Army lets Sikh keep turban and beard, but what about the dagger?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jo Jerome on October 29, 2009 at 3:06pm

Don't think the army would have a problem with someone carrying a knife. Even a ceremonial one.

And even the turban and hair, in the guy's role as doctor I don't see a problem. But they'd damn well better allow any army doctor in who wants to grow his hair long and sport a full beard.

Permalink Reply by Stewart Thurston on November 2, 2009 at 8:25pm

I think the exception was made only because the army invested a significant sum on his education. I strongly doubt that any Sikh off the street that enlists would be given the same exemption. And I don't see the military changing the standards of appearance for just any one.
I also wonder how this guy is going to "fit in" to the current christian evangelical climate that seems to be pervasive in the US military these days.