Canadian Defense Minister patented gas mask to wear with Sikh beard

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Canada's new Minister of National Defense Harjit Sajjan patented his own gas mask to be work with a Sikh beard, according to recent reports.

Sikhs are a religious minority in Western armed forces, with only three Sikhs serving the U.S. Armed Forces, a force that employs 1.4 million active duty personnel, according to IndefinitelyWild. Sikhs are required to keep their hair as part of their practice, including facial hair. However, the Pentagon prohibits the wearing of beards, citing that they are not compatible with gas masks. The Canadian military had similar rules when Sajjan says he developed his own version of the gas mask in order to keep his beard and remain in service.

"A protective hood is provided for wearers of gas masks in emergency situations," the patent's abstract reads, "A smooth surface around such openings provides for a sealing contact with the gas mask which is donned over the hood. Various means are provided for constricting the hood about the neck to ensure a gas-tight contact."

Sajjan filed and issued the patent in 1996, however there have been no reports of Sajjan actually using the mask while on duty.

Sajjan is the first Sikh to hold the Defense Minister position in Canada's history. Foreign Policy reports he received 13 honors and medals for his service, which included combat operations against hte Taliban in the Kandahar province. Sajjan took office following Canada's Liberal Party's victory over the Conservatives in parliamentary elections, which unseated Prime Minister Stephen Harper.