US army allows Sikh to join ranks

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Updated October 28, 2009 20:55:24

For the first time, a Sikh will be allowed to serve in the US army while maintaining his turban and beard. Captain Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi has been granted a religious accommodation appeal, the first of its kind in 23 years. Campaigners have called for a review or abolishment of the existing policy that excludes Sikhs from service, but the US Army says it will not change its stand, at least for now.

Presenter: Lily Yan
Speaker: Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi, an Americian Sikh; Amandeep Sidhu, lawyer, McDermott Will & Emery; George Wright, US Army spokesman

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