#  1st Sikh In Decades Graduates Army Officer School 

 





March 23, 2010

 

 

Author: Michelle Roberts

Source: Yahoo News

Wire Service: AP

[http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100323/ap\_on\_re\_us/us\_army\_sikh\_soldier](http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100323/ap_on_re_us/us_army_sikh_soldier)

The soldiers in standard-issue fatigues and combat boots stood side-by-side repeating their creed: "I am an American soldier. I am a warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army values ...."

Capt. Tejdeep Singh Rattan was no different except that he wore a full beard and black turban, the first Sikh in a generation allowed to complete U.S. Army basic officer training without sacrificing the articles of his faith. He completed the nine-week training Monday after Army officials made an exemption to a policy that has effectively prevented Sikhs from enlisting since 1984.

"I'm feeling very humbled. I'm a soldier," said the 31-year-old dentist, smiling after the ceremony at Fort Sam Houston. "This has been my dream."





 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ Civil Liberties/Civil Rights ](/news-stories/civil-libertiescivil-rights)
- [ Military ](/news-stories/military)
- [ Turban Controversies ](/news-stories/turban-controversies)
- [ Sikhism ](/religions/sikhism)
 
 

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