1st Sikh in decades graduates Army officer school

[bananas]

Source: AP

Amid lines of soldiers, one after the other in standard-issue fatigues and combat boots, was one in a turban and full beard on Monday — the first Sikh in a generation allowed to complete U.S. Army officer basic training without sacrificing the articles of his faith.

Capt. Tejdeep Singh Rattan, a 31-year-old dentist, graduated Monday at Fort Sam Houston after the Army made an exemption to a uniform policy that has effectively prevented Sikhs from enlisting since 1984.

"I'm feeling very humbled. I'm a soldier," he said, grinning after the ceremony as other members of the Sikh community milled about nearby. "This has been my dream."

Rattan had to get a waiver from the Army to be allowed to serve without sacrificing the unshorn hair mandated by his faith. An immigrant from India who arrived in New York as a teenager, Rattan said it was important for him to serve a country that has given him so many opportunities.

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Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h5R89WdgjsreD32u1NY9HN4AtMYAD9EJVOA80

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Congratulations to Capt. Tejdeep Singh Rattan

[ShamelessHussy]

1. Congratulations to Him, and the Military

they can be such dip-shits, it is always surprising to hear them (the Bureaucracy) do the right thing.

xPilot Rescue Swimmer

[Kutjara]

2. Nice to see some good news about tolerance.

I have one question for those who know about military rank: how did Capt Rattan go straight from officer school to Captain? Isn't the entry-level Army rank Lieutenant? Or can you skip a rank if you possess skills that require you to be more senior to exercise effectively?

[kestrel91316]

3. I suspect because he has a graduate degree from dental school

rather than undergraduate.

[Kutjara]

4. I see. Thanks!

[Aristus]

8. That's right. Same with Medical Doctors and (I think) military lawyers.

When Uncle Sam foots the bill for your training, you graduate with the rank of O-3, and the obligation to serve however many years are now required by the services. It's not a bad deal at all.

[jmowreader]

11. Medical doctors (including dentists and veterinarians) enter as Captains

[Cid_B]

12. Direct Commissioning...

A direct commission officer (DCO) is a uniformed officer who has received a commission without the typical prerequisites for achieving a commission.

Civilians who have special skills that are critical to sustaining military operations, supporting troops, health and scientific study may receive what are called "direct commissions." These officers usually occupy leadership positions in the following areas: law, science, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nurse corps, intelligence, supply-logistics-transportation, engineering, public affairs, chaplain corps, oceanography, merchant marine affairs, and others.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_commission_officer

[CRK7376]

13. Professional degree

holders typically receive higher ranks coming into the Army than those who are commissioned through West Point, ROTC or OCS. As a Doctor of Dentistry, he most likely became a Captain upon receiving his commission, medical doctors the same way, lawyers tend to enter the Army as First Lieutenants....

[Fumesucker]

5. Sikhs have traditionally been some of the fiercest warriors on the planet..

Congratulations to Captain Rattan..

[proteus_lives]

9. That's what I was thinking.

You just need to consult British and Indian history to learn that Sikhs often make wonderful soldiers and officers.

[Odin2005]

16. IIRC they had to be to defend themselves against pogroms by Muslims and Hindus.

[KeepItReal]

6. Congrats, Captain Rattan.

<eom>

[BunkerHill24]

7. Congratulations to Capt. Tejdeep Sing Ratthan.

multiculturalism is the only way to bring downward racism and bigotry, indeed.

Good luck, Capt. Rattan....you may succeed with honors, sir.

[proteus_lives]

10. Congrats to Capt. Tejdeep Singh Rattan!

And congrats to the Army!

:patriot:

[bananas]

14. k&r nt

[Odin2005]

15. Congratulations, Captain!!!

:woohoo: :patriot: