Worship in Basic Training? Mandatory?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 23:03:29 -0500

Was going to services mandated by the particular branch you were in basic training?    Was it required or has this become less stringent?

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Jan 21 at 2014 11:04 PM

LTC Jason Bartlett — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 23:04:50 -0500

Has never been mandatory. But you went for the time off and free cookies

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 11:09 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 23:09:55 -0500

I remember Lackland AFB in SA. TexAs. Long lines waiting to get in just as though we were at the chow hall.

Response by CPT Mike M. made Jan 22 at 2014 7:50 AM

CPT Mike M. — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 07:50:34 -0500

It wasn't mandated for us but was one of those things where you could go to church on Sunday orrrrrrrrr.....you could stay behind and be at the mercy of the cadre. Pretty well convinced even the most devout athiests to attend to get away from it all for a couple hours.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 22 at 2014 11:49 AM

SFC James Baber — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 11:49:46 -0500

I remember how guys would go to church on Sundays just to get some rest, many times I would see guys passed out cold in the pews of the chapel. Most times the Chaplains wouldn't say anything to the sleeping Soldiers, but sometimes they would become Southern Baptist preachers for a little while just to keep the SMs awake during services.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 22 at 2014 11:56 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 11:56:54 -0500

It wasn't mandatory, but it would BEHOOVE us to go... Unless you wanted to scrub every toilet and do every other crap detail while everyone else went to service..

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 12:54 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 12:54:55 -0500

I went thru basic at Fort Knox in 2000 and on Sunday you were not mandated to attend religious services, but unless you wanted to be "actively engaged" in some cadre-mandated activity, you took the time to be with God. It actually helped me to get a closer to the Lord, but I did see others who just used the time to sleep! To each his own...

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 6:10 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 18:10:08 -0500

They didn't make us go but it was great time to get a nap in. i always tried to stay awake but never could lol 

Response by 1SG Michael Minton made Jan 22 at 2014 11:02 PM

1SG Michael Minton — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 23:02:12 -0500

As a Ex-Drill Sgt, church services were never mandatory, solely up to the individual. Sunday mornings until lunch were pretty much their personnal time to do laundry, write letters, phone home (after 1st phase), shine shoes or just relax. Alot would go to service, at the beginning of training, thnking they are getting out of a normal morning of BT. Once they find out it is personnal time and they dont have to do those things at night, they thin themselves out. Then you get to the truly religous are the ones that still go. it is also break time for drill sgts, except for the one on duty, DS get a chance for a few hours of family time. It is TRADOC policy for sunday morning to be church services or personnal time.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jan 23 at 2014 2:30 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 14:30:24 -0500

It was strongly encouraged. You had a choice of Jewish, Catholic, & Protestant services. There was nothing else offered back then in 1979. Nearly everyone went to one of the services since if you stayed back at the barracks you had to clean or do something. It was not break time. You never knew who was from another religion since people came with you to whatever service you attended. What was printed on your dog tags wasn't mandated. Mine said Roman Catholic but I grew up in a combo family so I also went to Protestant services too. I knew Jews & Mormons that came to Catholic services as well. A soldier's spiritual life was considered just as important as any other aspect of soldiering. This was especially one of the most important aspects of the Code of Conduct. One religion was not impressed upon anybody like it is perceived as such today. Give me back the old days.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2014 10:59 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 10:59:34 -0400

Ssgt Olson,

It's less stringent now. We weren't required to go to services, and the Soldiers who chose not to go were given personal time until the rest of us returned from church.

I think that's the way it should be. You can't force faith on a person. If Soldiers had been required to attend church, they might have become a distraction for those of us who were there to actually worship.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2014 11:45 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 11:45:20 -0400

It was either clean or go to church, so most soldiers chose church.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 12 at 2014 12:00 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 12:00:54 -0400

When I came through OSUT in 1987, it was not required but was highly encouraged; those that didn't go to services spent their time on details. Although I was not and still am not a religious person, I did attend services as it allowed me time to decompress from training as well as grab a few cookies and a smoke or two even though we were not allowed to smoke.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Apr 12 at 2014 12:05 PM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 12:05:12 -0400

Marine Corps basic, yes it was required. I had it good, though. Being Jewish, I got wine and bread every Friday while in boot camp.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2014 2:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 14:59:58 -0400

I guess I too had some of the same experiences, go to church or do bay maintenance.

