Frequently Asked Questions

Isn't it true that there are no atheists in foxholes?

Check out our Atheists in Foxholes
The old cliché that there are no atheists in foxholes is most certainly not true. Many M*A*A*F members are decorated combat veterans while many more serve throughout the world as submariners, infantry officers, and in a myriad of other dangerous assignments. Some of our members have published their military profiles here. A recent demographic study conducted by MAAF finds nontheists and others of no stated faith group constitute nearly one-quarter of the military. Those who identify specifically as Atheist outnumber Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and Jews. The density of nontheism within the military exceeds that of the general population. MAAF encourages its members and potential members to take heart in these findings and build communities in their units.

Does the First Amendment apply to atheists?

There is no doubt that Christianity has played a significant role in the shaping and history of America. Volumes have been written on the founding father's intent regarding freedom of religion and the separation of church and state. While these debates are an important tool to understanding the history of civil liberties, America was founded on the basis of pluralism and the common good. Today, we are a diverse nation cobbled together from different backgrounds and upbringings. We believe that there is a place for everyone in America and support both religious freedom and separation of church and state. We stand behind our nation's original motto "E Pluribus Unum" -- out of many, one. The Constitution and legal precedent protect the rights of all Americans, nontheist or theist.

Can I get "atheist" on my ID tags or my official records?

Yes. Simply ask for it. The option exists in the system if the clerk chooses to input it. If you are refused, escalate the issue to the clerk's superiors, your superiors, or MAAF. For example, Army Regulation 680-29 confirms that code 75 is for atheist. Also consider 00 - blank or 74 - Other. For ID tags in particular, there are a number of online locations to purchase military-spec ID tags, and you can put on them whatever you like or nothing at all, in the religion line at least.

Do I have to say "So Help Me God" during my enlistment oath?

No. It's a common question, although between the officer giving the oath, the reenlistment NCO, and the EO Rep, someone will recognize that it's illegal and unethical to force someone to swear to god if they don't want to. If necessary, point them at AR 601-280 "The Army Retention Program," Appendix D Paragraph 2k, which states specifically that the reenlisting soldier need not swear to god. Or to USC 512 Title 28 (Revision June 25, 1948 ch. 646, 62 Stat. 925) which clarifies that an oath of affirmation excludes the 'so help me god' portion. Air Force should refer to AFI 36-2606 (Ch.3, 2. "Detailed Instructions for Completing the DD Forms 4/1 and 4/2", Table 3.9, Item Number 15 - Confirmation of (Re)enlistment Oath).

Can I, as a service member, be ordered to pray?

First, just to be clear, praying is impossible without belief. Also, one might consider praying without belief to be a kind of mockery. However, there are cases where senior personnel attempt to push their personal beliefs on subordinates. Remember that prayer rituals are not consistent between different religious traditions. These requests are likely to offend not only nonreligious persons, but believers with different religious backgrounds than the prospective leader of the prayer. If someone asks why your head isn't bowed (or whatever), just tell them that you personally disagree and that you're not comfortable participating. Also note that you have been forced into an uncomfortable position by having to choose between betraying your beliefs (by bowing your head) and identifying yourself as someone who is 'different' (by not bowing). Consider addressing these events, either before or after the fact, to leaders, EO Representatives, and chaplains as indicated below.

What can I do if I am being harassed?

Disclaimer on Legal Counsel
There is no substitute for professional legal advice. The mailing list or advice of other M*A*A*F members is not legally sufficient. If you feel that you are being illegally discriminated against, it is important that you understand your rights. You have a right to legal counsel. If you feel that you may be in a situation where you may get in trouble, it is imperative that you consult a lawyer. A free consultation with a military lawyer is your right as a service member. If you do not qualify for free military legal representation or feel uncomfortable with the military legal system you may contact us for help finding legal counsel.

Use your Chain of Command
Although you may choose a number of options, the "approved solution" is to use your chain of command. They are your leaders and may pleasantly surprise you if you communicate with them. In addition, prior history has shown that legal action (whether civilian or IG) will likely have no effect if the chain of command is not given an opportunity to resolve the issue. There may be cases whether the chain of command is the problem, but before civilian legal action is pursued, your chain of command must become involved. See below for several steps that can be taken prior to or in addition to your chian of command.

Communication is the Key
Most problematic situations can be resolved with communication. Many people may unintentionally make insensitive remarks or promote an activity you find offensive. Some military folks are not accustomed to thinking that there may be atheists, humanists, or other ideological minorities in their midst. It is critical to be rational, to try to find common ground, and not to make rash remarks. Communication with neutral third parties like friends and mentors (in person or through MAAF) may also help to clarify the situation. If communication is not possible with the person or persons with whom you are having a problem, other solutions exist.

Chaplains may help
Chaplains are charged with attending to religious affairs in the unit, including the command climate. Many discrimination situations are within the responsibility of your unit chaplain to address and resolve. If the chaplain is the problem or is overtly hostile, this may not be an option. However, take time to give your chaplain an opportunity to provide you the same support other service members receive. On a simpler level, chaplains are trained to provide personal, confidential counseling, and many can do this without resorting to an unwanted faith-based approach.

