Posted on 04/01/2016 5:43:35 PM PDT by 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.
(Excerpt) Read more at townhall.com ...
Bronze star awarded.
Sadly we have gone to damn far with ass Obama. The COED BCT was too much. However, the fags and lesbians have to go and the Supreme Court will be changed, This military is a joke. Why are so many killing themselves as we Viet Vets, the Korean war Vets and WWII vets did not? What is the excuse? I say it is this BS.
Sikhs have honor and are warriors. I have little problem with this.
Good, he can keep an eye on the Muslims.
Agreed. The uniform should be uniform to everyone. It stands for something important.
True, but it opens the door for muslim scum.
The Army has never had trouble getting dentists or MD’s as they get their loans paid off very fast. This Sikh had best learn to assimilate in America as the military is America. I am damn tired of Obama wrecking the military. You come here you speak our language and learn OUR ways. Leave your traditions in your damn country you are now in OURS.
http://www.goarmy.com/amedd/dentist/benefits.html
My uncle, who was in the Indian Army, said he had no problem with that while was engaged in jungle warfare. He said he put some Vaseline in his beard, which kept the ticks away, and it sealed every single time."
If you have ever been through the "Gas Chamber" (with CS) you will remember that you have to get your mask on RIGHT NOW! Then you need to clear it. Wearing Vaseline packed into your beard all day & night is not a solution. There is no time to apply it just after you realize you've been gassed.
CS & an improperly fitting/functioning gas mask can kill you when you drown in your own mucous. Sarin, chlorine, VX, VG, etc are, of course, much worse, though some require full body suits.
Nothing new. The Army has been going back and forth on this very issue since the 70’s.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.