Two Sikh US army officers have challenged a three-decade old rule

Two Sikh US army officers, hoping to go on active duty, have challenged a three-decade old rule which requires them to shave off their beards and remove their turbans to serve in the military.



Captain Kamaljit Singh Kalsi, who hopes to be the fourth generation of his family to serve in the military, and another Sikh Captain Tejdeep Singh Rattan have sought change in the rules that regulate wearing of religious items.



Kalsi and Rattan want to go on active duty in July, but their plans are on hold for a 1980 policy that regulates wearing of religious items requiring them to shave their beards and remove turbans -- what they call their articles of religious faith.



Kalsi\'s father and grandfather were part of the Indian Air Force. His great-grandfather served in the British Indian army.



While US army spokeswoman Toni Delancy said their appeals are under review, the two challengers said they were hopeful that they would prevail.



Sikh Coalition, a US-based Sikh activist group, which is spearheading the effort, expressed hope that the rule will be changed prior to July, thus enabling the two to start their active duty on time. PTI




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