Response by Sgt Randy Hill made May 21 at 2014 1:00 PM

Sgt Randy Hill — Wed, 21 May 2014 13:00:57 -0400

Lets be honest it was better than doing details on sunday. Plus it was great reconnect with the higher power during this time.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 1:40 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 May 2014 13:40:30 -0400

It wasn't mandatory for us but if we didn't go we would have something to do. Whether it be floors, toilets, or dusting. So most people went to get out of that.

Response by SPC Rebecca Lovie made May 21 at 2014 2:00 PM

SPC Rebecca Lovie — Wed, 21 May 2014 14:00:09 -0400

Never mandatory but I believe after Basic it is not as available to soldiers. I believe the Military should give even transitioning soldiers a chance to feel God's love and involvement in their lives. I have a great idea to incorporate spiritual motivational cadences with morning PT. If the soldiers who believed had this option it could lift them up in a way we haven't experienced yet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ71RWJhS_M

Casting Crowns - Thrive (Official Lyric Video)

Download the song now: http://hyperurl.co/bmz3hi Subscribe: http://hyperurl.co/y3q58j Connect with Casting Crowns: Facebook: http://hyperurl.co/tipz8h Twitte...

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made May 21 at 2014 2:18 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Wed, 21 May 2014 14:18:51 -0400

They weren't mandatory but the DIs made it clear if we didn't go, it would be worse staying. Not everyone is religious and non religious people shouldn't be forced to go to religious services.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 21 at 2014 2:23 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 21 May 2014 14:23:18 -0400

Joker does not believe in the Virgin Mary (no offense to anyone- its a Full Metal Jacket movie ref).

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made May 21 at 2014 2:54 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Wed, 21 May 2014 14:54:15 -0400

Never mandatory, but it should never be discouraged either. I have never been an atheist, but I have not always been a Christ follower either. In basic training, this was the case. Religious service was a way to get away from the drill instructors for a brief period. It was also a couple hours of relaxation.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 21 at 2014 3:30 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Wed, 21 May 2014 15:30:55 -0400

It wasn't mandatory but we all went...it was an hour and 10 minutes where the Drill Sergeants could not touch us. I remember being half awake during a service and everyone in my pew was either a sleep or fading fast and the Chaplin waving off someone who was thinking about trying to wake us up. The Chaplin may have said “No, let them sleep”, but I am not sure because as soon as I saw that no one was going to smoke us for sleeping, I gave up the fight.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jun 16 at 2014 7:14 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 19:14:11 -0400

@ SSG Hasbun (true), @ SSgt Olson: So there we were in Boot Camp. First Sunday (about 3 weeks into training) rolled around and you had two choices-Catholic or Protestant worship. 4 of us decided to stay back instead of going. What we did not realize was that those few hours were they only free time that our Drill Instructors had. To say that we paid for it is an understatement that is an insult to all understatements. Then the Platoon came back talking about "we got to eat a cookie". It took us about an hour to stop sweating from the A$$kicking that we got from the "Heavy" who by God wanted his Sunday morning.

The following Sunday, the entire Platoon was at Catholic Mass-for the rest of Boot Camp.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 4:22 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 04:22:33 -0400

It wasn't mandatory SSgt Private RallyPoint Member , but if you didn't go you were forced to be on work details. Sunday services were your only garaunteed time to not be engaged in a military activity. So again, not mandatory but better for you if you went.

