There has been much talk regarding the Pentagon and its’ recognizing of religions. Pete Hegseth is being blamed for all of that as he is the current secretary of defense. Fair enough, the buck does stop there in regard to military matters. As a former recruiter for the Navy I remember well the list of religions one could choose from, along with a block for “other.” I’ve seen the “other” block now being included on birth certificates. I won’t go into that.

I don’t have an issue with anyone claiming to belong too, or practice any religious beliefs. It is solely a personal thing as far as I’m concerned as long as it remains within the law. No animal sacrificing or human sacrificing, nothing like that. No attacking anyone that doesn’t agree with your faith either. So I wonder why there would be a list in the first place. The reason is simple enough, in the United States military, historically speaking, the majority were either Christians or Jews. That is what chaplains were trained to address when it came to the spiritual needs of the troops. The list was created and expanded over the years in an effort to be more inclusive of those personal beliefs.

Although I’m certain it is never intended, there is a problem with being inclusive, it creates divisions. As we become more inclusive the division also increases. Soon there are those insisting upon exceptions and exemptions based on those personal beliefs. That can become a big problem. Traditionally Christian services are held on Sunday and Jewish services held on Friday, after sundown and lasting until Saturday morning. While I was in the Navy none of that was ever a problem, I don’t recall ever serving with someone that was Jewish but I most likely did. I do recall when some became Muslims, when that become a popular choice for African-Americans. I don’t recall any call to prayers or any issues with that as far as foods being eaten or whatever. No one facing Mecca five times a day.

I retired back in 1993, that’s thirty three years ago and I’m sure a lot has changed. I remember when the ladies were first allowed on ship and some of the issues that created. It never bothered me personally, although it was an occasional inconvenience. I’m betting no one even notices these days. Certain “ceremonies” have either been radically changed or eliminated altogether. They call all that hazing these days, being a bully or whatever. I just laugh about that, it was all just in good fun for the most part. Where there instances it went too far? Yes.

I was in the service during the don’t ask, don’t tell period and still believe that is the best policy. No one needs to know all of that except those directly involved. Attempting to include that as a lifestyle choice among young alpha males just isn’t a good idea! You can call it inclusive, or whatever you like, but it isn’t going to change the attitude most will hold. All you can do is punish those that do not comply with that “inclusive” attitude. It’s the same as saying we need gun control because the guns are violent. It isn’t the guns, it’s those willing to use them, same as being “inclusive” only works when the people are inclusive. The best you can hope for is compliance.

I don’t know, I haven’t heard anything about any one in the service complaining about not having a chaplain versed in their particular religious beliefs. I don’t know what any of those religious practices may involve with the “others.” I do wonder about what demands may be involved in conjunction with those practices. Demands for special meals are one thing, I remember when Catholics weren’t supposed to eat meat Fridays, now I’m hearing about Halal foods. I wonder if there are other “requirements” contained in these other religions that inspired their removal from the recognized list? I’m thinking it all just may be preemptive in nature. Too much inclusion? Same as too many chefs spoil the soup.

I did hear about the issue of beards. Some religions require beards or so that was what was being said. During my time beards were not allowed for safety reasons, you can’t really get a good seal with your gas mask. There is the issue of uniformity as well. They are called the uniformed services for a reason. Individual expression isn’t really an integral component when creating a fighting force. The military just isn’t the place for that. Haircuts and hairstyles are included in all of that. Grooming standards.

During my time there were no exceptions for anything based on your religious beliefs/preferences. You didn’t get out of duty just to attend church services or because it was a “holy” day of some kind. Yes, there were those that would accommodate others if they wanted to switch duty to attend a church service, but that was voluntary. No one was wearing any special clothing/headgear to comply with their religious practices. Is that what being “recognized” is all about? It is when when that recognition would allow the exception/exemptions to the rule. Yes, inclusion can cause division! It’s like being the United States, the key word being united. You can’t all be going in a different direction and be united!

It’s all about being recognized. It’s what we talk about often these days, affirmation, inclusion, acceptance and empathy. All those things are wonderful, we all want that; thing is, in order to receive all of that you have to join the group. That’s just how that works. Just being different isn’t a guarantee of recognition, at least not in a positive way it isn’t. Sometimes you are just different. Others will recognize that and not include you, it’s human nature.

Uniformity is essential. Recognize that and you will understand.