Highlighting concerns for Sikh Americans serving in the military, a prominent U.S. lawmaker has urged the Pentagon to reconsider a policy that calls for a blanket beard-shaving mandate among service members, emphasising that retaining uncut hair and a beard is a core tenet of their faith.

In a recent letter addressed to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Congressman Thomas R. Suozzi underscored that Sikhs have fought alongside American troops for generations, including in both World War I and World War II.