Response by SPC Phillip Ludlow made Nov 27 at 2014 1:17 AM

SPC Phillip Ludlow — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 01:17:40 -0500

No, in fact it wasn't untill the 3rd week after reception that i found out we could even go.....which was about the time i found out that those who didn't go could skip PT and sleep in till 9 am cuz all the drill's went to church..... except one named Hightower....and that dude NEEDED religion !as for me, i think i went to an Easter mass, and one during our final phase, the rest.... well, i did what any young enterprising boot whould do... i slept in!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2014 2:19 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 02:19:52 -0500

Us pagans had to do chores around the barracks, beautification projects. I wonder how this would change if there was a Humanist Chaplain?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 7:00 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 07:00:59 -0500

Wasn't required but "suggested" as a way to decompress. They also offered a religious class for any hour after the service that you were "suggested" to go to. Even if you didn't believe in religion, I feel it was certainly a way to stop and think about what i was grateful for. At the end of the day, I didn't go for any other reason than to find my center for the new challenges of the week.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 29 at 2014 8:37 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 20:37:07 -0500

In the Army, at least many moons ago, it wasn't mandatory, but an hour of peace at Fort Benning was AWESOME.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Nov 29 at 2014 10:05 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 22:05:35 -0500

Not mandatory but a very welcome break from the DI's and no stress

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 10:17 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 22:17:23 -0500

It was never required, they "suggested" we go the first week, but after that there was no MTI's in the area to give us anything to do, usually if you didn't go, you had to stand entry control, usually for hours on end, and you had to insist someone take over so you could go eat. People coming back often refused to relieve you until someone(usually form chief or EC Monitor) told them they had to.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Nov 30 at 2014 12:11 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 12:11:11 -0500

No it is not mandated or required by any branch of service in basic training. This is one of the few moments at least when I went through basic training a trainee could relax and unwind and it was a great way to get out of detail.

Response by Cpl George Goodwin made Nov 30 at 2014 7:25 PM

Cpl George Goodwin — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 19:25:13 -0500

I attended Parris Island in 1987 and religious services were mandatory the first three weeks. It was explained that they did not care which services you attended but you were attending service. I attended throughout basic and was very impressed with the enthusiasm of the recruits in attendance.

God, Country, Corps

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 10:40 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 22:40:23 -0500

I commanded a Basic Combat Training Company at Fort Knox in 2008. Religious accommodations were made for all denominations and attendance was at the discretion of the Soldier.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 1 at 2014 9:37 AM

SSG Tim Everett — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 09:37:23 -0500

It was not mandatory, but it was "strongly suggested". If you didn't go, you cleaned the barracks. I'm not Christian and they didn't have a Jewish service (that I know of) but I went anyway. Let's see... listen to a sermon, or scrub scuff marks off the floor with a green scrubbie and shaving cream?

Pass the hymnal, troop.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 4:22 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 16:22:09 -0500

it was not mandatory for us. it is purely voluntary. but to tell you I enjoyed going to the sunday services rather than "sleeping" at the dorms because it gave me something to believe in a place wherein I felt I was alone.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 10:00 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 22:00:44 -0500

It wasn't required, and if you didn't go (back in 2009) you typically had a day to do laundry, write letters, etc - but only after bay maintenance was done.

It was interesting to see how many people converted to Judaism when they discovered they served cookies.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2015 9:42 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 09:42:25 -0500

Wasn't mandatory...

Response by PO1 Cameron Rhyne made Dec 20 at 2015 7:41 AM

PO1 Cameron Rhyne — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 07:41:13 -0500

It wasn't when I went through Navy Boot Camp.

Response by SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury made Dec 20 at 2015 11:35 AM

SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 11:35:04 -0500

It was never mandated to us, even if we could get a pendant for having a certain amount of our boot camp company attend. I visited Great Lakes Recruit Training Command in March 2014 and they do not mandate anything of this nature. However, I will say that the opportunity for all faiths to worship in their own way is afforded them and highly encouraged.

No one should be forced to do something they don't want to do in this regard. Isn't religious freedom one of the things we continue to fight for? This includes the right to chose NOT to worship as well.

