Quote:
Originally Posted by Officer of Engineers
I'm under the impression that now all members of the forces are required to have proper trim, even in the Indian Army. NBC gear is extremely unforgiving.
|
The Sikhs that I know who are in the Indian army already trimmed or are clean shaven. So sir, I wouldn't really know on the present conditions, but I don't think that they would be required to trim for the Indian army. Though I did find this for the British army:
Quote:
As a Sikh, will I be able to wear a turban and other items of religious significance?
In the Armed Forces Sikhs are permitted to wear the 5Ks; Male Sikhs can also wear a turban. However, some constraints regarding the wearing of a turban and keeping facial hear uncut do exist:
* Turbans. Some trades require specialist headgear to be worn, especially under operational circumstances. Examples of this are Commander’s helmets in armoured fighting vehicles, combat helmets, breathing apparatus (full hood) for fire fighters and flying helmets for aircrew in some types of aircraft. Turbans are incompatible with specialist headgear, which must be worn on health and safety grounds. Male Sikh personnel can normally wear a Patka under specialist headgear, however, this is not possible under a flying helmet which must be closely fitted to the contours of the head. Aircrew with long hair, male and female, may be required to have their hair cut short in order to achieve a satisfactory fit of a flying helmet.
* Facial hair. For occupational or operational reasons, where a hazard clearly exists personnel authorised to wear beards on religious grounds will have to be prepared to modify or remove their beards to such an extent as to enable the correct wearing of a respirator or breathing apparatus.
* Aircrew. It is unlikely that a male Sikh will be able to obtain an effective seal on his oxygen mask without trimming his beard.
* Respirator. An effective seal on a respirator can only be achieved when the skin is clean shaven. In an operational environment where there is an NBC threat, Sikhs or other personnel with beards will need to shave. However, when practicing NBC drills, male Sikh personnel would not be required to shave their beards
Defence Internet | About Defence | Equal Opportunities in the Armed Forces FAQS
|
So, yes, British army does have certain conditions; as for Indian army, still cannot say, maybe Ray or LT can be of help here.