Religious intolerance at USAFA

docfrance
Thu, 19 May 2005 14:51:05 +0000

In fact, there are some accusations if you read the press reports–both directed at officers and at cadets in supervisory roles. Military chaplains wear rank just like any other officer and are seen as officers first by many. Senior officers have included religious messages in direction to cadets, and cadets have punished other, lower-ranking cadets for not attending optional church services. No one at USAFA or in the military is asking chaplains to not teach their religion, so long as it is consistent with the rights enjoyed by all in the military. If, as has been asserted, a chaplain wearing military rank, directs freshman cadets to proselytize to their classmates and tell them they will “burn in the fires of hell” if they don’t become christians, that line has been crossed.

Note: I will gladly answer questions here, but don’t want this to degenerate into a religious argument. The military is a different society. Some things that might be allowed or condoned in civilian world (e.g. public displays of affection, political speech, protest, etc) are not permissible when in uniform. If you’re uncomfortable with those restrictions–and I encourage all of you to understand them–then the military may NOT be the best choice for you.