How do you feel about religious (yes, Christian) expression in the military?

The article is thought provoking. The author presents some great points, though I don't necessarily agree with his conclusions.

Simply put, Religious Expression is a Right, as an Individual, and can be exercised Collectively. That said, the Government's place in it should be neutral. It's a PRIVATE matter, as opposed to a PUBLIC matter. the USAFA issue pushes this into the Public realm, or at least gives it the perception of being so.

On a discussion I had last night, on this forum, another active duty service member called Islam a Cult, and went on a diatribe about the different. If he were my Commander, or in any position of authority above me (while I was still in active duty), I'd be "popping red smoke" immediately because I don't think he could separate his personal biases from his professional duties. That is something I NEVER experienced during active duty. It just never came up.

Over the last several years however, we've seen more and more instances where "subtle" views are being pushed. Not everyone ascribes to the same belief system, and that's okay, but when we refuse to let an Airman re-enlist because he won't say "so help me God." on the reenlistment oath (which is not required of all Services), I think the article has "grains of truth."

Well what about the chapel - is that not taboo as well - underneath the main chapel there is a synagogue and in the back a nondenominational church as well - this was all introduced as a plebe - not to mention it was built with federal funds - church and state.

No Sir it's not authorized.Your allowed to worship in your off time,and if you worship while in the field all Religions must be represented.But your job as leaders is not to push your Religious beliefs or allow others to push their Religious beliefs on those in your command.Separation of Church and State.Our military is so great because of its diversity and mutual respect for all.If I was the supervisor any public showing emplicating the military as excepting one religion over another or atheism would not be allowed.

AFI1-1:
"2.11. Government Neutrality Regarding Religion. Leaders at all levels must balance constitutional protections for an individual’s free exercise of religion or other personal beliefs and the constitutional prohibition against governmental establishment of religion. For example, they must avoid the actual or apparent use of their position to promote their personal religious beliefs to their subordinates or to extend preferential treatment for any religion. Commanders or supervisors who engage in such behavior may cause members to doubt their impartiality and objectivity. The potential result is a degradation of the unit’s morale, good order, and discipline. Airmen, especially commanders and supervisors, must ensure that in exercising their right of religious free expression, they do not degrade morale, good order, and discipline in the Air Force or degrade the trust and confidence that the public has in the United States Air Force."

"actual or APPARENT USE" - that is the past that applies in most cases. If the appearance of extending preferential treatment for one religion vs. another could be seen, you should avoid it. There is even a part of the article that shows a great example of the implications that could happen due to appearance of the use of position to promote religious beliefs or extend preferential treatment:
Here's what one football team member had to say: "It is certain cadets on the team who are viewed as leaders (and even some who are not but still have team influence) who are leading the public praying. If you don't go along with it you are not going to be viewed as a good follower or teammate."

That right there is an example of something that degrades morale, good order and discipline. If someone doesn't want to do something but goes along with it because they believe they could experience ramifications from not going along with leaders (or someone with "team influence"), then that is impacting morale, good order and discipline.

The fundamental idea behind freedom of religion is the ability for each individual to, pardon the redundancy, freely practice their faith (that means anywhere). It is not, however, a freedom for those in power to limit religious expression. If an individual is offended by another's religious practices, the appropriate response is to simply not participate or say their own prayer. Practice of religion is a personal allowance for as long as it is voluntary and does not interfere with the mission.

In layman's terms; they can pray, you can choose not to participate or pray to a god of spaghetti and meatballs, but you can't prevent them from praying to whoever they choose. This needs to be viewed on a personal level in that each student chose to do this, and they are entitled to do so for themselves.

Sir with all due respect this article is offensive. I say that because there is nothing wrong with the players praying. It's not hurting the mission (even though this is football), and if this gives the players or servicemen a chance to get a sense of calm before the game or a mission, I'm all for it. For the Generals to say that it plays into any terrorist orgs playbook, I'd ask him how many foot patrols or even mounted ones has he been on? I know my guys had no problem praying before moving out...EVER. If anything this video would play into OUR playbook as a sign of solidarity through religions or even those that are not believers. It's what we NEED now. There was an uproar over the football player who happened to be Muslim and after scoring a TD he got down and thanked Mohammed. Thank goodness cooler heads prevailed and he had the full support of his team, the NFL, and many fans. If we took this simple show of support away, something that doesn't cost any money, is open to those who want to partake in it, and doesn't hurt or offend those who don't, we've truly fell into the hands of the enemy. They've finally made it so we are taking away our basic freedoms in the pursuit of "security", and that isn't what we stand for. If any of those officers can show me where prayer of any faith has affected their missions, resulted in losses of man and equipment I'd amend my view.