Religious Accommodation?

[GodofAeons]

Yes private commisioning ceremonies are a thing, and I could about guarantee this would need to be one of those. And while the presenting of the arm band would be a bit "different," this coming from someone who has only done the commision oath for one other person (older brother that checked into OCS when I was checking out, we did a private ceremony before the real one) (oh yes, I did indeed mess it up.... Not on purpose... So had to do it twice) your class officer should be willing to accomodate the ceremony as long as there are no changes to the oath etc. I do say "should" as I've never been a class O at OCS...

Yes, you will meet some Christians that like to spread the faith in the military, or at least are outgoing about it. Not a big deal. There will be times to bow your head and pray (for example, at your commisioning ceremony, after you already did your private one if that works out). Bow your head with the rest... Nobody, especially not promotion boards, will care what religion you follow though.

I would be 100% fine with a private ceremony. With the officer providing my arm band to me after I finish the oath. (I've already got the one I can bring).

Only thing to change in the oath is the "So help me god" at the very end - I would prefer to eliminate that portion.

 

[FinkUFreaky]

I'm sure that's OK, re-enlistments at least that is optional.

 

[swmonroe88]

I'm sure that's OK, re-enlistments at least that is optional.

Correct. I (and others) didn't say it when I took my oath.

 

[Brett327]

It is most definitely not, and no matter what anyone says, be ready to have Christianity thrown at you at every official command ceremony. Everything starts with an invocation from the Chaplain as an official part of the ceremony.

But yeah, the military doesn't push a certain religion on anyone.

FWIW, I'm an atheist and that's not a secret. While I have seen Christian-flavored benedictions at official functions, those are pretty rare in my experience. I asked Chaps to do a more "spiritual" themed benediction at my CoC, which they are happy to do. I've also seen Norse, Pagan and even more esoteric "services" offered aboard the carrier.

For the OP - you'll be fine. In my view, religion is a personal choice. Nobody should be wearing it on their sleeve - especially at work.

 

[Swanee]

FWIW, I'm an atheist and that's not a secret

You and me both. Our experiences are about as different as the way we serve (this isn't a bad thing!).

After 11 years of USMC promotion, change of command, retirement, birthday, re-enlistment... ceremonies- during the last one- after the benediction- my wife turned to me and asked, "Does the Marine Corps have anything but Southern Baptist Evangelical Chaplains? I mean, does the USMC recognize Judaism? And why do they make you bow your head- you don't believe in any of this?"

I kind of gave her a shoulder shrug and moved on. But it's something that bothers me.

 

[Brett327]

The services all have different cultures. I also acknowledge that most people are Christians and that a lot of service traditions came from a time when religion was more at the forefront of people’s lives. Innocuous displays of Christianity don’t bother me. I say “so help me God” during an oath because it’s part of our service culture. I bow my head during a benediction for the same reason. On the other hand, if I see someone proselytizing at work, or getting sanctimonious with others, I will fuck that person up immediately, because it’s unprofessional and disrespectful.

 

[FinkUFreaky]

I'm pretty much Agnostic (not that anyone cares). I don't mind bowing my head during benedictions or whatever else. I also tried to be respectful of foreign nation's religious beliefs when I was in port.

There might be something to be said of not being the Kaepernick of the military unit by not going along with the flow? And I would also bow my head if I were at a Jewish event, or a Muslim event, and it was sort of expected of the general group. Wouldn't mean I started worshiping God, Muhammad, Allah, or Yahweh etc (I do understand that God, Allah, and Yahweh are mostly synonyms.....) . Sort of a respect for their beliefs. And there is a lot of history in the US military services, back when it was pretty much Christian period.

 

[HuggyU2]

Nobody should be wearing it on their sleeve

But he IS going to be "wearing it on his sleeve"! It's an armband, Brett! And he admitted it. Hello???

(relax everyone... I'm trying to be funny after a couple of cocktails).

 

[Swanee]

I acknowledge the history of it all, but it has always bothered me. I don't believe in any of it. My oath is to the Constitution, not the Bible. Yet we always had a Christian guy try to bless every ceremony. It didn't bother me too much until my wife, after 10 years, said," Why do you do this? Is it not wrong for a command to officially recognize a specific religion by including them in the (Government sanctioned) ceremony?"

And my thoughts are that yes, it is wrong. But I go along with it because that's just what we've always done.

