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Pentagon: Sikh in military keeping hair
The Pentagon public affairs office confirmed Capt. Kamaljit Singh Kalsi's request to keep his hair, beard and turban in honor of his Sikh beliefs was approved by Army officials, CNN reported Thursday.
Adherents to the Sikh faith are not allowed to cut their hair or shave. As per those beliefs, Kalsi filed a request with the Army this spring.
"Like the many Sikhs who fought before me, I know I will serve America with honor and excellence," Kalsi, a doctor, said in a statement.
Army Maj. Gen. Gina Farrisee clarified the decision was based on an individual case and did not represent an official change in Army policy.
"This accommodation is based solely on the facts and circumstances of your case," Farrisse said in a letter to Kalsi. "This accommodation does not constitute a blanket accommodation for any other individual."
CNN said the decision was applauded by the Sikh Coalition, which called the move "a major step toward ending a 23-year-old policy that excludes Sikhs from service."
Copyright 2009 by United Press International
This news arrived on: 10/29/2009
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Posted Comments:
10-31-2009 22:42
john wrote:
Sikh in military
This is a bad move on the part of the military, and he will only garner resentment from other members who DO play by the rules. I'm just wondering how he got into the military? Was his hair already long?
10-30-2009 18:25
Karen wrote:
Sikhs
sikhs have fought as part of the British army for decades and have fought well with honour and with courage. with beards and hair!
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