair, and turbans?

[ichabod1]

GROOOOMIIIIINNNNN STANDARDS!

[PLMerite]

[Bulwyf]

If there’s one thing I learned in NBC training, it’s that no matter what, you’re screwed.

Despite having said that, I still say dress code applies to all.

[unlearner]

Up next: Sarge, I want to wear fuschia because green is just not my color.

[plain talk]

Exactly. One doesn’t make exceptions for one group but not another. That would be hypocitical wouldn’t it?

[Cyman]

Who cares about the turban and the beard? I care about the dagger they are required to carry

[MagUSNRET]

I think that is called San Francisco Cammo

[Vesparado]

Very good decision. Brits/Indians allowed this for a very, very long time. The issue isn't the reg per se but can a face mask be sealed. It can. A related issue is, as so many posters have noted 😏, has to do with universally famous Sikh Kirpan. Regulations should permit this, too.

[Anoreth]

” Captain Simratpal Singh, a West Point graduate who received a Bronze Star in Afghanistan.”

How many Bronze Stars do you have? Let the man wear whatever he wants at this point.

[dfwgator]

I have no problems with Sikhs.

[where's_the_Outrage?]

A bronze star is just MSM given in a combat zone.

MSMs are not given in combat zones, it is replaced by the Bronze Star. So basically if the Bronze Star does not have a “V”, it is just an MSM.

[righttackle44]

Very bad decision.

NOT a bad decision if it will get more Sikhs into our U.S. Military Forces.

Sikhs are loyal and have a tremendous amount of personal integrity due to their religious beliefs. In previous generations, Sikhs served in the British Army as military police officers because of their skill and ability to keep order among the troops.

And, they are the only individuals who have been and are allowed in the presence of the Queen while armed. (Sikhs carry a personal knife called a Kirpan on their person at all times. The Kirpan is one of five items designated as items of faith dictated by Sikhs religion.)

Finally, British military history illustrates that you want to have Sikhs fighting WITH you, and not against you.

[Peter Libra]

I understand the wearing of the turban by the Sikh people is cultural and not religious. I have been able to do some Google work here and it needs careful reviewing.

Political correctness immediately brings in a so-called defence of religion, in these cases. However in my humble opinion, it is used to deny religious practices of Christians for example.

[wardaddy]

Why?

Cause that canard they are conservative..bull shit

Only good thing about Sikhs is they fight Muslims

Guess who fights Muslims more and better?

Serbs .

You love them too?

I sure as hell do

We owe them instead of imprisoning them

[American Guesser]

This is bad. There are grooming and uniform standards for good reasons.

[Vendome]

Sikh and you shall find...

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

ROFL