Sikh U.S. Army captain allowed to wear beard, turban in uniform

[Kurr]

Sikh U.S. Army captain allowed to wear beard, turban in uniform


A Sikh U.S. Army captain has been granted a long-term religious accommodation to wear a beard, turban and uncut hair in uniform

 

[BehindBlueI's]

Even as his court case was pending, Singh passed a routine gas mask test with his unit. In barring the extensive testing, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell said it made little sense since 100,000 soldiers had been allowed beards for medical reasons.

Yeah. "Shaving bump" profiles were a thing even when I was in. Either you can serve with a beard or you can't. If you can, then anyone should be allowed one. If you can't, then you aren't fit for active duty if you can't shave.

This is, frankly, one of the issues with military standards. They often have little bonafide requirement behind them...and if they do they are ignored when convenient.

 

[usafmora]

Beard yes Turban NOPE. I'm not in any more but still is not right. Cap on Airman was what we were always told.

 

[chezuki]

 

[indyjohn]

This is who they are referring to since the op link didn't provide a pic.

I don't have a say in this but in WW II the Sikhs contributed (with honor) to the Allied effort: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Army_during_World_War_II

 

[Who Dares Wins]

India is on our side and has been for a long time. The Bangalore Torpedo's and Dum-Dum soft point bullets came from India and they fought well in WWII. If someone is willing to serve their country, then I say they can be allowed some slack for their faith. I also think that beards should be allowed for all, if people want to wear them, but keep them tidy.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

This is who they are referring to since the op link didn't provide a pic.

I don't have a say in this but in WW II the Sikhs contributed (with honor) to the Allied effort: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Army_during_World_War_II

I gotta admit, the turban looks cooler than the c-cap we wore with dress greens.

 

[indyjohn]

I gotta admit, the turban looks cooler than the c-cap we wore with dress greens.

You know they had to make an effort to get the turban in UCP. Because NOBODY likes the UCP.

 

[BogWalker]

As long as it doesn't effect his ability to act in combat I don't mind. I was wondering about the gas mask thing myself, but if he passed he passed. Don't see any problem with having a turban in place of any other hat, and I think it looks pretty darn cool in camo.

 

[Dosproduction]

This is a hard one. I think it is unfair to treat people differently based on religion. So if im Christian I can not have a beard but if I was Sikh I can. Not very fair. Im going to join the pastafarians and wear a noodle strainer on my head. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Spaghetti_Monster Cant have double standards so I should be good to go with my colander head gear.

 

[DRob]

If that camo turban catches on, look for them at the next 1500!

 

[indyjohn]

If that camo turban catches on, look for them at the next 1500!

I will have them for sale!

 

[Hellhound1055]

As long as it doesn't impede combat and other routines, then I see no issue with it personally. As the Sikhs have shown their capability both in combat and as allies then I further support it.

 

[BogWalker]

If that camo turban catches on, look for them at the next 1500!

Will go great with the latest model tactikilt.

 

[iChokePeople]

I've served with some really outstanding soldiers who were Sikhs. Let them wear turbans and beards and ceremonial daggers. I have no complaints about them.

 

[Spear Dane]

That man has a Ranger Tab. He can wear whatever the hell he wants on his head. The camo turban is pretty cool too.

 

[Dead Duck]

Whatever...

 

[17 squirrel]

That man has a Ranger Tab. He can wear whatever the hell he wants on his head. The camo turban is pretty cool too.

Geesh.. ranger tabby pffffsh...... It's not like he's a Marine...

 

[Kutnupe14]

Whatever...

Problem? Lol
My personal opinion, is that he shouldn't be allowed to have his turban. Military uniforms should be standardized, unless accommodations are made for health reasons. This guy is, as remote as it sounds, a liability to other soldiers. If I'm in a battle and need artillery support, I don't want a delay because the radio guy who is wearing a turban rather than a helmet got killed when a stray piece of shrapnel got lodged in his head. And we are going to go down that route and allow it, then there should be restrictions on where such persons can serve.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

Problem? Lol
My personal opinion, is that he shouldn't be allowed to have his turban. Military uniforms should be standardized, unless accommodations are made for health reasons. This guy is, as remote as it sounds, a liability to other soldiers. If I'm in a battle and need artillery support, I don't want a delay because the radio guy who is wearing a turban rather than a helmet got killed when a stray piece of shrapnel got lodged in his head. And we are going to go down that route and allow it, then there should be restrictions on where such persons can serve.

...psst, soldiers don't always wear helmets. Soft caps in garrison is the norm. Lots of guys, including me, wore some sort of cloth item under the helmet because the GI suspension system sucks butt and caused headaches if you didn't. I used one of these:

The accommodation for Singh, a West Point graduate and Army Ranger, was granted only after he sued to prevent the service from requiring him to undergo extensive testing to ensure that his beard and hair did not interfere with his helmet or gas mask.