Truemors
is reporting from
Member
NP Rank:
NP Rank:
Simran Lamba: First U.S. Army Graduate In 30 Years:Turban Allowed
Share: 
by NowPublic Staff | November 10, 2010 at 10:47 am
2680 views | 0 Recommendations | 17 comments
United States Army Milestone: Spc. Simran Lamba Becomes First Sikh To Become Army Graduate in 30 Years
Simran Lambra has broken a 30 year old record by becoming the first Sikh to become an enlisted soldier in the US Army. Born in New Delhi, Simran Lambra is of the Sikh faith which requires observant Sikhs to wear turbans.
Spc. Simran Lamba was recruited under a special program seeking speakers of two Indian languages, Hindi and Punjabi. The 26-year Indian immigrant from New Delhi completed basic training Wednesday at Fort Jackson outside Columbia and became a U.S. citizen
Simran Lambra, 26, will be an army medic. The US Army does have two Sikh officers but Simran Lambra is the first enlisted solider in 30 years graduate from the US Army.
Capt. (Dr.) Tejdeep Singh Rattan, a dentist, and Capt. (Dr.) Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi, a doctor, were assured by their recruiters at the time of enlistment several years ago that their articles of faith wouldn't pose a problem. But after completing four years of studies, both men were told to remove their turbans and cut their hair and beards for active duty.
It took action by several Sikh organizations and a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, signed by 43 members of the House of Representatives and six U.S. senators, to change the Army's mind. A pair of special exceptions to Army Regulation 600-20 were allowed so Rattan and Kalsi could wear their dastaars (turbans) and keep their unshorn hair and beards as part of their uniform, and also retain their other articles of faith
Sikhs have a long history of military service. In India, Sikhs (complete with Turbans) are mainstay in all ranks of the Army from Generals to Grunts. Sikhs have a noble record in during World War One and World War Two, serving under British.
Advertisement
NowPublic on Facebook
What is NowPublic?
NowPublic lets people work together to cover news events around the world.
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (17)
at 08:33 on November 11th, 2010
I am humiliated by the fact that 43 House of Representatives and 6 Senators overturned the oath all men and women take upon entry into the military. If these three men were needed so badly, there were alternative ways to use their talents. Rules and regulations in the armed forces are in place to ensure every person is treat alike. This is a gut punch followed by a slap in the face to all of us who have served our country. If you are going to join our military, follow the same rules that others have for hundreds of years! USMC Veteran
at 08:50 on November 11th, 2010
Really? If this man is willing to serve this country (his country) you would deny him that b/c he wants to wear a turban? We bitch and moan all the time that there aren't enough soldiers in this country. We have soldiers who have to remain deployed far longer than they should b/c of the shortage. Thanks for being a veteran, I really mean that, but on Veteran's Day, I would have hoped that you would be proud that someone is willing to serve his country and lighten the load that all the other veterans are bearing right now. Michael (not a veteran, but a veteran's son, and a veteran's grandson)
at 10:35 on November 11th, 2010
Hey Michael, your argument about soldiers remaining deployed for too long and that these guys could help is crap. These sikhs cannot deploy because they would have to take off their turbans to wear a helmet (Required to get into a combat zone and any other time you go outside the wire) and also be able to wear a protective chemical mask, which they cannot wear because their beards will not allow a proper seal (Another requirement before you deploy). So basically, they are completely useless when it comes to deploying to a combat zone.
at 11:16 on November 11th, 2010
It does seem strange that they are training him to be a combat medic... Presuming of course that the military brass is as insightful as you are, they would have found a way to make it possible for him to perform his duties. Of course even if he can't go outside the wire, he can perform a one-to-one swap for a serviceman who serves inside the wire. Furthermore, soldiers in the special forces are often exempted from the shaving of the beard or haircuts etc... Finally, although I appreciate the fact that you have brought up a reasoned argument (which is in no way waterproof), the original statement was premised on an unreasonable belief that it is somehow disrespectful to other soldiers that he is permitted to wear a turban or wear a beard. While it is likely that many soldiers would wear a beard, I somehow doubt that his peers would wear a turban if given an option. Again, I intended to point out that no matter what an American's appearance, if he wants to serve his country, reasonable accommodations should be made. I simply can't see how a reasonable person would be offended by this. Perhaps he is less useful than other soldiers, but he does offer some utility, which would otherwise be lost.
