What are your thoughts on Free Masons in the military?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 06:17:03 -0400

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Apr 2 at 2014 6:52 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 06:52:19 -0400

Without being disrespectful, it seems to me we are discussing apples & oranges. One has little to do with the other in most respects. I see free masons as a personal thing that relies on what the person is made of inside and the only effect that would have on a military career is how that individual carries themselves & the decisions they make throughout their life. I personally do not see it as a bad thing but leave it to each person to make their own decision.<br>

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 7:00 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 07:00:36 -0400

So long as it doesn't foster a "good 'ol boy" environment I don't see a problem. In the past though, I've seen a 1SG show blatant favoritism towards other free masons within his company.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 7:16 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 07:16:59 -0400

I think that's like asking what are your thoughts on republicans or democrats in the military. I feel that someone's affiliation should not affect their duty to service. Although Free Masons do cause quite the conversation as an organization, I feel that some Soldiers feel as if they are not being treated fairly because the Freemasons are "hooking each other up" and somehow thereby reducing their opportunity to advance. I feel we have to conduct individual inventory on ourselves and not worry so much about everyone else.

Response by SPC Michael Hunt made Apr 2 at 2014 9:13 AM

SPC Michael Hunt — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:13:23 -0400

Having been a 3rd degree Mason for 27 years, I could go on all day about just some of the great things the Masonic Organizations have done world wide... not just in the military. As with any fraternal order, you are going to have certain people that sway power in what may seem an unfair direction. Still, don't judge until you've walked in their shoes.

Response by 1SG Eric Rice made Apr 2 at 2014 9:28 AM

1SG Eric Rice — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:28:49 -0400

As long as it does not take away from the good order and dicipline in the unit it is a non-issue. As stated in previous post, the bad apples are the ones who make any organization look bad.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 2 at 2014 9:53 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:53:34 -0400

I think the Masons are fine, it's those little offshoots of the main organization that are the problem. Every unit that I've been to where the Masons were considered an issue, it was never actually a main or large lodge, it was always one of those Prince Hall Lodges. I think if you get rid of those, the word "Mason" wouldn't be painted in such a negative light...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 9:59 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:59:07 -0400

Are they doing their JOB? Are they doing what's right? Are they being fair and impartial? See where I'm going with this? Masons have been around for hundreds of years. Heck George Washington was a Mason. Did that make people judge him? Maybe, but not to a degree that they would not follow him. As with any group of people in the Army, what does it matter as long as they are doing what is right, legally and morally, and are not conducting themselves in a way that is contrary to good order and discipline in the organization? As long as they are taking care of Soldiers, I could care less if they are a Mason or not.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 10:01 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 10:01:09 -0400

No issues as long as it is kept professional. One thing that does bother me... It is supposed to be a "secret" order. But, everybody knows who they are when signs are displayed that should not be displayed.<br>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 5:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 17:36:45 -0400

i am a prince hall mason and i am in the military try to understand this what do you mean by free masons

Response by SPC Greg Abarr made Apr 3 at 2014 8:18 PM

SPC Greg Abarr — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:18:38 -0400

I am both a Mason and an Odd fellow. I can't think of any other organization that does as much  for the person or unit that belongs to it. The good works they do help everyone.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 3:51 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 15:51:02 -0400

Since I'm not a Mason, I really don't have any knowlege of the subject.  My dad was one - made it up to some high degree that was kept secret from his own family.  When he was buried, family members were told by several (read: dozens) Masons dressed up in their formal garb that family could not attend any of the burial because it was "Mason only" - which really pissed me off - so I kicked the entire kit and kaboodle of that organization off the premises since I was the one paying for the funeral/burial.  Can't say I have a bad taste in my mouth over Masons - don't know enough to comment.<div><br></div><div>However, as a civilian contractor, I can say for a fact, based on personal experience,  that when I was in Iraq during the 2nd Iraq War that Kellogg, Brown and Root (KBR) was using the Mason Ring as the "clincher" for decisions of hiring Senior Managers.  I was told by a very senior president within KBR that if you didn't have the ring (Mason's) you were not even considered for senior positions.  I won't say that such decisions were poor decisions, but I will say that many of the initial cadre of senior managers hired by KBR folks hired in the '04/05 timeframe were eventually weeded out as the incompetent fools they were.</div><div><br></div><div>Here's my bottom line: Mason ring, Academy ring - same, same....there are way too many idiots that use that ring to gain access, jobs, positions, authority, etc, that are simply not up to the task.  Anyone, and I repeat, ANYONE who relys on that ring to the determent of fair play and honest merit is not worthy.</div>

