The US should change its policy to allow more Indian-Americans to join the military without compromising on their religious beliefs and practices, the only three Sikh soldiers in the US Army say.
Major Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi, Captain Tejdeep Singh Rattan and Corporal Simran Preet Singh lamba are the only three Sikhs serving in the US Army currently.
Having shattered stereotypes, the three have won awards and commendations for their service, including postings in Afghanistan. They now want to see a change in federal policy that allows not just Sikhs but other Indian-Americans to join the military and serve without having to compromise on their religious beliefs and practices.
“It is just a matter of time. This is an issue of diversity, if people of all colours and races can join military so can Indians, so can Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims,” Kalsi, an emergency medicine doctor, said. The first turbaned US Sikh soldier in over 30 years, Kalsi received the Bronze Star Medal, the fourth-highest combat award for his meritorious services in Afghanistan in 2011.