US Air Force updates dress code to accommodates Sikhs

US Air Force has updated its dress code to accommodate religious sentiments of various communities, including Sikhs, making it easier for m to join service.

Finalised on February 7, new Air Force policy establishes clear grooming and uniform standards for enlisted and officer airmen who are granted accommodations based on ir sincerely held religious beliefs.

policy also clarifies that O-6 level commanders can approve an airman's request for such an accommodation in more than 30 days (or 60 days if accommodation is requested outside of US), and that accommodation, once granted, will generally follow airman throughout his or her career.

While re are certain limited circumstances under which a religious accommodation may t be permissible due to safety considerations, policy appears to be orwise comprehensive, Sikh Coalition said in a statement.

" Sikh-American should have to choose between ir religious beliefs and ir career ambitions," said Giselle Klapper, Sikh Coalition staff attorney.

"Sikhs have served hourably and capably in US Armed Forces and or militaries around world, and while we are er for a blanket proclamation that all observant Sikh-Americans can serve in every branch of military without seeking accommodations, this policy clarification is a great step forward towards ensuring equality of opportunity and religious freedom in Air Force," Klapper said.

Air Force's clarification closely resembles US Army's landmark 2017 policy justment, which similarly clarified terms and process for soldiers requesting religious accommodations.

"Both of se policy changes are direct result of years-long campaign, launched in 2009 by Sikh Coalition and our pro bo co-counsel at McDermott Will and Emery, that has included extensive vocacy efforts and litigation to ensure that observant Sikhs and or religious mirities are able to serve without compromising ir faith," Sikh Coalition said in a statement.

According to Sikh Coalition, Airman 1st Class Gurchetan Singh is first Sikh-American to receive an accommodation to serve in Air National Guard. Singh's accommodation was approved in September 2019, and he will soon he to Basic and Technical Training with a specialty in Cyber Transport Systems.

" Sikh Coalition has helped me realize my career dream while ensuring that I stay true to myself and my faith.

"ir legal assistance means that I won't face discrimination as I step up to serve, and I'm proud to help clear way for or Sikhs who may want to join US Air Force by demonstrating that we can serve hourably while maintaining our articles of faith," he said in a statement.

To date, Sikh Coalition has helped more than 20 Sikh-Americans secure accommodations to serve in US military.