The Navy Recruit Training Command has reportedly allowed some civilians to return to the base to lead religious services for recruits. Not all of the previously banned leaders were allowed to return as religious leaders because, according to the Navy, uniformed leaders were found instead — which the Navy said met the priority guidance on who was supposed to help lead services:

Following the sudden dismissal of a half-dozen religious leaders last month, commanders at the Great Lakes naval training center began the process Thursday of inviting back civilian volunteers to serve recruits who are Unitarian Universalists, Baha’is, Buddhists and Christian Scientists.

In the meantime, a spokesman said, the Navy has found active duty uniformed personnel at the nearby base to lead worship for recruits who want to be part of a Church of Christ congregation or earth-centered community at its only boot camp.

As earlier reported, the Navy RTC says it was only trying to “comply with guidelines” that require a sequential search for resources: chaplains, then uniformed personnel, and only then, if they cannot be found, can civilians be permitted to lead religious services on the base.

Michael “Mikey” Weinstein offered “measured praise,” though still demanded proof the uniformed military leaders were “qualified.”

Also at the Navy Times and the Global Dispatch.

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