wink said:
My analogy to a transgender person had nothing to do with deployability. I understand readiness is what the Navy is concerned about, which is why I largely support their policy. My analogy was a response to those, and
the Navy in particular, that would not have any doubt in accepting a newly declared transgender, but
makes sweeping declarations that anyone seeking a religious waiver for the vax is a fraud, and even irreligious.
On wholesale acceptance of transgender service members, the Commander in Chief ordered in January 2021
The Secretary of Defense shall:
(i) immediately prohibit involuntary separations, discharges, and denials of reenlistment or continuation of service on the basis of gender identity or under circumstances relating to their gender identity;
(ii) identify and examine the records of service members who have been involuntarily separated, discharged, or denied reenlistment or continuation of service on the basis of gender identity or under circumstances relating to their gender identity;
On the broad brush applied to religious waivers, I guess there have been no overt declarations I know of, but zero waivers speaks for itself. As the Navy can separate individuals for a couple good reasons for refusing the vax, it would have simply been better to not offer a religious exemption rather than carry on a charade. To deny a religious accommodation suggests the Navy does believe you are sincere in your convictions. Aside from the fact the Navy can not know that for certain, it can not be so for 100% of the applications.
I admit not knowing the actual process of religious waiver excepting that the chaplaincy is involved. I'd be interested in the specifics and even what the denial letter looks like. I would expect the chaplaincy can't help but start from a sympathetic view point and go from there.