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 5 at 2014 4:49 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 16:49:28 -0400

A lot of Great Americans were Free Masons, Some of my Friends are Free Masons. As long as it doesn't interfere with their duties. Go For It.

Response by SSG Daniel Turner made Apr 5 at 2014 10:38 PM

SSG Daniel Turner — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 22:38:29 -0400

I think it is great.  Nothing wrong with it as long as it is not used to show favoritism towards or protect service members.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2014 12:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 May 2014 12:11:20 -0400

i am a prince hall mason and it has nothing to do with me being in the military. what i do outside of the military is me but as long as it do not get in the way of my duty's and it do not

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made May 8 at 2014 10:03 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Thu, 08 May 2014 22:03:03 -0400

I have personally seen the Prince Hall Freemasons do incredible, risky and selfless acts for Soldiers from junior enlisted to officer and NCO.

Yes they do have the "good 'ol boy" paradigm and I'm sure it has its negatives. They're hardly perfect saints...more like Robin Hoods :)

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 27 at 2014 4:00 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 27 May 2014 16:00:17 -0400

I think masons should be paid, like all other soldiers.

Now if you want to belong to groups outside of your duty day, no problem...as long as it does not distract from your duties.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 2:27 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 14:27:01 -0400

The concept is innocuous and most of the comments here seem to repeat that message. The Masons (all kinds) are outstanding fraternal organizations that do amazing work in their local communities and have for a long time. The major concern to the military is that there is a separate rank structure in the Masons. You could be a SFC who has been in the Masons for 20(+) years and a CPT can be in the Masons and only be in 4 years. There is a rank issue there that has to be separated and non-influential. I have never seen any issues outright, but I can see the potential. It comes down to the maturity of the Mason in question and his understanding of the separation necessary in the military, as there are UCMJ possibilities if it is abused. Fraternization is another possibility, but only applies to officers. ART134 of the UCMJ states the elements: 1) That the accused was a commissioned officer or warrant officer, 2) That the accused fraternized on terms of military equality with one or more certain elisted members in a certain manner, 3) That the accused then knew the persons to be enlisted members, 4) That such fraternization violated the custom of the accused' service that officers shall not fraternize with enlisted members on terms of military equality and, 5) That, under the circumstances, the conduct of the accused was to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces or was of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces. The issue is "equality." Even worse if it is a reversed inequality. SO...while the Masons are great organizations and have been around forever (as stated below, George Washington and many members of the Federalists were Free Masons...but they were usually-normally-most of the time...land holding powerful men and officers or politicians), the modern ramifications are a possibility that did not exist back in the day because back then, most enlisted WERE NOT Masons.

Response by SgtMaj Michael Lillie made Jun 5 at 2014 2:39 PM

SgtMaj Michael Lillie — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 14:39:39 -0400

As a Master Mason, I can certainly say that meeting my fellow Marines on the square and dealing with daily tasks on the level has only served to enhance my leadership position. Having said that, if a fellow Marine, who happens to be a Mason as well, is being an asshat, he'll get treated like one, regardless of affiliation. Professionalism is paramount.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 5 at 2014 2:43 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 14:43:28 -0400

I don't really see where it matters, its not like the free masons are somehow anti military. It's like saying how do you feel about a member of the YMCA joining the military. Some groups don't need to be in the military like the KKK or westboro baptist church members but over all it shouldn't matter.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 9 at 2014 12:23 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 12:23:35 -0400

Why are you worried that they actually ARE the Illuminati....? ;o)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2014 9:10 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 09:10:34 -0400

I do not make generalizations based on affiliations as we could say that everyone who is a veteran is a terrorist risk......just saying it has happened before and I personally do not think of myself as a terrorist.

