Military history of Sikh Americans
Encyclopedia
The military history of Sikh Americans dates back as far as World War I
, and continues to the present day. However, since the 1980s, observant Sikhs have faced great difficulty in serving due to a discontinuation of exemptions to uniform standards which previously allowed Sikhs to maintain their religiously-mandated beards and turbans while in uniform.
, who though not a citizen joined the United States Army
and served in World War I. Thind requested citizenship at the end of the war, but was refused. Sikh participation in World War I on the American side was limited due to their small population in the country, but 138,000 Sikhs served in other Allied forces during the war.
allowed the wearing of beard
s while in uniform
. However, due to a change in regulations the U.S. armed forces stopped allowing for the wearing of beards in uniform, except for those who commenced their service in the military before 1986. As the beard is a requirement according to the Rehat Maryada, the current regulation, has created a regulatory barrier that has kept Sikhs from serving in the United States Armed Forces in large numbers since. Prior to this change in regulation, two Sikhs who served in the US military were Col. Arjinderpal Singh Sekhon and Col. G. B. Singh
.
In April 2009, Sikh Army
Captain Kamaljeet S. Kalsi, a doctor
, with the help of the Sikh Coalition, filed an objection to the Inspector General and the Department of Defense
to be allowed to continue to serve with his religious apparel intact. Joined in the filing of the object was one Army Reserve Second Lieutenant Tejdeep Singh Rattan, a dentist
. CPT Kalsi had joined the Army via its Health Professions Scholarship Program and had been reassured by the recruiter that wearing the uniform while retaining his religious required appearance and apparel would not be a problem. CPT Kalsi had even served in uniform without any problems at West Point
and Travis Air Force Base
. Yet, a problem arose in early 2009 when the Pentagon told CPT Kalsi and 2LT Rattan that they would be called to Active Duty
and would need to shave their beard and stop wearing their turbans.
The Sikh Coalition
argued that not allowing the servicemembers to continue to maintain their appearance according to their religion violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act
of 1993. The Army argued that continued wear of the turban and beard violated current regulation, that would hinder the servicemembers about to meet health, safety, and mission requirements including the wear of gas mask
. In late October 2009, CPT Kalsi was allowed an exemption to the policy, and would be able to serve while adhering to his religious beliefs. The Army continues to maintain that these were specific determinations due to the individual case and that present regulations will not change, however the Sikh Coalition holds out that this will be the beginning of a policy shift that will allow other Sikhs to serve their country in uniform. The case of 2LT Rattan is on hold, pending his completion of the dental boards exam.
Rattan, now Captain, graduated from basic officer training at Fort Sam Houston on March 22, 2010. He and Dr. Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi are the first Sikh officers to have received exemption from the Army in more than 25 years. They were followed by Specialist Lamba who graduated from Fort Jackson in November 2010.
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, and continues to the present day. However, since the 1980s, observant Sikhs have faced great difficulty in serving due to a discontinuation of exemptions to uniform standards which previously allowed Sikhs to maintain their religiously-mandated beards and turbans while in uniform.
World War I
One of the earlier Sikh soldiers in the American military was one Bhagat Singh ThindBhagat Singh Thind
Bhagat Singh Thind, PhD was an Indian American Sikh writer and lecturer on spirituality who was involved in an important legal battle over the rights of Indians to obtain U.S. citizenship....
, who though not a citizen joined the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
and served in World War I. Thind requested citizenship at the end of the war, but was refused. Sikh participation in World War I on the American side was limited due to their small population in the country, but 138,000 Sikhs served in other Allied forces during the war.
Restrictions due to uniform regulations
Prior to the 1980s the United States Armed ForcesUnited States armed forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
allowed the wearing of beard
Beard
A beard is the collection of hair that grows on the chin, cheeks and neck of human beings. Usually, only pubescent or adult males are able to grow beards. However, women with hirsutism may develop a beard...
s while in uniform
Uniforms of the United States Army
The uniforms of the United States Army distinguish soldiers from other service members. The two primary uniforms are the Army Combat Uniform, used in operational environments, and the Army Service Uniform, worn during formal and ceremonial occasions....