at 00:25 on November 13th, 2010
Dannnn seems like you know what your talkin about.......not.Sikhs cannot deploy? Thats why the Indian military as thousands of sikh deployed, thats why WW1/2 sikh soldiers displayed bravery.Go to school boy, and get an education. While the brave men and women fight for you, you sit behind your computer complain. Be thankful.
at 00:30 on November 13th, 2010
Dear Dannn,Have you ever played video games, well the coolest soldiers are the ones the ones that look like motorcycle gang outlaws with the beards. If video games say beards are cool than they are cool end of discussion.Sincerely,Video gamer hall of famer
at 23:46 on November 12th, 2010
I have served in the military for 30 years it is team work not a clean shave that makes the soldiers brave in the face of danger. Get your head out of your a**. I am proud of this man.
at 00:13 on November 13th, 2010
I agree with james jr, matthew needs to do some research. The Sikh are brave, loyal people, I served with one a long time ago he was a good man. Do not be saying stuff that you do not know. WW2 veteran
at 09:37 on November 11th, 2010
I've always felt cheated for not being allowed to wear my Kilt.
at 00:35 on November 13th, 2010
Thats because its not ballin, unless it had bunnies and rainbows it would not be considered.
at 10:37 on November 11th, 2010
i am proud that we are allowing people who want to serve their country to honorably serve the u.s. army. this is a wonderful gift on this wonderful veteran's day. btw sikhs have served well in the past for eg. in world wars. www.sikhspectrum.com/112003/honor.htm www.sikhspectrum.com/052005/italy_sikh_memorial.htm
at 11:20 on November 11th, 2010
MSNBC stated: "During training, he wore a camouflage turban under his Kevlar helmet. He used petroleum jelly to get a tight grip between his beard and gas mask, and was able to keep his hair clean under all conditions, meeting all the military's concerns about training and appearance." But only after "43 members of the House of Representatives and six U.S. senators" figured out how retarded it is to keep your head and face shaven outside of the warzone do they allow one person a waiver? Why does our military still follow that idiotic tradition to begin with???? Do they still fight like the Greeks and Romans by pulling facial hair in battle? Unfortunately SPC Lamba will stand out like a sore thumb and destroy the morale of his fellow soldiers who have had their religious rights stepped on to this day. Do you know how many Jews and Seventh Day Adventists have had to work on Saturdays, when Sunday is treated as a 'holy day' for even unbelievers? Who joins the military for special treatment anyways? What will Sec Gates waiver when he needs to reach out to the animal sex abusers?
at 10:27 on November 13th, 2010
Mr. Smick,This will not destroy morale, if only you knew what it is like on the field. Search up sikh + military or something like that and you will see that they are probably the most courageous people on the planet. Having him on a team will not decrease morale, but instead increase it because you know that when it really counts that man will have your back no matter what.14years vet
at 18:52 on November 11th, 2010
HI IS :
OF HIS OWN RELIGION !!! HOW HIS LANGUAGE SKILLS COULD BE POSSIBLY USE PEACEFULLY FOR HIS NATION? HA?
at 14:11 on November 12th, 2010
How can you say all that or maybe you did the same that is how right! A person is trying to help, he is getting into a line where majority of the people doesn't want to go. So stop using bad language and do your own business.
at 23:43 on November 12th, 2010
And you are a piece of sh**
at 11:13 on November 18th, 2010
That's going to suck for him, as enlisted all that beard and turban is going to do is act like a big giant sign on his back, I wouldn't be suprised if he eventually conforms and shaves that thing.. But, I agree with Matthew Sidwell, this lowering the standards bullshit is disgusting. And as far as Michael Y and all you other people that think you know so much about the military because you have a friend, that knows a friend, that has Call of Duty, Fuck You.