Response by CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner made Apr 27 at 2017 8:26 AM

CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:26:22 -0400

I was a Chaplain at Ft. Jackson (Army), and Soldiers were not required, nor did they have to do "details" if they did not go. Being responsible for the Spiritual Health of the Battalion, we also had a quiet hour for Soldiers who were not Christian (i.e. Wicca, Buddhist, etc.)!

Response by Cpl George Goodwin made Apr 27 at 2017 2:41 PM

Cpl George Goodwin — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 14:41:21 -0400

When I went to Parris Island in 1987 it was mandatory to attend service the first couple of weekends. It did not matter which one you attended but you were going. I think it was the fourth week that it became optional.

Response by Melissa Neale made May 17 at 2017 7:44 PM

Melissa Neale — Wed, 17 May 2017 19:44:29 -0400

This was not required when I went through basic in 2013. We had the option of cleaning the barracks/doing laundry or going to church services.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2017 8:33 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 May 2017 20:33:46 -0400

It was highly encouraged in 1960.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2018 9:46 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 21:46:38 -0500

When I went through in 2014, Sunday was the day to catch up on laundry and preparing for what we had coming up in the week like inspections, etc. After the first two weeks the MTI would only come in for a little bit, and with having one of the few afternoon religious services I actually wouldn’t see them on Sunday because they would show up while I was at church and leave before my group got back.

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Feb 16 at 2018 10:31 PM

SFC Greg Bruorton — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 22:31:40 -0500

As I recall from my time in Basic, the option to attend church services was not offered until the second week or so. When I was able to attend, it was at Protestant services as I was a declared Baptist at the time. I don't remember any of the recruits that chose not to attend were placed on additional details.

I hope the regimen from the 1960s has lightened sufficiently to allow attendance to church services.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 2 at 2018 12:24 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 12:24:26 -0400

We were not required to go to services- but anyone who stayed back get the DI's undivided attention for numerous chores.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Jun 4 at 2018 8:10 AM

CPT Larry Hudson — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 08:10:58 -0400

Attendance not mandatory during basic, but in OCS, chapel always filled as only place to have an hour of rest

Response by TSgt David Holman made Jun 19 at 2018 9:18 PM

TSgt David Holman — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 21:18:39 -0400

It was never mandatory for us, but even the people who were non-believers generally took it as a chance to escape the norm for even an hour. I remember that the chapel was considered a "safe zone" and even seem to remember some of the permanent party members who went giving the trainees cookies and beverages other than water (usually a coffee or soda type drink).

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2018 1:35 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 01:35:46 -0400

I arrived at Benning OSUT a Prot no denom. I realized that accountability was really laxed during worship times, so I went to Prot and RC services every Sunday. I left a RC. Our DS didn't count who was where during "worship time". The guys that stayed behind were mashed. Even if I had gotten caught, I had that covered. I spoke with the RC Chaplin after mass and told him of my interest in becoming RC. He told me to continue attending both services to be sure. I couldn't partake of the Eucharist, but I got 2 cookies and some down time.

Response by SPC Vivian Ebel made Jan 20 at 2019 9:48 AM

SPC Vivian Ebel — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 09:48:55 -0500

Fort Jackson 1987 - my particular company had most Sundays off, with no punishment for those who decided not to attend Christian services (as a Jew, I went with a small group of other trainees off post to a synagogue for Friday night Shabbat services). While at the Chaplain School for AIT, chapel was held every school day, and although not mandatory, it was highly encouraged as a means of further refining our (required) "good character."

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Jan 20 at 2019 10:06 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 10:06:49 -0500

Sunday was not a training day and yes you were always encouraged to attend Church. In my case I knew the Catholic Chaplain and always went to Mass on Sundays. The coffee and Continental Breakfast was always appreciated too.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2019 9:47 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 21:47:25 -0500

That's not legal to be mandated in any branch and shouldn't be. That was a stupid question.

