Government Neutrality Regarding Religion (Defense)

As national headlines highlight ethical breeches at the very top of our military structure, others have documented a concern about undue religious persuasion in the military. In the wake of alleged religious infractions, Air Force Instruction 1-1 was published with a paragraph entitled, “Government Neutrality Regarding Religion.” This paragraph discourages leaders from openly practicing and referencing religion. There seems to be a disconnect—we are attempting to reduce religious discourse and effects as incidents of moral indiscipline rise. Our history documents religious influence in the lives of statesmen at the helm of a fledgling nation. Our legal environment has changed drastically since that time and now fuels restrictions on open religious expression and practice. This paper reviews the historical legal context, examines certain friction points within the AFI, and analyzes Title 10 responsibilities. This analysis recommends rescinding the religious neutrality paragraph in the AFI. Accountability of commanders should not require increasingly restrictive policies that inhibit judgment and constitutional freedoms, and may not fit specific situations.