Sikh To Keep Beard, Turban, Uncut Hair
The U.S Army has granted a member of a religious minority permission to keep his turban, beard and uncut hair while he serves in the military, the Pentagon and a group representing him said.
Capt. Kamaljit Singh Kalsi, a doctor, is a Sikh, a faith that calls on its adherents not to shave or cut their hair.
Kalsi filed a request in the spring for an accommodation to follow the principles of his religion. This month the Army granted his request, the Sikh Coalition told CNN. The Pentagon public affairs office later confirmed that Kalsi would be allowed to keep his turban, beard and uncut hair.
The civil rights group hailed the move as "a major step toward ending a 23-year-old policy that excludes Sikhs from service."
Maj. Gen. Gina Farrisee said in the letter that Kalsi's "beard, uncut hair, and turban will be neat and well maintained at all times."
She said her ruling applies only to Kalsi's case, and is not a change of Army policy.
"This accommodation is based solely on the facts and circumstances of your case," the letter said. "This accommodation does not constitute a blanket accommodation for any other individual."
Kalsi is not the only Sikh asking permission to keep his hair, beard and turban while serving in the Army. Capt. Tejdeep Singh Rattan, a dentist, applied at the same time as Kalsi. His case has been deferred until he receives the results of his dental board examinations, the Sikh Coalition told CNN. –For rest of the story see CNN
As we begin to relax our values and rules, more and more people and groups will seek exceptions from basic standards we as a nation have always valued. This is already taking place in the civilian population … now it’s beginning in the armed forces.
I don’t mind anyone practicing their religious faith. Many American’s serve in the armed forces with strong religious convictions, but when it comes to basic rules and standards each conform and this practice should never be compromised regardless of religious affiliation.
The armed forces have a look and style that is unquestionably identifiable. Allowing some to march to a different drummer is unacceptable. The armed forces are a united front and there is no question in anyone’s mind as to who is or is not the enemy.
If by chance the armed forces were to patrol our streets and there appeared some dressed differently I would be less likely to trust them or want to follow their instructions. Therefore, compromising values and rules, particularly in the armed forces, is a bad idea and should not be under consideration at any time.
As for Capt. Kamaljit Singh Kalsi, I admire his desire to practice his faith, as well as his desire to serve our country. But to seek special treatment to not conform to a dress code that is all American, is in my mind, unacceptable.
The U.S Army has granted a member of a religious minority permission to keep his turban, beard and uncut hair while he serves in the military, the Pentagon and a group representing him said.
Capt. Kamaljit Singh Kalsi, a doctor, is a Sikh, a faith that calls on its adherents not to shave or cut their hair.
Kalsi filed a request in the spring for an accommodation to follow the principles of his religion. This month the Army granted his request, the Sikh Coalition told CNN. The Pentagon public affairs office later confirmed that Kalsi would be allowed to keep his turban, beard and uncut hair.
The civil rights group hailed the move as "a major step toward ending a 23-year-old policy that excludes Sikhs from service."
Maj. Gen. Gina Farrisee said in the letter that Kalsi's "beard, uncut hair, and turban will be neat and well maintained at all times."
She said her ruling applies only to Kalsi's case, and is not a change of Army policy.
"This accommodation is based solely on the facts and circumstances of your case," the letter said. "This accommodation does not constitute a blanket accommodation for any other individual."
Kalsi is not the only Sikh asking permission to keep his hair, beard and turban while serving in the Army. Capt. Tejdeep Singh Rattan, a dentist, applied at the same time as Kalsi. His case has been deferred until he receives the results of his dental board examinations, the Sikh Coalition told CNN. –For rest of the story see CNN
As we begin to relax our values and rules, more and more people and groups will seek exceptions from basic standards we as a nation have always valued. This is already taking place in the civilian population … now it’s beginning in the armed forces.
I don’t mind anyone practicing their religious faith. Many American’s serve in the armed forces with strong religious convictions, but when it comes to basic rules and standards each conform and this practice should never be compromised regardless of religious affiliation.
The armed forces have a look and style that is unquestionably identifiable. Allowing some to march to a different drummer is unacceptable. The armed forces are a united front and there is no question in anyone’s mind as to who is or is not the enemy.
If by chance the armed forces were to patrol our streets and there appeared some dressed differently I would be less likely to trust them or want to follow their instructions. Therefore, compromising values and rules, particularly in the armed forces, is a bad idea and should not be under consideration at any time.
As for Capt. Kamaljit Singh Kalsi, I admire his desire to practice his faith, as well as his desire to serve our country. But to seek special treatment to not conform to a dress code that is all American, is in my mind, unacceptable.
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