. However, due to a change in regulations the U.S. armed forces stopped allowing for the wearing of beards in uniform, except for those who commenced their service in the military before 1986. As the beard is a requirement according to the Rehat Maryada, the current regulation, has created a regulatory barrier that has kept Sikhs from serving in the United States Armed Forces in large numbers since. Prior to this change in regulation, two Sikhs who served in the US military were Col. Arjinderpal Singh Sekhon and Col. G. B. Singh
G. B. Singh
G.B. Singh is the author of Gandhi Behind the Mask of Divinity, a biography of Mahatma Gandhi and Gandhi Under Cross Examination.A Periodontist, Singh served in the US Army as a Colonel, one of a small number of Sikhs allowed to retain articles of faith, grandfathered in after a change in policy in...
.
In April 2009, Sikh Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
Captain Kamaljeet S. Kalsi, a doctor
Physician
A physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
, with the help of the Sikh Coalition, filed an objection to the Inspector General and the Department of Defense
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
to be allowed to continue to serve with his religious apparel intact. Joined in the filing of the object was one Army Reserve Second Lieutenant Tejdeep Singh Rattan, a dentist
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a 'dental surgeon', is a doctor that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. The dentist's supporting team aides in providing oral health services...
. CPT Kalsi had joined the Army via its Health Professions Scholarship Program and had been reassured by the recruiter that wearing the uniform while retaining his religious required appearance and apparel would not be a problem. CPT Kalsi had even served in uniform without any problems at West Point
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
and Travis Air Force Base
Travis Air Force Base
Travis Air Force Base is a United States Air Force air base under the operational control of the Air Mobility Command , located three miles east of the central business district of Fairfield, in Solano County, California, United States. The base is named for Brigadier General Robert F...
. Yet, a problem arose in early 2009 when the Pentagon told CPT Kalsi and 2LT Rattan that they would be called to Active Duty
Active duty
Active duty refers to a full-time occupation as part of a military force, as opposed to reserve duty.-Pakistan:The Pakistan Armed Forces are one of the largest active service forces in the world with almost 610,000 full time personnel due to the complex and volatile nature of Pakistan's...
and would need to shave their beard and stop wearing their turbans.
The Sikh Coalition
Sikh Coalition
The Sikh Coalition is a community-based organization that defends Sikh civil rights. It is a non-profit organization which was born in the aftermath of bigotry, violence and discrimination against the New York City’s Sikh population following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001...
argued that not allowing the servicemembers to continue to maintain their appearance according to their religion violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act
Religious Freedom Restoration Act
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, Pub. L. No. 103-141, 107 Stat. 1488 , codified at through , is a 1993 United States federal law aimed at preventing laws that substantially burden a person's free exercise of their religion. The bill was introduced by Howard McKeon of California and...
of 1993. The Army argued that continued wear of the turban and beard violated current regulation, that would hinder the servicemembers about to meet health, safety, and mission requirements including the wear of gas mask
Gas mask
A gas mask is a mask put on over the face to protect the wearer from inhaling airborne pollutants and toxic gases. The mask forms a sealed cover over the nose and mouth, but may also cover the eyes and other vulnerable soft tissues of the face. Some gas masks are also respirators, though the word...
. In late October 2009, CPT Kalsi was allowed an exemption to the policy, and would be able to serve while adhering to his religious beliefs. The Army continues to maintain that these were specific determinations due to the individual case and that present regulations will not change, however the Sikh Coalition holds out that this will be the beginning of a policy shift that will allow other Sikhs to serve their country in uniform. The case of 2LT Rattan is on hold, pending his completion of the dental boards exam.
Rattan, now Captain, graduated from basic officer training at Fort Sam Houston on March 22, 2010. He and Dr. Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi are the first Sikh officers to have received exemption from the Army in more than 25 years. They were followed by Specialist Lamba who graduated from Fort Jackson in November 2010.
See also
- United States Air Force Chaplain CorpsUnited States Air Force Chaplain CorpsThe Chaplain Corps of the United States Air Force consists of enlisted chaplain assistants and clergy who become commissioned Air Force officers, endorsed and ordained by their particular religious organization...
- United States Army Chaplain CorpsChaplain Corps (United States Army)The Chaplain Corps of the United States Army consists of ordained clergy who are commissioned Army officers as well as enlisted soldiers who serve as assistants. Their purpose is to offer religious services, counseling, and moral support to the armed forces, whether in peacetime or at war.-Army...
- United States Navy Chaplain CorpsUnited States Navy Chaplain CorpsThe Chaplain Corps of the United States Navy consists of ordained clergy who are commissioned naval officers. Their principal purpose is to "promote the spiritual, religious, moral, and personal well-being of the members of the Department of the Navy," which includes the Navy and the United States...