In a jolt to Sikh soldiers serving in the US army, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a strict new grooming policy that effectively bans most kinds of beards in the US military, allowing exceptions only for elite special forces. The September 30 directive calls for all military branches to return to “pre-2010 standards” for grooming that disallow facial hair waivers.

Related news: Why Sikhs in US will now have to choose between military careers and their religious beliefs

The move has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups, veterans and advocates for religious freedom who say it may force service members from communities such as Sikhs, Muslims, Jews and Black troops with skin conditions, etc. to choose between military careers and religious beliefs/health needs.

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