Sikh gets rare permission to wear turban, beard in US Army

Oct 24, 2009, 15:11 GMT

Washington - The US Army on Friday granted a Sikh permission to serve on active duty while wearing a turban, long hair and beard in a rare exception allowing him to display his religious faith.

Captain Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi, who had trained as an Army doctor, would become the first Sikh in more than 23 years to receive the exception, the New York-based Sikh coalition said.

Kalsi successfully appealed an order he received earlier this year to cut his hair and remove his turban before showing up for active duty.

The Army prohibits soldiers or officers from displaying religious symbols while on duty, but allows soldiers to seek waivers on a case- by-case basis, Lieutenant Colonel George Wright, an Army spokesman, said.

The rules enacted in the 1980s are in place to maintain cohesion and discipline within the ranks as part of the dress code. Kalsi's waiver can, however, be revoked if he is transferred to a new assignment or deployed overseas, Wright said.

In a letter provided by the Sikh Coalition, Army Major General Gina Farrisee told Kalsi his beard and hair must be kept 'neat and well maintained at all times.'

Kalsi studied medicine in the Army for eight years before being summoned for active duty.

'I am overjoyed by the Army's decision to allow me to serve my country,' Captain Kalsi said in a statement. 'Like the many Sikhs who fought before me, I know I will serve America with honor and excellence.'

The Sikh Coalition welcomed the decision in Kalsi's case but called on the Army to revise its policies that prevent many other Sikhs from serving.

'We look forward to the day when the Army finally welcomes the service of all Sikhs, not just Captain Kalsi,' the coalition said.