Chirag Veer Singh Sarao Becomes First Observant Sikh to Join US Air Force Academy

In a landmark achievement for the Sikh community in the United States, Chirag Veer Singh Sarao has become the first observant Sikh American to join the prestigious United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs. The historic milestone has been officially confirmed by the American Sikh Council. According to the council, Sarao was appointed to the academy on April 4 and, after completing a lengthy approval process, was granted a religious accommodation on June 20. The exemption allows him to serve while maintaining his Sikh articles of faith, including unshorn hair and a beard, enabling him to preserve his religious identity throughout his military career. Sarao officially entered the academy on June 24 during the institution's In-Processing Day (I-Day). He is currently undergoing the academy's rigorous six-week basic military training programme, which marks the beginning of his journey as a cadet. Before earning admission to the Air Force Academy, Sarao had already secured full scholarships through both the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and the Naval ROTC based on his academic and leadership achievements. He had also received admission offers from leading American institutions, including the University of Southern California and the University of Washington. The American Sikh Council highlighted Sarao's well-rounded accomplishments, noting that he has an outstanding academic record and an impressive list of extracurricular achievements. He is an Eagle Scout, holds a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, and has represented his school on the varsity water polo team. The United States Air Force Academy, located in Colorado Springs, is one of the five federal service academies in the United States. The institution provides higher education alongside intensive military and leadership training. Upon graduation, cadets are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in either the US Air Force or the US Space Force. Sarao's admission, along with the academy's approval for him to serve while wearing his religious articles of faith, marks a significant milestone for religious inclusion and diversity within one of the United States' premier military institutions.