As far as good olde boy system I have experienced more from groups of people that used to belong to a certain unit and moved over to another than through the Mason or other groups.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/16/napolitano-stands-rightwing-extremism/?page=all

Napolitano stands by controversial report

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Wednesday that she was briefed before the release of a controversial intelligence assessment and that she stands by the report, which lists returning veterans among terrorist risks to the U.S.

Response by SFC Stephen Carden made Jun 18 at 2014 11:03 AM

SFC Stephen Carden — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 11:03:03 -0400

I think membership in a social fraternity should have no bearing on your status in the military. It has to be consensual, however. We don't mess with you if you don't bring it into the workplace. Masonic influence should not be tolerated in the military. I have always been curious about the Masons, and I would be interested in checking into it. I was always too shy to ask a Mason about it when I could identify someone as a mason. Maybe I will pursue it when I get out of the Army and am able to stabilize in one location. It seems like a good organization that helps a lot of people in the community. Plus, when the New World Order comes around, it would be nice to be on the winning side! LOL Just kidding Masons.

Response by SPC Robert Myers made Jun 18 at 2014 3:11 PM

SPC Robert Myers — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 15:11:54 -0400

Since I have no knowledge on what a mason is and it seems like there are A LOT of masons on this thread, let me ask, what is a mason and what do you guys do? Can I join to be a mason? Is being a mason like being a veteran? (the perks, the cameraderie, etc. etc.) I just have no idea what is it you folks are doing/saying/performing/whatever when you say you are a "Mason". Just curious that's all.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2014 9:46 PM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 21:46:30 -0400

As a younger master mason, i believe there are no issues with us being in the military. We didnt cause problems at my first command nor is there a problem with us at the academy. We are just like everyone else.

Have there been some bad instances with masons?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2014 2:55 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 02:55:59 -0400

Great post SFC Brummett. The "good Ol Boy" system has been around in the army for decades. But those that have a problem with Masons are probably good with that. Fact of the matter is as long as we are in the foxhole(showing my age) on one accord to protect and defend what we signed up for(regardless of whom, what, religion, sexual preference, or affiliation) then I'm ok with it....every organization, group or crew..has their... as SgtMaj Michael Lillie called them ..asshats..
But as alwyas ..How good and how pleasant...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 7:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 07:47:14 -0400

As a proud long time member of the fraternity and it's bodies I can say that I have seen both good and bad from brothers in the Army. Depending on where you go you can see it disgraced like I saw in Korea. People wearing light in the clubs and acting likes asses brings bad views of us. People who allow the fraternal bonds to cross the Army threshold. I have heard the stories of the SSG who is the master of a lodge and the 1SG who is one of the lower officers. I have seen and heard the affiliation used to get positive evaluations, pencil whipped PT tests and weapons quals to aid in speedy promotions. These are the things that put a bad taste in peoples mouths about us.
Regardless of the lodge ( Blue or PHA) there are good and bad but it is the lodges duty to clean their ranks. The problem I have seen is far too often recruitment is conducted merely to gain members and that is not allowed. These member drives do not always draw the quality we need. We have to think of the good of the order.
Even when I was an Army Recruiter I can honestly say I did not put in everyone I met that wanted to join. After brief conversation I determined that a few of them did not belong in my Army.
I love my fraternity and my brothers and as long as you are living, working, and abiding by the tenets of our order I will respect you and treat you as a brother.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2014 7:12 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 07:12:21 -0400

