Sikh Marine Makes History: Graduates US Marine Corps Without Shaving Head or Beard, Sets Path for Religious Freedom
A 21-year-old Sikh Marine has made history by becoming the first to graduate from US Marine Corps recruit training while wearing his beard and turban, thanks to a court order. This achievement sets a precedent for religious accommodations within the military.
In a historic milestone, a 21-year-old Sikh Marine has become the first ever to graduate from the US Marine Corps recruit training without having to shave his head or beard or give up his religious articles of faith.
Private First Class Jaskirat Singh completed his training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego after a federal judge's order in April compelled the military service to accommodate his religious practices.
This order came almost a year after Singh, along with three other Sikhs, as well as Jewish and Muslim recruits, filed a lawsuit against the Marines seeking religious accommodations. Singh's graduation while wearing articles of faith intrinsic to the Sikh tradition, such as a beard and turban, is a significant achievement.
The Sikh Coalition, along with other advocates, supported Singh and over 50 Sikh-Americans in securing military accommodations for religious wear. Notably, the Army and Air Force already accommodate Sikh recruits, while the Navy offers more limited accommodations.
The Marines were observed to be the most restrictive of the services regarding religious exemptions. Last year, a federal court of appeals granted a preliminary injunction that allowed Singh to begin training without shaving his head and beard, which is customary for recruits upon their arrival at boot camp. This injunction also granted Singh the freedom to wear religious articles such as turbans and patkas.
Singh expressed his pride in completing Recruit Training and emphasized that his Sikh articles of faith did not hinder his achievement. He chose the Marine Corps because their values of honor, courage, and commitment align with Sikh values. While the court order only covered Singh, the Sikh Coalition hopes that the Marine Corps will extend the accommodation to all Sikh recruits.
Amandeep S. Sidhu, another attorney who worked on the case, looks for broader changes within the Marines, one of the nation's oldest and elite military services. This development marks a significant step towards inclusivity and religious freedom within the US military, setting a precedent for future accommodations for individuals of different faiths.