NEW YORK -- Capt. Kamaljit Singh Kalsi (KAH-mal-jeet sing KAHL-see) hopes to be the fourth generation of his family to serve in the military. But the U.S. Army recruit's plans to go on active duty in July are now on hold. An Army policy from the 1980s would mean he would have to shave his beard and remove the turban he wears for religious reasons. Kalsi and another Sikh man with the same concerns are at the center of a campaign by the Sikh Coalition that is trying to convince the Army to let them serve without sacrificing their articles of faith. They're hopeful they will prevail. Toni Delancey, a spokeswoman for Army personnel, says the appeals are under review. Sikh Coalition executive director Amardeep Singh says he hopes the rule is changed for all Sikhs who would want to enlist.
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