For those of you who know know anything about men in the army, you know that they are to have a shaved head and face. That stipulation is something of a problem for Sikhs that may want to enroll. It is a condition of the Sikh religion to never cut hair on the head or face, and to wear a turban. Sadly because the ignorance of American people, Sikhs have been persecuted for years for appearing to look like the Al-Quada. If Americans ever took out time to learn some new information and put their white supremest notions away, they would learn that Sikhs are a peaceful people that don't advocate violence unless in self defense.
Fortunately, there are some positive signs of greater acceptance. Recently the army allowed a Sikh man, Kamaljit Singh Kalsi, to keep his turban and facial hair as long as it was kept clean. The entire article can be found HERE. This is a major step in enticing more Sikhs to the army. In the past Sikhs would have to remove their turbans and facial hair to enroll.
So, hopefully this serves as a predecessor for others who have religious based adornments, such as Jews, Hindus, etc.
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