So far in my almost 18 year career, I have only had mildly negative experiences with the Masons. I do not believe that anything remotely religious/political/fraternal should be allowed in the workplace. Do what you want outside of work, but leave it there when you are working. I have listened to Soldiers talking to one another when they should be working, secure in the knowledge that their Masonic NCO will have their back. I have seen Masons tap their rings on a desk, thereby gaining acknowledgement from another of who they are. This simple act puts anyone not a Mason immediately on the outside of any conversation. I have also seen recruited, younger Soldiers, end up spending a lot of money (on what, I'm not sure) and way too much time away from families and memorizing/reading at work in order to prepare themselves for initiation. I believe wholeheartedly that if there is a Mason in another Mason's chain-of-command/concern, they would benefit from that, if only on a small scale. I have seen senior leaders out-ranked in the Masonic world by their junior Soldiers. Although not a constant factor, this must cause confusion and/or problems in the workplace, knowing that you are supposed to be someone's boss during the work day, but junior to that same person outside of work. Let me be honest in admitting that I don't know a ton about Masonry, but my limited knowledge and experiences have clouded my ability to form a non-biased opinion. I realize calling Masons a 'gang', as some do, is wrong. I lump Masonry with religion and politics as some of the things that should not be discussed in the workplace. People join all sorts of organizations, and that is fine, but there is a line that should not be crossed. Unfortunately, I have seen it crossed way to many times. One last thing: I've read a lot of posts on this subject stating that Masons do wonderful things for their units, but no one says anything specific. What are these wonderful things?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2014 12:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 12:27:11 -0400

Remember, One of your founding fathers and first General, General Washington was a proud brother in the Free Masonary. If a brother uses his status in the order to gain favorable measures, then he has learned nothing. If the brother is never known to be Mason and just happens to show a sign and you never knew, that is a good brother. I have seen allot of fake military cover organizations and with that you have to take the good with the bad. A true Brother will help all that are wanting education, directions, and help.

SFC Bridges
702 Jack Wilson
Brooklyn New York

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 9 at 2014 9:34 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 21:34:54 -0400

Same as I feel about every other subgroup, club, affiliation, etc. that exists within the boundaries of the military and society. If they are upholding the standards and doing their jobs then power to them. When they start crossing the lines then its time for eyes on. When I was up at Drum there were some officers that all belonged to a fraternity that became quickly "de-militarized" College frat brothers, no big deal - until these "fraternity boys" started involving drunk enlisted subordinates in porn videos and, oops, one got loose to the CofC.

Response by TSgt Terry Hudson made Aug 26 at 2014 11:54 AM

TSgt Terry Hudson — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 11:54:43 -0400

It really doesn't matter! As long as they're doing their job!

Response by PO1 Todd Askins made Aug 26 at 2014 12:42 PM

PO1 Todd Askins — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 12:42:45 -0400

No problem at all with them (of course i am a Mason) the Military Lodges were very prominent and important in our early years through mid 1900's!
I would love to see them grow again

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2014 1:20 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 13:20:47 -0400

I found out my dad (Army Radioman in Iceland during WW2, and many other family member, some of which were in the Revolutionary War.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2014 2:13 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 14:13:08 -0400

The terms 'Mason' and 'Freemason' are interchangeable.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2014 5:59 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 05:59:27 -0400

to much stigma about something they don't know about people must read

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Aug 28 at 2014 1:13 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 13:13:31 -0400

I think 12Ws should be paid.

Get it...12W Capentry MASONRY Spec. working for FREE.

Freemasonry is private and should not bleed over into a person career or service...but of course it does but one should try to keep the two seperate.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2014 6:23 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 18:23:29 -0400

I take what I learn in lodge and incorporate it in my military career. I treat my troops with fairness and help them with issues. If they screw up, they get fair and impartial punishment that goes with the job.

Sometimes it's hard to be a good person with superiors above me. Some of them only care about who they can step on to get rank. But as long as I hold to my morals and keep it away from my troops, I'll fight the political battle and let them do their jobs.

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Sep 2 at 2014 4:44 AM

CW2 Jonathan Kantor — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 04:44:48 -0400

I don't really see why this question is being asked. There are plenty of Free Masons in the military... always have been. They do their jobs like everybody else. What's the big deal?

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 12:00 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 12:00:42 -0400

Every club, fraternity, organization has some bad apples. When you can, throw them out.