And it is EXTREMELY wrong that access to mental health services are through a religious provider, no matter what their training is.

I suppose this may be the bourbon talking- but whatever.

 

[Brett327]

But he IS going to be "wearing it on his sleeve"! It's an armband, Brett! And he admitted it. Hello???

(relax everyone... I'm trying to be funny after a couple of cocktails).

In my official capacity, I would counsel the OP that he has every right to display religious symbols IAW applicable instructions. On a personal level, however, I would counsel against it, because it’s a distraction that is more likely to cause unwanted attention in the workplace, which is not in any Ensign’s best interests.

 

[AllAmerican75]

I would be 100% fine with a private ceremony. With the officer providing my arm band to me after I finish the oath. (I've already got the one I can bring).

Only thing to change in the oath is the "So help me god" at the very end - I would prefer to eliminate that portion.

You would be able to affirm the oath of office and leave the "So help me God" portion out. http://militaryatheists.org/about/faqs/do-i-have-to-say-so-help-me-god-during-my-enlistment-oath/

You and me both. Our experiences are about as different as the way we serve (this isn't a bad thing!).

After 11 years of USMC promotion, change of command, retirement, birthday, re-enlistment... ceremonies- during the last one- after the benediction- my wife turned to me and asked, "Does the Marine Corps have anything but Southern Baptist Evangelical Chaplains? I mean, does the USMC recognize Judaism? And why do they make you bow your head- you don't believe in any of this?"

I kind of gave her a shoulder shrug and moved on. But it's something that bothers me.

Funny you should mention Southern Baptists because there aren't that many. Most of the Navy Chaplain Corps, from which the USMC and USCG draw their chaplains, are Presbyterians. But yes, they do tend to be rather conservative.

 

[Griz882]

I acknowledge the history of it all, but it has always bothered me. I don't believe in any of it. My oath is to the Constitution, not the Bible. Yet we always had a Christian guy try to bless every ceremony. It didn't bother me too much until my wife, after 10 years, said," Why do you do this? Is it not wrong for a command to officially recognize a specific religion by including them in the (Government sanctioned) ceremony?"

And my thoughts are that yes, it is wrong. But I go along with it because that's just what we've always done.

And it is EXTREMELY wrong that access to mental health services are through a religious provider, no matter what their training is.

I suppose this may be the bourbon talking- but whatever.

Just curious, have you encountered this in the USAF/ARNG? A few years ago I had the impression that only readily saved, officially “touched the face of God,” hardened Christian crusaders could even start their aircraft.

 

[hlg6016]

You and me both. Our experiences are about as different as the way we serve (this isn't a bad thing!).

After 11 years of USMC promotion, change of command, retirement, birthday, re-enlistment... ceremonies- during the last one- after the benediction- my wife turned to me and asked, "Does the Marine Corps have anything but Southern Baptist Evangelical Chaplains? I mean, does the USMC recognize Judaism? And why do they make you bow your head- you don't believe in any of this?"

I kind of gave her a shoulder shrug and moved on. But it's something that bothers me.

In boot camp I went to both the protestant and catholic services just to get away from the DI's for a few hours. For some reason they thought I was Jewish. A synagogue in Beaufort would hold services for the recruits. I think as long as the OP is not abusing puppies or children nobody is going to care.

 

[GodofAeons]

Ah, so my religious oath is a little different

I am an American swearing an oath to the constitution - to defend and serve the country. The armband is a physical representation of that - my oath isn't "to" a religious doctrine or God. It is 100% the same oath, but backed my faith that it is an unbreakable vow of undying loyalty. The armband oath of fealty is the highest pledge one can give.

And, I would not wear the armband every day,but always keep it close by

 

[Sonog]

And my mission as an officer in the Navy comes first - my religion is second. So if something isn't possible, then I understand. Serving is my top priority.

I think this gives you the answer. I think overall the costs are going to outweigh the benefits of expressing your religion by wearing a religious arm band on your shoulder. While the majority of everyone would not give you problems, it is going to be very unique and potentially distracting at least on a subconscious level. If serving is primary, then wouldn't the standard uniform regulations not take away from your religious life?

Can you attain your same levels of spirituality and belief without a physical arm band? At the end of the day, it is your religion, and no one can ever take it from you. But is the arm band really worth it? Apologize if these questions are ignorant. I'm not challenging your beliefs, just trying to get yourself to reflect on how you want to approach this.