First in 20 yrs: Sikh US Army officer

Thirty-one-year-old Captain Tejdeep Singh Rattan on Tuesday became the first Sikh officer in the US Army in over two decades to complete basic training without shedding his turban and other articles of faith.

Thirty-one-year-old Captain Tejdeep Singh Rattan on Tuesday became the first Sikh officer in the US Army in over two decades to complete basic training without shedding his turban and other articles of faith.

Rattan,a dentist by profession,graduated from Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio,Texas making him the first Sikh officer in a generation to complete the basic training with his turban and beard intact. I am overjoyed to serve my country,work with my fellow soldiers,and to have completed basic training, said Rattan. I look forward to continuing to serve my country, he said.

Recruited to join the Armys Health Professions Scholarship Program several years ago,Captain Rattan maintained his turban throughout his dental education. However,after completing his education,he was told that he must remove his turban and unshorn hair before he began active duty.

Last April,he submitted a request to the Army asking that he be allowed to maintain his turban and beard while serving the Army. In December,the Army granted his request. Contrary to the concerns of some,Captain Rattan was able to meet all requirements of a soldier during basic training,said a statement issued by the Sikh Coalition,which took up the issue of Sikhs joining the US Army.

During training Rattan wore a helmet over a small turban during field exercises. We are pleased to learn that Tejdeeps experience demonstrates that Sikh service in the US Army meets military necessity, said Harsimran Kaur,Legal Director,Sikh Coalition.

In 1981,the Army banned conspicuous religious articles of faith for its service members. This included a ban on Sikh turbans.