During a recent exercise, a unit that was simulating deploying to the war zone trudged its way through the processing line.  A deployment processing line is made up of a half dozen manned stations where deployers make sure they are ready to depart.  Personnelists check paperwork, medics administer shots, lawyers update wills, and family care representatives make sure deployers have their family affairs in order.

One station is manned by a Chaplain.  During this particular line, as in many, the Chaplain had camouflage New Testaments, Torahs, and guides on handling stress and separation on the table in front of him.  He chatted with each military member as they went by, seeing how they were doing.  Though he never proffered the materials in front of him, several members picked up a New Testament from the stack on the table.

One military member, however, pointed out an omission.  There were no religious materials that served him, a Hindu.  After discussing what the member would want, the Chaplain said he would obtain some and make them available.

An amazing thing then happened.  The Hindu military member moved on to the next station, and the Chaplain greeted the next person in line.  The Chaplain did not offer the Hindu member a Bible nor attempt to convert him to another faith.  In fact, without personally knowing the Chaplain, there was no way to even know what faith group he represented (his military badges were covered by other uniform items).  For his part, the Hindu member did not complain of discrimination, threaten a lawsuit, or call his Congressman.  In fact, he appeared appreciative of the Chaplain’s willingness to receive the input and get the same materials for him as for other servicemembers.

And that is how most “religious issues” are handled in the military–with casual conversation that brings common understanding.  Based on recent press releases, some seem to think the military is a hotbed of Christian evangelicalism of which Chaplains are co-conspirators.  In fact, religion (or a-religion) is generally a non-issue in the military.  Chaplains know well their job to support all military members’ spiritual (and non-spiritual) needs.  Men and women of various faiths understand the roles–and limitations–of military Chaplains.

While there may be localized exceptions (as with any million-member organization), there are rarely periods of “religious tension,” and there is no evidence of institutional religious bias in the military.  More often than not, perceived religious affronts are mere misunderstandings that are corrected at the lowest level.