quote:

Originally posted by Sigmund:
Wearing a beard and turban is "critical because it is really part of our identity as Sikhs," he said.

Well, wearing a mustache was part of my identity when I enlisted, and guess what?

quote:

"It shows progress," Kalsi told Military.com, adding that he has been involved in this effort since he was granted the first such accommodation in 2009. "I was the first to get the accommodation for turban and beard way back in the day."

No, its not progress. Its stupidity. Instead of constantly having to apply for, review, and approve 'exceptions', why doesn't the military simply change the underlying rules. And in my book, the same policy should apply to every soldier. Exceptions are stupid and only contribute to additional resentment and problems.