Equal Opportunity
As an atheist you are protected by Equal Opportunity regulations. Department of Defense directive on Military Equal Opportunity (MEO, 1350.2) states, "Persons shall be evaluated on individual merit, fitness, and capability, regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, or religion". The MEO regulation further defines religion as "A personal set or institutionalized system of attitudes, moral or ethical beliefs, and practices that are held with the strength of traditional religious views, characterized by ardor and faith, and generally evidenced through specific religious observances." This is entirely compatible with nontheistic ideologies. All Department of Defense organizations are required to have an equal opportunity representative. However, do not be surprised if your representative has never thought about the rights of atheists before. These individuals are required to treat you fairly and should help you find a solution or lodge a formal complaint. If your equal opportunity representative is unable or unwilling to help you, you should still be able to contact an another representative from your unit's higher headquarters.

The Inspector General and Article 138
If you find that you cannot work your issue through communication or through equal opportunity channels or command channels, you are still entitled to a couple of methods of redress. The first course of action is to file a complaint through the Inspector General (IG). The IG has the responsibility of investigating complaints and enforcing regulations. The IG may or may not be a lawyer and your success may vary. Just like the equal opportunity channels, it is possible to keep submitting your complaint to higher levels up to the applicable department's headquarters. Finally, you can file an Article 138 complaint against your commander. Article 138 complaint procedures vary from service to service so it is important that you read the applicable regulations or seek legal counsel. Remember, all these processes can take a lot of time and can monopolize a lot of your commander's time. For these reasons, it is important that you try to resolve the issue through communication and at the lowest level possible. You have the right to stand up for what you believe in and we stand ready to support atheists and freethinkers experiencing discrimination.

Going Outside the Military
If you find that you cannot resolve your issues within the military, you still have several options. Organizations such as M*A*A*F and our affiliates are always ready to fight for your rights. In addition, you may find that working through the local media, writing editorials, and raising awareness about your plight may be effective. Servicemembers still retain the right to publish newsletters, articles, and engage in public speaking. You may want to familiarize yourself with the applicable regulations. Another approach which can be effective is to contact your representatives in Congress. The best way is usually to present your case by writing a letter (or by showing up at their door). Most legislators can be reached by email, phone, or fax. Filing a congressional complaint is easy. Filing a "congressional" should be the last step as it can be very time consuming for your command and your legislator. I would like to reiterate the first point that your chain of command must be given an opportunity to address issues before you go outside the military for formal legal action or else it will be very easy for IG, legal, or congressional investigators to simply refer the issue back to your chain of command for action.

How should service members speak about MAAF in public?

Service members should at a minimum contact their local commanders and public affairs personnel for official advice. Service members should also look around and avoid imitating the types of public speaking activities they disagree with. Also consider the following types of speaking: Speaking in uniform is different than out of uniform. Speaking topics could include personal military experiences, comments on religious feelings, complaining about military decisions, etc. Speakers could be active duty, deployed, reservists, veterans, retired, etc. Military status, speaking topic, and dress code are all significant.

If I'm ordered to go to AA, can I get a religious exemption?

Maybe, but there are some definite prerequisites. Service members are sometimes referred to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This can be problematic as the 12 steps revolve around the idea of a higher power. This higher power often refers to god, and reference to earlier foundational documents show a strong bias toward Christianity. We are encouraged that MAAF members and other atheists have been successful with AA. In addition, there are statements from AA officially recognizing the opportunity a for secular interpretation of the religious statements. We do want to make sure that those who need help have a comfortable and welcoming environment.

MAAF will not second-guess the directive to seek substance abuse counseling or support. We have had requests that are clearly veiled substitutes attempts to avoid treatment or deny that the person has a problem. We can help with counseling alternatives, but can not help eliminate the counseling. With that in mind, please see below.

First, seek the option of a secular program. MAAF recommends to alternative programs:

If non-AA alternatives are not available or if a legal mandate has specified an AA-based program, we recommend giving the program a try. Go to the AA meeting or AA-based treatment program, be open about being atheist, and follow the secular intent of the program. The program has an undercurrent requiring surrender to a "higher power." For this portion, consider choosing one of several proxies for a higher power:

If you go to the meeting and participate and pick a higher power of your choosing and then if you are forced to choose a religious or Christian higher power, we can help. If an atheist-friendly group with sufficient services is unavailable within a reasonable distance and local AA programs have proven to be religious in nature, then we can help 'fix' your group or seek alternate judgment against you (vis AA). At this point, you will have shown that you are committed to recovery, but that you need help to find a supportive program.

Where can I find some additional State-Church Separation Information?

The following references are recommended by the American Atheists Legal Staff. These references are not considered comprehensive, not controlled by MAAF, and not necessarily representative of MAAF policy.