Response by CPO William E. Mahoney made Oct 9 at 2014 7:35 PM

CPO William E. Mahoney — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 19:35:34 -0400

I served with six (6) people who where Free Masons, they did their jobs and didn't act any different than any other sailor nor did they try and recruit anyone to the Masons on Navy time.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 13 at 2014 7:11 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 19:11:49 -0500

I dont think it is a problem till favortism is shown once in uniform Fraternal affiliation should not be a deciding factor inside a military unit. I have a few dealing wiht Free Masons One was good the other was bad. I wanted to join the Free Mason Lodge when i was in MS and the guys in my unit that where in that lodge i talked to pretty much gave me the run around and tasks. Pretty much the task was me being there personal servant so yeah did not do that. but when a diffrent person showed up who was new to the unit showed up and asked they took him right in and showed him how. These were guys where my "friends" so i thought. After that i was like well screw that. I have looked a few more times but turned away because of that first interaction. So like other said it is the bad apples that leave a nasty taste.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 2:41 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 02:41:37 -0500

I had a discussion about Masons with someone in the military. They spoke about favoritisms and so forth...Well I ask you whats the difference between being a Mason and part of the Audie Murphy Club....alot of people are getting peferential treatment on boards and such because they are part of this "club" a organization with in the Army just as the Fremasons are..matter of fact..Fremasons been in the military long long before Audie murphy

Response by SGT Rik Thibodeau made Mar 18 at 2015 7:51 AM

SGT Rik Thibodeau — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 07:51:07 -0400

I know very little about FM but I'm a live-and-let-live kind of guy so I have no problem with them being in the military. However I have to admit that I have seen a lot of bad stuff from some FM who were in, or working for, the Army. I won't go into details as I don't want to wake up with a horse head in my bed (relax, it's a joke) but I've been the victim of bias/racism at the hands of African American soldiers simply because I wasn't a FM and another soldier was and I've witnessed it happen to others too. Having said that, I would never hold anything against an entire group because of the actions of a few so I just ignore it. To each his own.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 8:52 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 20:52:41 -0400

As long as they are free and don't cost anything, they are good with me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 12:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 12:50:39 -0400

I spent over a year on a deployment under the thumb of a BN with a Mason as the CSM and plenty more throughout the organization. Once I brought my Senior's behavior (favortism, gambling with junior Soldiers and comiting adultry with other junior Soldiers) to light, I was quickly silenced by my NCO support chain. I was threatened with slander of a Sr.NCO and feared my NCOER was doomed. I could no longer pick up or order supplies through the company supply system or parts through PLL. As a 25U without access to radio parts I was worthless. I was slotted as access as a newly promoted E5 took my spot as the Team Chief. For 15 months I stayed in my room and offered help to the company commo guys in order to make some positive impact on my unit.

This being my only experience with the good 'ol boy masons left me with a sour taste for them. Once I see that sticker on someones car or on a ring I immediatly am reminded of this and jump to the conclusion that they are racist, selfish and part of the problem. I know it's a stereotype and isn't fair to everyone else but I cant help it.

Response by Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire made Nov 22 at 2015 10:57 AM

Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 10:57:33 -0500

None!

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made Nov 22 at 2015 11:47 PM

SrA Daniel Hunter — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 23:47:27 -0500

Skilled trades can be expensive. If you found a Mason who will do it for free, jump on that. lol...

Response by SGT Shawn Price made May 8 at 2016 9:59 AM

SGT Shawn Price — Sun, 08 May 2016 09:59:21 -0400

Though this is probably a well dated discussion, here's my .02. Simply put, there is no place for it. There's definitely enough "good ol boy" back scratching that occurs from branch to branch, mos to mos. I've seen it with my own eyes. People passed over for promotion, preferential treatment, forgiving of disciplinary treatment, the list goes on and on. It's there, plain Jane however; the country was founded on it? One simply has to utter general washingtons name and you're instantly reminded of the connections. Only reason cmd groups aren't fighting it is because they are Mason's themselves or have duty driven empathy or realize that it's way to big of a machine to challenge. Kinda sad. A soldiers, airmens, sailors, marines efforts should be sincerely rewarded or punished without bias, that is impossible if an individual will circumvent creeds and oaths to first appease a fraternal orders mandates.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Nov 4 at 2017 11:41 AM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 11:41:29 -0400

They should not be allowed...the military has enough "cliques." The military should all be on the "same" team, not in separate corners. Leave that nonsense for the civilian world.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2018 9:20 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 May 2018 09:20:26 -0400

One positive note: there’s no surgery involved!!!

