The Need for (More) New Guidance Regarding Religious Expression in the Air Force
Abstract
Recent conflicts surrounding religious expression in the military have highlighted the need for clear and comprehensive guidance on the topic. Currently, commanders have available to them several layers of guidance, but much of that can be confusing to commanders trained in neither law nor theology. Using the problem-solution method, this paper explores and analyzes the guidance currently available, including Supreme Court and Congressional mandates, Department of Defense regulation and Air Force guidance. In addition, this paper suggests new guidance regarding religious expression for uniformed Air Force personnel. The suggested new guidance is comprised of three simple rules: no public prayer at command functions; no coercive evangelizing or proselytizing; and no official endorsement of any particular religion or religion in general. The suggested new guidance attempts to strike an appropriate balance between the rights of Air Force members under the Establishment, Free Exercise and Free Speech clauses of the First Amendment, while allowing commanders to straightforwardly apply the guidance to real situations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA540148
Entities
People
- Paula M. Grant
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College