SGPC Vs Pentagon: US Army Faces Backlash Over Sikh Beard And Turban Ban

The United States military faces growing backlash after introducing new grooming rules that effectively ban beards and long hair. Sikh groups have condemned the directive, saying it forces Sikhs, Muslims, and Orthodox Jews to choose between their faith and military service — a choice they call un-American. The controversy deepened after U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly mocked service members with beards as "beardo-s" and "fat generals," remarks that have been slammed as humiliating and discriminatory. In India, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and political leaders, including the Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP, have strongly objected, reminding the U.S. that Sikhs have a proud legacy of serving in armies worldwide without compromising their religious identity.