M16LR.50 said:
This is what I wanted to know. Thanks.
How are Sikh members accommodated? I assume turbans are a no no (obvious safety/gear issues)... Do they have to cut their hair to a length that fits safely in their head gear?
From the CF Dress Manual:
SIKHS SIKHS
14. A CF member who is an adherent of the
Sikh religion (Keshadharis) shall wear CF pattern
uniforms and adhere to standard CF dress policy
and instructions, with the following exceptions:
a. Hair and beard shall remain uncut, provided
that the operational mission and safety is
not jeopardized when it is required that the
member wear occupational and operational
equipment such as gas masks, oxygen
masks, combat/vehicle/flying helmets, hard
hats, scuba masks, etc. When a hazard
clearly exists, the hair and/or beard shall be
modified to the degree necessary for
wearing the required equipment.
b. In addition to uncut hair, four other symbolic
requirements of the Sikh religion are
authorized for wear by both male and
female members (see paragraph 16.), with
all orders of dress. Should a conflict arise
between the requirement to wear safety or
operational items of clothing and equipment
and these religious symbols, the manner
and location of wearing these symbols be adjusted. Unit commanders retain the
right to order the manner of this adjustment
as necessary to meet valid safety and
operational requirements.
c. A turban shall be worn by male members
with ceremonial, mess, service dress.
Turbans shall also be worn with
occupational and operational dress, subject
to the safety and operational considerations
noted in sub-paragraph a., above. When
engaged in combat operations, operational
training or when serving with peacekeeping
or multinational contingents, adherents of
the Sikh religion shall, when deemed
essential, cover their head with a patka or
other customary clothing item (see
paragraph 21.), over which they shall wear
the headdress (including combat helmets)
and other items of military equipment as
ordered by the commanding officer.
