3 Sikh soldiers file lawsuit to keep beards, turbans

I guess I am in the minority on this, but there is no rational argument against letting these patriotic men serve their country while maintaining their ancient religious traditions. What nobody seems to realize is that Sikhs have served for hundreds of years in the Indian Army, both the old colonial British Indian Army and the independent modern Indian Army. Because many families from the old British Empire immigrated to the UK proper, the British Forces have a disproportionate number of Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims in their ranks. And guess what? Accommodations for their religious needs have not impeded order & discipline, readiness, morale, or combat ability. This includes the laughably false "gas mask" issue. The British and Indian armies use modern gas masks comparable to ours--no problem for their bearded servicemen. Many other militaries in the British Commonwealth (the former Empire) also provide accommodations for soldiers whose roots are Indian. Look up the current Canadian Defense Minister. A Sikh, w/ full beard and turban, who served as BN commander in Afghanistan. Didn't seem to faze his troops. And, finally, keep in mind that many of our NATO allies allow their troops to have beards.

The real issue--which is understandable--is that we, as Americans, are simply not used to seeing very many Sikhs. They are a tiny minority in our country and there is no direct historical link between the USA and Indian Sikhs the same way there is between the UK and Indian Sikhs. So, the idea of Sikh w/ beard and turban in uniform appears "strange" to us. Understandable. The Sikh in the US Forces and British Forces I've met wouldn't begrudge any GI for feeling that way. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't serve just because we, the majority, are ignorant of their tradition.

I fully realize that there is the potential for a "slippery slope" in which anyone can claim a religious exemption to dress and appearance regs. There are a number of buffers to this, however. There is no obligation--believe it or not--for religious Jews or Muslims to grow beards. Some National Guard units have allowed Jewish or Muslim chaplains to grow beards and guess what . . . who cares? There was a very moving picture right after 9/11 of a NY Army National Guard rabbi (chaplain) performing services over the carnage--in full BDUs but with a long grey beard.

But the vast majority of soldiers--of any faith--have no obligation to challenge grooming regs. It just might do us some good to realize those regs were not set in stone on Mt. Sinai. The obvious example being our CIvil War generals . . . they make Sikhs look like a random Private or Airman who forgot to shave!

Here is the Simple answer. Bring. The. Beards. Back. For. Everyone.

How many times do we need this? There is a precedent. There is a policy. Follow the regulations.