Constructing Religious Empathy in the US Military

Religious beliefs have traditionally buoyed Americans at large, and within the military specifically. Though not always a just motivator (see the Crusades), these beliefs nonetheless indicate American cultural heritage to a large extent. At times, disparate worldviews and religious motivations do cause interpersonal conflicts, and, where the military is involved, these can have strategic impacts on national objectives. Organizations or individuals, both within and external to the military, identify and decry instances of religious impropriety. The most grievous examples usually involve high ranking officers and warrant extensive media coverage (such as Lt Gen Boykin or Maj Gen Catton). But strong religious convictions often arrive with the new military recruit, and service academies have also been accused of allowing, or even promoting, unhealthy religious expression. For instance, the founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation relates the very personal story of bias suffered by his son while attending the Air Force Academy, and military sponsored research has uncovered environments at the US Naval Academy marred by similar religious bias. These attitudes, left unchecked, have the potential to harm US efforts to represent the enlightened and pragmatic side in the War on Terror.