What Role Does Religion Play Within Our Military?

No. Actions speak truth. Words are just vibrated air .

I was a Chaplain Assistant for most of my time in and I have found that as important as faith is, I saw Muslims Bleed for Catholics, Catholics fighting for protestants, and Atheists helping Baptists. Faith aside we are all on the same team.

Brigham Young, the second prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, once said (and I paraphrase), "Let them worship the yellow dog down the road so long as no harm is given to their neighbor."

Interesting. We have a committee working on Chaplains Hill at Arlington National Cemetery. In 2011 we donated the Jewish Chaplains Monument honoring 14 veterans who died in service including Rabbi Goode one of the "Four Chaplains" who died on torpedoing of the Dorchester in 1943. Our two current projects are:

1. Replacement of aging Protestant Monument with new granite upright and bronze plaque which will add names of Protestant Chaplains who died in service in Korea, Vietnam and Cold War.
2. Donation of Interfaith "Going Forward" Monument honoring US military chaplains who have died in service since 9-11 of all faiths. This will be a footstone monument presented in front of four existing monuments with plaque presented at angle. This project may require Congressional approval, as did the 2011 Jewish Chaplains Monument, which received unanimous votes in House and Senate.

The next phase will be a walkway to ease access for all to the top of the steep 25 foot hill to ease access for all from scouts to "Honor Flights". We are seeking organizations and companies able to donate walkway materials and possible construction service.

Chaplains Hill in section 2 faces Eisenhower Drive beyond the arched McClellan Gate, the route taken by caissons to Section 60. We believe the Chaplains honored on the Hill provide a blessing to each military member and family member who passes by.

Designs are available on our Facebook page: Chaplains Hill, Arlington National Cemetery.

I have next to no issues with other religions. I will listen and comment, and I'll respect your beliefs, as long as it is returned in like fashion.

Religion is largely only an issue in the military when it's forced upon people. This is done in a variety of ways some religious or like minded individuals might not even notice. Stuff like forcing people to check in/out with the chaplain. Prayers said over the speakers for the entire ship. Religious invocations. Religious symbolism in units such as the Crusaders. This particular stuff in and of itself would be largely innocuous and easily brushed aside for all but the most thin skinned of individuals. But the more obtrusive stuff, like my chaplain insisting repeatedly that I put down a religion when filling out whatever form he forced to me to fill out to check in. The sometimes blatant proselytization and recruitment done on bases. Having the base chaplain at Camp Geiger shove his religions moral code (not the Marine Corps), down a room of captive marines throats. Forcing recruits to go to church as the only way to escape the DI's on Sundays. Forced prayer at virtually every ceremony. That's when religion becomes a problem in the military. I don't care what your personal belief system is, we all adhere to a singular organization for our conduct guidelines. The rest can be talked about candidly amongst willing participants but never forced upon those who have no choice but to follow orders. Follow that very simple guideline and you will annoy far less people and find that most believers and non believers alike can be very respectful when they feel like they are on even footing for once.

The military has to remain secular. But now Obama and his administration have come down hard on Christians who don't toe the line.

Religion is a part of our Military history. Everyone has their right to believe In whom they desire to believe in but as I always say you want to start a huge debate or argument, bring up Religion or Politics the discussion will go on for days. Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Speech we should uphold.

It is extremely diverse, if you think that 93 different denomination or branches of Christianity, of the 98 'different' religions, are really extreme or diverse.
I have never seen animosity over religion in the service, but I am sure it could happen?
In truth, I am not sure where any of those I served with really were as far as the break down presented would be? I think, but do not know, that most were Christian, of one denomination of branch, a couple were Jewish and some were Atheist...or at least Agnostic. The few who I did not trust, I do not know what there faith was and the reason I did not trust them was because of the character and not their faith, but faith does play a role in a person's character.

There are actually more than 98 different religions present in the US Military. We are still actively working to get our religious preference recognized by the DoD.

In general, I am a huge fan of the pluralism in our country, and in our military. I will gladly stand shoulder to shoulder with anyone willing to serve our country honorably. Regardless of faith, we should all have a dedication to the mission and protecting and supporting our fellows.

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/2015/05/24/thor-asatru-humanism-hammer/27598169/