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made May 15 at 2018 10:59 AM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Tue, 15 May 2018 10:59:18 -0400

Why is it an issue?

Response by MSG James Douglas made May 15 at 2018 11:04 AM

MSG James Douglas — Tue, 15 May 2018 11:04:54 -0400

I happen to be a Free Mason (since 1997) and as long as you conduct yourself accordingly, i.e. adhere to military standards, their should not be an issue. It's no different than being in a Fraternity or Sorority while in the military.

Response by Cpl Eric White made May 15 at 2018 11:11 AM

Cpl Eric White — Tue, 15 May 2018 11:11:01 -0400

I had a spout of mental illness once I left the Military. During this time I began to learn much about masonry and some of the things surrounding it. Strange thing was no one taught me other than the voices I was hearing. I stole a truck and when brought before the chief of police he asked me if there was anything I wanted to add after I confessed and I told him I failed my son. The charges were dropped I was released and all was well. I also realized that the voices I was following almost drove me to the point of killing myself. God delivered my mind and I am now a Pentecostal preacher. Often people don't think of the spiritual nature of these rituals and rites used in masonry. Even with the mindset of Solomon it was adopted in history at Solomon's backslid state when he built places to other God's. The bible says by mans wisdom they knew not God. I realized once I was illuminated by the one true God that there was something off. The bible says no man can serve two masters. Albert Pike the only confederate general honored the way he was a notable freemason wrote books regarding this doctrine and dogma.
"That which we must say to a crowd is—We worship a God, but it is the God that one adores without superstition. To you, Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, we say this, that you may repeat it to the Brethren of the 32nd, 31st, and 30th degrees—The Masonic Religion should be, by all of us initates of the high degrees, maintained in the purity of the Luciferian Doctrine. If Lucifer were not God, would Adonay whose deeds prove his cruelty, perdify and hatred of man, barbarism and repulsion for science, would Adonay and his priests, calumniate him? Yes, Lucifer is God, and unfortunately Adonay is also god. For the eternal law is that there is no light without shade, no beauty without ugliness, no white without black, for the absolute can only exist as two gods: darkness being necessary to the statue, and the brake to the locomotive. Thus, the doctrine of Satanism is a heresy; and the true and pure philosophical religion is the belief in Lucifer, the equal of Adonay; but Lucifer, God of Light and God of Good, is struggling for humanity against Adonay, the God of Darkness and Evil. Albert Pike"

Those who choose to worship Lucifer for gain is their own business I won't condemn you. But the Bible says nothing is done in secret that one day will be manifest in the light.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 15 at 2018 8:15 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 15 May 2018 20:15:37 -0400

have been in the Military since General George Washington, who was a Mason.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2019 6:50 PM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 18:50:17 -0500

SFC Brandon Brummett, I think it’s great to be a member of the Freemasons while serving in the military. I did during my military service and met several brothers who had an influence on my military career. Especially, those attributes such as, charter and leadership.

Response by Cpl J P made Dec 5 at 2019 11:29 AM

Cpl J P — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:29:55 -0500

Anybody in the military should be allowed to build a brick wall or a nice fire pit to BBQ if they want to!

Response by Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr made Dec 24 at 2020 12:34 PM

Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 12:34:52 -0500

I don't see a problem with it???

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2021 6:23 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 18:23:06 -0500

That's between them and DOD. Unless Masons are identified as subversive or (pick a category) there should be no issue. In principle, no different from Kiwanis, Shriner's, Civitans, Lion's Club or any other civic-minded organization. They don't solicit membership I'm told. One has to ask them first. No impact on unit good order.