So go serve in the Indian army, Swami. We ain't here to conform to the cultural standards you left behind. Now just do us a favor and......
Posted on 06/14/2009 8:44:05 PM PDT by Dr. Marten
NEW YORK — Military service is in Capt. Kamaljit Singh Kalsi's blood.
His father and grandfather were part of India's Air Force. His great-grandfather served in the army in India under the British. So when U.S. Army recruiters talked to him during his first year of medical school, he readily signed up.
But his plans to go on active duty in July are now on hold. An Army policy from the 1980s that regulates the wearing of religious items would mean he would need to shave his beard and remove the turban he wears in accordance with his religious precepts.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
I saw a show where a Sikh US Customs officer was permitted to wear his turban and beard.
No exceptions. Can’t meet the existing requirements, don’t ask for special treatment.
The reason is SIMPLE why he has to shave and take off the turban - let’s see him do both in SIX SECONDS while he donns his protective mask in the event of a chemical attack.
End of story.
How the Hell did he become a Cpt with a beard? Must be a REMF.
So as a male I am required to keep my hair short for some practical purpose that does not apply to female Soldiers?
Probably can’t don-and-clear within 9 seconds either. :-)
But females have their own standards, so it is intellectually dishonest to claim that the male standards are not at least in part arbitrary.
Last I heard, women were not expected to be the tip of the spear.
Don't get me wrong. I have a pony-tail myself, now that I'm not an NCO. But if I had to be boots and saddles tomorrow morning... it would go away.
/johnny
An Army policy from the 1980s that regulates the wearing of religious items would mean he would need to shave his beard and remove the turban he wears in accordance with his religious precepts.
So go serve in the Indian army, Swami. We ain't here to conform to the cultural standards you left behind. Now just do us a favor and......
“The idea that he would have to choose between his country and his faith is hard for Rattan. “I’m offering my life, but I’m not willing to sacrifice my religious beliefs,” he said.”
His life? He is a dental surgeon.
I'd turn that upside down and say that allowing females in the military and relaxing the standards for them is arbitrary and intellectually dishonest.
Short hair and no beard makes lots of sense for a warrior in many ways. No hair to grab for grappling, don and clear a mask quicker, easier and faster personal hygiene, uniformity and esprit d'corp.
/johnny
An Army policy from the 1980s that regulates the wearing of religious items would mean he would need to “shave his beard and remove the turban he wears in accordance with his religious precepts.”......................................... LOL!! The beard and Turbin has nothing to do with the Army regulation about religious articles. If he wants the Beard and Turbin let him have it. See what happens when the first Gas attack occurs and he has to put the mask on.
Go be unique somewhere else. If they give into this guy, then it opens the door to any number of special requirements. Soldiers will start demanding to wear dreadlocks or a bathrobe on duty.
Start granting exceptions to one group and there will be a long line of other groups wanting special treatment based on their beliefs and customs.
It’s silly to discuss this man’s request as if it will be the only one.
LoL... exactly.. short to the point no waste of words..
LoL... exactly.. short to the point no waste of words..
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