Chandigarh, July 14: The United States Air Force Academy has admitted its first keshdhari Sikh American cadet who will serve while maintaining his traditional articles of faith. Chirag Veer Singh Sarao joined the ranks at the Colorado Springs campus on June 24 during the official In-Processing Day.
“Sarao was appointed to the US Air Force Academy on April 4,” the American Sikh Council affirmed, adding that he is now navigating the mandatory six-week military boot camp.
The decision ensures that Sarao can keep his beard and hair unshorn, fulfilling the essential tenets of his faith while undergoing officer training. Prior to choosing the federal service path, the candidate turned down highly competitive options, including full scholarships from the Naval and Air Force ROTC programs, as well as general admission invitations from the University of Washington and the University of Southern California.
His selection followed a decorated preparatory career. The community council maintained that Sarao excelled across multiple disciplines, competing on a varsity water polo team, earning a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, and attaining the Eagle Scout rank.
The federal academy provides an undergraduate curriculum alongside strict behavioral and military training routines. Graduates from this track routinely step into active service as second lieutenants, filling vital officer positions in the US Air Force and the US Space Force.
