Air Force Allows Sikh Airman to Wear Turban and Beard

The Air Force has granted an active-duty Sikh airman an accommodation allowing him to sport a beard, turban and unshorn hair. "The Air Force can confirm that Airman 1st Class Harpreetinder Singh Bajwa was granted a religious accommodation in accordance with Air Force policy," spokesman Maj. Nick Mercurio said in a statement June 7. Bajwa serves as a crew chief at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. The service could not say whether Bajwa is the first Sikh airman to be granted such a waiver, as the ACLU said. The service said it's not the first time religious accommodation has been made. Read more about religious accommodations for Sikh troops on Military.com.