Sikh Guy Sports Beard and Turban in US Army

[Zundfolge]

So with the logic I have seen from above, everyone is fine with a muslim woman wearing a full burka while showing up for formation in the morning. I suspect not, but my point is as soon as you allow this guy to do his own thing, where does the line get drawn?

I don't believe that Muslims should be allowed to serve in our military in any capacity since we are at war with Islam ... my position is grossly politically incorrect and will never become policy but we're in an existential battle here and until we realize that we're doomed.

I don't have a problem accommodating things like hair and beards when it comes to religion as long as it doesn't interfere with his duties nor hide his identity (so if he's a pilot and can't wear a helmet because of the turban then he needs to lose the turban, for example ... also I don't think Rastafarians should be allowed to smoke pot while in the service ... of course joining the military is a violation of Rastafarianism so there you go). I see this as the same kind of thing like putting conscientious objectors into the kitchen or clerical jobs.

[Sawin]

...

So with the logic I have seen from above, everyone is fine with a muslim woman wearing a full burka while showing up for formation in the morning. I suspect not, but my point is as soon as you allow this guy to do his own thing, where does the line get drawn?

I see your point. I hope that any one-off exceptions (religious or not) are on a personal basis only, granted only after extended service (did it not say Singh has served for almost a decade?) that have proven the valor and honor of each exception. That seems to have been the case here.

[KAPA]

I don't have a problem accommodating things like hair and beards when it comes to religion as long as it doesn't interfere with his duties nor hide his identity.

That is the thing there... I was under the impression that everyone in the military be able to don MOP gear and be trained and ready for this situation. Without a clean shave, you can't get a proper seal and in the event of an attack, you are screwed along with potentially costing others their lives too if they are relying on you. But it seems today's military values a beard more than the safety of its soldiers. And for anyone who tells me chemical weapons are no longer used or a threat, I point you to Syria and the potential for an attack domestically that could come at any time.

I just have the feeling that this ruling is not coming from the military but from higher up.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOPP

[BushMasterBoy]

At least he ain't some transgender, rainbow flag waving libtard giving away secret documents to wikileaks.

[clublights]

Say what you want but the Skih don't fuck round and this guy is not only a ten year vet .. but a decorated combat vet .. He did something to earn that Bronze Star while playing tin the sandbox of Afghanistan..

[Great-Kazoo]

Interesting responses. I always viewed the military's uniform as something that was the same for everyone - no exceptions. Not knocking the guy's religion at all, I don't care what religion we are talking about here, I just value the uniform more than someone's religious expression while on duty. Not to mention the potential safety issues that can come along with these non-standard appearances and clothing.

So with the logic I have seen from above, everyone is fine with a muslim woman wearing a full burka while showing up for formation in the morning. I suspect not, but my point is as soon as you allow this guy to do his own thing, where does the line get drawn?

It doesn't. UNLESS the person in question wants to wear a confederate flag. THEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE.

[roberth]

That is the thing there... I was under the impression that everyone in the military be able to don MOP gear and be trained and ready for this situation. Without a clean shave, you can't get a proper seal and in the event of an attack, you are screwed along with potentially costing others their lives too if they are relying on you. But it seems today's military values a beard more than the safety of its soldiers. And for anyone who tells me chemical weapons are no longer used or a threat, I point you to Syria and the potential for an attack domestically that could come at any time.

I just have the feeling that this ruling is not coming from the military but from higher up.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOPP

I understand what you're saying KAPA. Personnel uniformity and the ability to don gear that requires a facial seal means people need to be clean-shaven, these should outweigh any other considerations.

[ChadAmberg]

Not knocking the guy's religion at all, I don't care what religion we are talking about here, I just value the uniform more than someone's religious expression while on duty. Not to mention the potential safety issues that can come along with these non-standard appearances and clothing.

I value the warrior more than the uniform.

[Gman]

The Brits don't seem to get wound up about accommodating the Gurkhas.

[Doc45]

And obviously not everyone looked at the old story but the Captain wears current Army uniforms so that argument is out the window.