I don’t see the problem, this has been done before for several Sikhs and even a Muslim or two. The gas mask issue, while a real concern, hasn’t been one for some time now. In my 30 months in Iraq, my pro-mask sat in the bottom of my duffle, never to be seen.
While appearance may be an issue, I think the military these days worries too much about what looks right, as opposed to doing what is right.
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?
Appearance and not standing out is often what saves your ass in combat. We damn sure don’t need a bunch of folks wearing different hats, facial hair etc, going out on combat patrol. That crap can get you killed. Hell Sikh’s are not Gurkha’s.