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NO SYMPATHY FOR SIKHS

I sincerely hope the Army does not submit to the two Sikh doctors [appealing Army policy] as described in the article “Religion vs. regulations” [April 27].

In the article, Capt. Kamaljeet Kalsi said: “I don’t think it’s fair for anybody to ask me to choose between my religion and my country. Shaving my beard and taking off my turban — these are part of my body. It’s part of my being.”

While I respect their choice to worship their faith as prescribed, I do not respect their choice to attempt to change policies which are in place for the safety of all soldiers. Regarding their claim they were allegedly told by their recruiter the practice of their faith would not be a conflict with Army policy has little if any merit: Every soldier who has ever enlisted believes their recruiter promised them something that didn’t come true.

Is it right their recruiter may have promised them something they were most likely not authorized to do? Absolutely not. However, this is not a case of some 18-year-old high school student being led down a particular path just to fill a short MOS when the MOS of choice had been available. These men are highly educated adults who should have known better than to sign a contract that did not contain a clause specifically addressing issues of such importance to them.

They should have verified the precedent had been set. Furthermore, using the rationalization “during several years of graduate school and medical training, [they] both said their beards and turbans drew no concerns” may be irrelevant. If they were not required to report for duty or in duty uniform, they could grow their hair and beard as long as they chose, just as any soldier could.

The fact is, America has an all-volunteer military. No one forced us or them to join. Every soldier must accept the sacrifice of giving up, albeit temporarily, certain rights so our brethren may keep theirs continuously. It’s the choice we make. Shave the beards, cut the hair and lose the turban — or leave the Army with no hard feelings.

Sgt. Michael Bolles

Binghamton, N.Y.

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Yes, we are a diverse society that allows many freedoms as a benefit of being who we are. Those freedoms are defended by professionals that understand the importance of standards. Acceptance and adherence to those standards is what makes the Army the great organization it is.

[“Religion vs. regulations,” April 27] is not about religious intolerance but instead the problems created when individuals believe their own wants and needs take precedence over what defines the organization.

How about this? If the standards of the Army are not acceptable to you, seek employment elsewhere. You are in the Army and your standard appearance is outlined in AR 670-1 [“Wear and appearance of Army uniforms and insignia”].

If you want to practice your religion, great, but don’t complain about not being able to wear garb that detracts from the appearance of the Army — the army of the country every soldier swore to defend.

Master Sgt. David Bolden (ret.)

Monmouth, Ore.

MORE THAN A UNIFORM

I have been following with great interest all the comments being made by soldiers about their present uniforms.

First off, let me give you a short biographical sketch of myself. I served my first 10 years in the Marine Corps. As my grandma used to say, “It’s not the clothes that make the man, but the man who wears them.” What made me proud to be a Marine? The answer is quite simple: the past history of the Corps.

On April 2, 1969, I became a soldier, and my first unit was with B Company, 5th Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 199th Light Infantry Brigade (Separate). Upon arriving in my unit I was given a brief history of the unit and its mission in the Republic of Vietnam. I went on to serve in the 8th Infantry Division and learned its history.

It is more important to teach the story of the greatest Army in the world. Teach every soldier the history of the unit he serves in. It is not the color of his uniform that matters. It is about how the soldier feels about what they are doing.

To this day, when I put on my uniform I wear it with the same pride that I had in it for the 10 years I served on active duty. I’m even more proud of that uniform and what it represents now because of the many sacrifices that have been made today.

One more thing I wish to pass along is a big “thank you” to those men and women who now serve in the armed forces and have made many sacrifices for myself and others.

Staff Sgt. William F. Sauerwine (ret.)

Melbourne, Fla.

MILITARY DESERVES BENEFIT

I was surprised to learn that not all federal employees are treated the same. As most of us have heard of a Thrift Savings Plan, how many knew that our civilian counterparts get matching contributions?

I propose that we also get matching contributions — either an automatic 5 percent or staggering every two years of service (i.e. two years equals 1 percent, four years two percent and so on, up to 10 years at 5 percent).

It would increase investment from military members and help in our retirement. And all those young guys getting out that don’t know how expensive the real world is would have a fallback. We need to be given equal incentives.

Sgt. Patrick Hatfield

Hampton, Va.