Win for Equality in the US Army

Given some of the more prominent battles for equality in the service that are being fought right now, it's encouraging to know that other important battles are being won in the war for equality in the service:

Army Welcomes Sikh Recruit: Major Victory in Fight for Equality in US Army

(Washington, D.C.) October 23, 2009 – The U. S. Army announced today that it accepted a Sikh officer into its active forces. The officer had sought an accommodation allowing him to maintain his religiously mandated turban and beard while serving his country. The Army's decision is a major step towards ending a 23-year old policy that excludes Sikhs from service.

The Sikh officer, Captain Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi, a doctor, was recruited to join the Army's Health Professions Scholarship Program several years ago. He maintained his turban throughout his 8 years of medical education, which included specialized Army training, attendance at Army ceremonies and work in military medical facilities.

Nevertheless, after completing the program, he was told that he must remove his turbans and cut his unshorn hair to begin active duty. Rather than abandon the requirements of his faith, he appealed to Army leadership to end its policy of excluding Sikhs from service. Today the Army accepted his individual appeal.

"I am overjoyed by the Army's decision to allow me to serve my country," said Captain Kalsi. "Like the many Sikhs who fought before me, I know I will serve America with honor and excellence."

While today's decision provides only a one-time accommodation for Captain Kalsi, Army leadership has affirmatively indicated a willingness to review the general policy barring Sikhs from service. The decision lends hope to all those Sikhs who want to serve their country while observing their faith.

..."We wholeheartedly applaud the Army's decision today," said Amardeep Singh, Program Director of the Sikh Coalition. "Our experience on the frontlines of almost every major war the past 100 years makes crystal clear that Sikhs are effective and brave soldiers. Sikh inclusion in the Army not only helps the military understand the many faiths and cultures of America, but also the faiths and cultures of countries where we send soldiers into harm's way. We look forward to the day when the Army finally welcomes the service of all Sikhs, not just Captain Kalsi."

From a press release c/o the Sikh Coalition.

It's only right that an army should look like the country for which it's fighting.