(WCMH)–A decorated U.S. Army veteran will be allowed to serve with long hair, a beard, and turban in accordance with his Sikh faith in a decision by the Army on Thursday.

Capt. Simratpal Singh, a Sikh American officer and combat veteran, is the first Sikh American to receive a long-term religious accommodation while actively serving in the U.S. Army.

Other Sikh Americans have requested religious accommodation at the beginning of their military careers, NBC News reported. Singh has already been serving in the U.S. Army for over 10 years with short hair and no beard or turban.

In December, Singh received a temporary accommodation to serve in the military with his articles of faith intact.

In March, a U.S. district judge issued a temporary restraining order against additional non-standard, discriminatory testing.

“My military service continues to fulfill a lifelong dream,” Singh said in a statement. “My faith, like many of the soldiers I work with, is an integral part of who I am. I am thankful that I no longer have to make the choice between faith and service to our nation.”