No ‘discriminatory’ tests for Sikh soldier, judge tells the Army

[CopyBoy]

(RNS) The U.S. Army cannot subject Sikh Army Captain Simratpal Singh, who wears a turban and beard, to discriminatory tests that could prohibit him from service, a U.S District Court judge has ruled.

Singh– a West Point graduate, Army Ranger, and recipient of a Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan — sued the Army over extensive and unique safety tests it imposed. The tests were supposed to assess if Singh’s beard and turban – both required by his Sikh faith — would interfere with a gas mask and helmet.

religionnews.com/2016/03/04/army-sikh-turban-religious-freedom/

 

[TARRAT]

When we are fitted for facial respirators at my job beards definitely do not allow for a complete seal. Our workers, regardless of sex, race, gender or religion are required to shave.

 

[SyroMalankara]

When we are fitted for facial respirators at my job beards definitely do not allow for a complete seal. Our workers, regardless of sex, race, gender or religion are required to shave.

The Indian Army has gas masks issued for these purposes, millions of bearded Sikhs serve magnificently. Not a real problem. So do the Brits…

bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-12740975

Besides, it looks like technology has made it a moot point:
indefinitelywild.gizmodo.com/canada-s-badass-new-defense-minister-patented-this-gas-1741012986

 

[Micosil]

When we are fitted for facial respirators at my job beards definitely do not allow for a complete seal. Our workers, regardless of sex, race, gender or religion are required to shave.

Regardless of sex/gender?

 

[FrDavid96]

Regardless of sex/gender?

Ummmm… this calls for a certain delicacy. Yes.

Sometimes it can be an issue. I know because we had that situation at a fire department where I was chaplain. Thankfully, it was resolved in a discreet and respectful manner.

And no, I don’t mean a full beard (as in some less-than-kind circus acts from the past), but enough to affect the mask.

 

[FrDavid96]

When we are fitted for facial respirators at my job beards definitely do not allow for a complete seal. Our workers, regardless of sex, race, gender or religion are required to shave.

Yes, but…

If the seal does work and the mask is effective then what is the issue? As I read the article, that’s the problem: the army went beyond its normal testing methods and designed special tests apparently for no purpose other than to be able to say that it doesn’t work.

What I’m saying here is that if the test (of that particular equipment actually being used) shows that the mask works, then the issue should not go further.

If the test shows that it doesn’t work (such as at your job), then the person should (or could) be required to shave.

 

[Micosil]

Ummmm… this calls for a certain delicacy. Yes.

Sometimes it can be an issue. I know because we had that situation at a fire department where I was chaplain. Thankfully, it was resolved in a discreet and respectful manner.

And no, I don’t mean a full beard (as in some less-than-kind circus acts from the past), but enough to affect the mask.

I see, that is interesting.

 

[WJeffrey]

I guess if the seal doesn’t work, the problem will solve itself.

 

[Phemie]

Interesting.

Canada’s present Minister of National Defence.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harjit_Sajjan

foreignpolicy.com/2015/11/05/canadas-new-defense-minister-made-his-own-gas-mask-to-work-with-his-sikh-beard/

 

[John_Lazarus]

Interesting.

Canada’s present Minister of National Defence.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harjit_Sajjan

foreignpolicy.com/2015/11/05/canadas-new-defense-minister-made-his-own-gas-mask-to-work-with-his-sikh-beard/

At least back when I was in, beards were permitted for: sailors; members of a pioneer platoon of an infantry regiment; orthodox Jews; and members with a medical chit.

At the time as well, baptized Sikhs were REQUIRED to wear a beard – the “5 K’s” (Turban, bangle, beard, kirpan, and shorts) were adhered to as a full set or not at all.

The caveat was that the beard had to be neat and tidy, and could be modified to allow for proper wearing of a gas mask. I don’t know how the Sikhs et al did it, but they did. Some guys who had beards had a trick of putting vaseline in their beards, and that formed a seal with their masks.

 

[Phemie]

At least back when I was in, beards were permitted for: sailors; members of a pioneer platoon of an infantry regiment; orthodox Jews; and members with a medical chit.

At the time as well, baptized Sikhs were REQUIRED to wear a beard – the “5 K’s” (Turban, bangle, beard, kirpan, and shorts) were adhered to as a full set or not at all.

The caveat was that the beard had to be neat and tidy, and could be modified to allow for proper wearing of a gas mask. I don’t know how the Sikhs et al did it, but they did. Some guys who had beards had a trick of putting vaseline in their beards, and that formed a seal with their masks.

Isn’t it ironic that he has a Commendation Medal from a country where he wouldn’t be allowed to serve?

 

[TARRAT]

The seal I refer to is around the rubber that touches the face, not the seal within the mask. Yes there are probably other masks that may work, but knowing how the military is so cookie cutter they probably only issue one type that is part of a kit. If you want the kit that is part of the group you get the mask that comes with the kit.

Back to the fit. When the rubber is pressed up against the face the beard allows the outside contaminants in. If the contaminants are deadly gas that would be a problem for the person wearing the improperly fit mask. A poor fitting mask in that instance is no better than no mask at all.

Really don’t mean to argue with anybody, just trying to clear up what I believe is a misunderstanding about what I meant about the mask not sealing.