Sikhs in the United States military facts for kids
Sikhs have been part of the United States military since World War I. They have served in many wars and conflicts up to today. However, since the 1980s, Sikhs who follow their religion strictly have faced challenges. This is because military rules changed, making it harder for them to wear their religiously required beards and turbans.
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Sikhs in Early Wars
One of the first Sikh soldiers in the American military was Bhagat Singh Thind. He joined the United States Army during World War I. Even though he was not a U.S. citizen at the time, he served bravely. Thind was also the first Sikh allowed to wear his turban while on duty.
Sikhs did not serve in large numbers in the U.S. military during World War I. This was because there were not many Sikhs living in the U.S. back then. However, many Sikhs served in other Allied forces, like those from India. Many Sikhs later joined U.S. forces in World War II and other wars.
Sikhs in World War II Battles
During World War II, Sikh soldiers from India and other countries fought alongside American forces. They were known for their bravery. They fought against German and Italian forces in places like East Africa and Italy. They also fought against Japanese forces in Asia.
Sikhs and Americans fought together in tough battles. These included the Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy. They also fought in battles like El Alamein and Kohima. These fights showed the courage of Sikh soldiers.
Military Uniform Rules
For a long time, the U.S. Armed Forces allowed soldiers to have beards. This changed in the 1980s. New rules said that soldiers could no longer wear beards with their uniforms. Only those who joined before 1986 could keep them.
Sikh men are required by their religion to keep their beards and wear turbans. These new rules made it very hard for observant Sikhs to join the U.S. military.
Fighting for Religious Freedom
In 2009, Army Captain Kamaljeet S. Kalsi, a doctor, wanted to keep serving. He wanted to wear his turban and beard. He got help from the Sikh Coalition, a group that supports Sikh rights. Army Reserve Second Lieutenant Tejdeep Singh Rattan, a dentist, also joined the effort.
Both Kalsi and Rattan had been told they could keep their religious items. But then the Pentagon said they would need to shave their beards and remove their turbans. The Sikh Coalition argued that this went against a law called the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. This law protects people's right to practice their religion.
The Army worried that beards and turbans might stop soldiers from using safety gear like gas masks. But in late 2009, Captain Kalsi was allowed to serve with his religious items. Lieutenant Rattan and Specialist Lamba also received permission later.
New Rules for Sikh Soldiers
After more legal efforts, Army Captain Simratpal Singh won a big victory in 2016. He was allowed to keep his Sikh religious items while serving long-term. Other Sikh soldiers also gained similar permissions.
In early 2017, the Army changed its rules about uniforms. These new rules now allow Sikh soldiers to wear their beards and turbans. They also allow Muslim women to wear religious head coverings. This was a big step for religious freedom in the military.
The rules say that beards must be kept neat and not interfere with military duties. Second Lieutenant Kanwar Singh was the first Sikh officer to complete Army training under these new rules. He served with his unshorn hair, beard, and turban.
In 2019, Airman Harpreetinder Singh Bajwa became the first active duty airman to serve with a beard and turban. He got help from Lieutenant Colonel Kamal Kalsi.
In 2020, Anmol Narang made history. She became the first observant Sikh to graduate from the United States Military Academy (West Point). This shows how Sikhs continue to serve their country while honoring their faith.
Notable Individuals
- Colonel G. B. Singh
- Sergeant Uday Singh Taunque, Iraqi War, Bronze Star, Purple Heart
- Cpl. Gurpreet Singh US Marine Corps Afghanistan, KIA 2011, Bronze Star, Purple Heart
- Sergeant Bhagat Singh Thind
- Lt Col Karamjit S Aujla USAF
- Capt Simratpal Singh US Army
- SRA Aninjot Sekhon USAF
- LtCol Deepinder Singh Grewal USAF
