The inappropriate invitation of MAAF president Jason Torpy to a USAFA “religious respect” conference was the topic of a separate article.  One indicator (among others) of the improper invite was Torpy’s comments on one of the proposed training scenarios.  Torpy, a West Point graduate and former Army Captain, presents himself as an expert in matters of military regulations and religion…and, yet, he entirely missed the point.

To recap, the scenario was as follows:

Lisa wears a cross under her uniform. On the obstacle course one day the cross slips outside her uniform and a commander (or teacher) says, “What’s that? That’s not regulation.” Lisa apologizes and says she’ll tuck it back into her shirt. The commander (or teacher) says, “No, you need to take it off; you can’t wear it.”

Torpy’s discombobulated critique: 

This should be a bit more clear. Is it a shiny gold cross or a matte, regulation cross? Is it on a jewelry chain or attached to the ID tags. The approach might be softer in any case, but clarifying whether it is or is not out of regulation might help to focus the discussion on the religious issue rather than commenting on the regulations.

The regulations (which can be found here) actually say:

Religious items or articles not visible or otherwise apparent may be worn with the uniform, provided they shall not interfere with the performance of the member’s military duties…

Jewelry bearing religious inscriptions or otherwise indicating religious affiliation or belief is subject to existing Service uniform regulations just as jewelry that is not of a religious nature.

To present the proper military image, necklaces will be concealed under collar or undershirt; not visible.

To present the proper military image, other religious apparel and items [besides head coverings] will be concealed except when worn during religious services.

Note there is nothing about whether a cross is “shiny” or “matte.”  Whether it is a jewelry chain or a dogtag chain is irrelevant.  Except for a Chaplain’s religious insignia, there’s no such thing as the “regulation cross” to which Torpy refers.

So, ladies and gentlemen, based on the information above, what’s the correct response?

Here’s a hint:  It’s designed to be a training scenario.  Could it be a trick question…?

The “answer” — if there is one — will be posted on Wednesday.