Close X
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
ADVT 
International

5 Sikhs Inducted Into US Army With Religious Accommodation

Darpan News Desk IANS, 24 Jan, 2017 12:44 PM
  • 5 Sikhs Inducted Into US Army With Religious Accommodation
WASHINGTON:  Five Sikhs have been granted approval to serve in the US Army with their religious insignia intact, days after the army issued a new regulation under which servicemen who wear turbans, hijabs or beards can be enrolled in the military.
 
This is the largest induction of Sikhs into the US armed forces after the Department of Defense banned visible articles of faith in 1981.
 
The new rules made public on January 4, eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that had previously discriminated against Sikhs.
 
The new set of rules, issued by Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning, allows religious accommodations to be approved at the brigade-level. Previously it was at the level of Secretary.
 
"After a 35-year presumptive ban on observant Sikhs, our nation's largest employer has taken a vital step in embracing policies that reflect the rich diversity of our nation," said Sikh Coalition Legal Director, Harsimran Kaur.
 
"We look forward to permanent policy change across all branches of the military so that all religious minorities can freely serve without exception," she said.
 
 
Private Shabaddeep Singh Jammu, an Infantry Recruit who was born and raised in Elk Grove, California, vowed to follow a path of service after tragically losing his brother in 2013.
 
"The ability to serve my country and faith has been a lifelong goal. I'm now honoring my brother while pursuing a career that serves our nation without compromising my beliefs," he said.
 
 
According to Sikh Coalition, the religious accommodations bring the new total to at least 14 Sikh American soldiers now serving with their religious articles of faith in the US Army.
 
Under the previous policy, these accommodations involved a burdensome case-by-case process, were brought up the chain of command to the secretary-level, and were subject to annual review and revocation.
 
Now, they can be granted at the brigade-level and can only be revoked if the Army identifies a specific, concrete hazard.
 
This policy does not apply to the other branches of the US military.
 
The Sikh Coalition and McDermott Will & Emery have led advocacy efforts to end religious discrimination in the US military since 2009.
 
In 2014, Becket Law joined these efforts and served as co-counsel.
 
In the last year, the Truman National Security Project has also been an instrumental partner on this campaign, adding critical government connections and policy expertise, a media release said.

MORE International ARTICLES

We Resolved Tough Issues; No Place For Complacency: US Envoy Richard Verma's Parting Message

We Resolved Tough Issues; No Place For Complacency: US Envoy Richard Verma's Parting Message
A day before he demits office, US Ambassador to India Richard Verma, on Thursday underlined how the two countries resolved some "tough issues" during his tenure, including nuclear liability, even as he cautioned against being "complacent".

We Resolved Tough Issues; No Place For Complacency: US Envoy Richard Verma's Parting Message

Indian Abducted In Malaysia, Sushma Swaraj Assures Family Of Help

A 46-year-old Indian has been abducted in Malaysia and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has directed the Indian Mission in that country to send her a report about the case so that he can be rescued.

Indian Abducted In Malaysia, Sushma Swaraj Assures Family Of Help

Indian Businessman Found Hanging In UAE

Indian Businessman Found Hanging In UAE
A 49-year-old Indian businessman, who had been missing for days, was found hanging in his office inside a residential building in Fujairah, the media reported.

Indian Businessman Found Hanging In UAE

Together We Will Make America, World Great: Donald Trump Sworn In As 45th U.S. President

Together We Will Make America, World Great: Donald Trump Sworn In As 45th U.S. President
From this day, it's going to be only America first

Together We Will Make America, World Great: Donald Trump Sworn In As 45th U.S. President

Indian-origin Woman’s Body Found Hidden In Suitcase In UK, 'Ex-Husband' Suspect

Indian-origin Woman’s Body Found Hidden In Suitcase In UK, 'Ex-Husband' Suspect
Leicestershire Police said they had charged Ashwin Daudia, 50, with murder and remanded him in custody. Daudia, of Lyme Road, Leicester, will appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court today, the metro.co.uk reported.

Indian-origin Woman’s Body Found Hidden In Suitcase In UK, 'Ex-Husband' Suspect

Children Asked If We Have To Leave US After Donald Trump Won: Indian-American Official Nisha Biswal

Children Asked If We Have To Leave US After Donald Trump Won: Indian-American Official Nisha Biswal
Highlighting the post-election fear and anxiety among immigrants, a senior Indian-American official in the Obama Administration has said she experienced it in her own home when the children asked if Donald Trump's win meant they will "have to leave" the country

Children Asked If We Have To Leave US After Donald Trump Won: Indian-American Official Nisha Biswal