Response by PV2 Ross Bryan made Feb 20 at 2019 9:31 PM

PV2 Ross Bryan — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 21:31:56 -0500

MY EXPERIENCE HERE WAS IN ARMY BASIC ,
FT LOUSY WOOD MO 1964!
I LISTED MYSELF AS AN ATHEIST AND ON MY DOGTAGS THIS WAS LABELED AS "NO PREFERENCE ". ON GOOD FRIDAY IN THE AFTERNOON, WE STOPPED DUTY AFTER NOON CHOW TO ALLOW THOSE WANTING TO ATTEND TO DO SO! THER WERE ABOUT 10 OF US NOT ATTENDING, AND OUR PLATOON SGT DIDNT SEEM VERY HAPPY ABOUT THIS
BUT DIDNT SAY ANYTHING! HE DID LOOK AT MY DOG TAGS TO FURTHER CHECK MY POSITION , BUT SAID NOTHING.
I FIGURED THOSE OF US NOT ATTENDING WOULD HAVE TO DO SOME SORT OF A CHICKENSHIT DETAIL DUTY , BUT THEY LEFT US ALONE!

Response by SGT Lillian Ramirez made Feb 25 at 2019 12:09 PM

SGT Lillian Ramirez — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 12:09:20 -0500

It was not mandatory, in my unit.

Response by SPC Jimmy Rooks I made Mar 30 at 2019 3:31 PM

SPC Jimmy Rooks I — Sat, 30 Mar 2019 15:31:37 -0400

No!...but neither should any cadre prevent it!

Response by Sgt Keith Dollinger made Apr 26 at 2019 8:08 PM

Sgt Keith Dollinger — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 20:08:50 -0400

It wasn't mandatory for boots to attend services, but, to quote my First Assistant Drill Instructor, "...So, we're all going to be good little Christians and attend Divine Services, in accordance with our religious beliefs... Because, when you recruits are in church - that's MY "Free Time"..."

Response by Sgt Keith Dollinger made Apr 26 at 2019 8:09 PM

Sgt Keith Dollinger — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 20:09:31 -0400

Suffice it that us recruits got the message, lol

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Apr 26 at 2019 8:25 PM

CW4 Craig Urban — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 20:25:49 -0400

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 5 at 2019 7:42 PM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 19:42:33 -0400

You should go to pray that you will complete BCT

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2019 2:03 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 14:03:11 -0500

Is there is a place of worship for the Muslims at basics?

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Apr 20 at 2020 6:20 AM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 06:20:41 -0400

Yes it was required - as you went everywhere as a company. So the last thing the Navy was going to do was allow x number to sit back at the barracks while x went “to church.”

“Yay - we get to sit down!” I thought. Wrong answer. Standing up in Florida heat. Shit! Excused myself to use the bathroom. While walking there, I look in an open door and see a dozen sailors sitting on bean bags in air conditioning. The big leader beckons me in - “come in - plenty of room.” I go in and...

Korans...

And that kids...is how little Donny Murphy became a Muslim...

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2020 1:18 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2020 13:18:48 -0400

As others have said, you could go to service...or stay in the barracks and clean the entire thing. So while not mandated (we had a choice), it was a crap choice (along the lines of "believe in me and love me or you're damned forever").
It was a useless fight, as the services will always support the side of the religious over us "heathens" any time - my current unit send out scripture quotes every day and will not remove those who ask from the distro list - just saying "you can delete it if you don't want it" (who needs server space anyway...). So I stayed back, relaxed a little having less stupid 18 year olds around for 90 min and did laundry or something.
There were LOTS of Soldiers who went to service for the sole purpose of not being around the Drill Sgt for a lil bit, which I also disagreed with. Don't overfill a service if you aren't participating, let those who desire the true meaning of a service (which is a different discussion) use their service, but don't just use it to escape from the Drill Sgt.

Response by Cpl Kyle Burns made May 19 at 2020 6:32 AM

Cpl Kyle Burns — Tue, 19 May 2020 06:32:31 -0400

In 92 for my platoon at least it was not mandatory. It was strongly recommended, but they never messed with those that chose not to and allowed us to sit quietly, read, etc. I discovered early on that it provided the one time a week where there was time for a sit down head call!