The record
Turban, beard and uniform. One milestone at a time.
Every date on this page carries a source, because reporters will quote it. Oldest first; the last entry is where things stand today.
Archival photograph of Sikh soldiers
on the march, from the film
-
1948
July 26, 1948
Equal treatment, by order.
President Truman signs Executive Order 9981, ordering equality of treatment and opportunity in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.
It is the promise SAVA holds the country to for Sikhs who serve.
Source: Executive Order 9981, July 26, 1948 -
2009
October 2009
An Army physician serves with turban and beard.
The Army approves Dr. Kamal S. Kalsi, D.O., then a captain and an emergency medicine physician, to serve with his turban and beard: the first such accommodation since the appearance rules of the 1980s.
A second officer, a dentist, was approved soon after; the Army announced both in March 2010.
Source: Stars and Stripes, Oct 25, 2009; U.S. Army, Mar 25, 2010 (“for the first time in 23 years”) -
2017
January 2017
Articles of faith, for a whole career.
An Army directive allows Sikh soldiers to wear the turban, unshorn hair and beard for a whole career.
The change opened the door for other Americans who wear religious head coverings, such as turbans and yarmulkes.
Source: NBC News, Jan 2017 -
2020
Air Force · Navy
The Air Force and the Navy follow.
The Air Force allows turbans and beards. The Navy allows turbans, with beards permitted ashore.
Source: Military Times, Mar 2020 -
2022
December 23, 2022
A court opens boot camp to three recruits.
A federal appeals court orders the Marine Corps to let three Sikh recruits begin boot camp with their turbans and beards while their case goes on.
SAVA joined a friend-of-the-court brief supporting the recruits.
Source: Singh v. Berger, No. 22-5234 (D.C. Cir. Dec. 23, 2022); SAVA is listed as amicus curiae on page 2. -
2023
August 11, 2023
A Sikh Marine graduates boot camp.
Pfc. Jaskirat Singh graduates from Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego, with his turban and beard.
Source: Military Times, Aug 2023 -
2026
May 19, 2026 · Now
Accommodations under review.
Army Directive 2026-09 orders existing religious accommodations for grooming and appearance to be re-evaluated. They remain valid until a final decision is made on each one.
The work is not finished.
Source: Stars and Stripes, Jun 2026 · Army Directive 2026-09
For reporters
Every source, in one list.
Quote the record with confidence. For anything not listed here, write to media@sava.org.
- Executive Order 9981, July 26, 19481948 · Equal treatment in the armed services
- Stars and Stripes: Sikh doctor gets Army OK to keep turban, beard2009 · The accommodation
- U.S. Army: Sikh Soldiers allowed to serve, retain their articles of faith2010 · “For the first time in 23 years”
- NBC News: Army issues new rule granting religious accommodations2017 · Army directive on turbans and beards
- Military Times: Navy regulations update on religious headgear2020 · Air Force and Navy
- Singh v. Berger, No. 22-5234 (D.C. Cir. Dec. 23, 2022), court opinion (PDF)2022 · Marine Corps recruits; SAVA as amicus curiae
- Military Times: Sikh recruit graduates Marine boot camp with turban and beard2023 · Pfc. Jaskirat Singh
- Stars and Stripes: Army review of religious appearance waivers2026 · Army Directive 2026-09
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