Usnavy2019
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2013
- Messages
- 880
I think the Academy provides very good religious development. It provides numerous ways to either start, resume, and/or enhance your faith journey. At the same time there is no pressure to pursue a religion. Additionally, it also provides a realistic depiction of the Fleet in the sense that there can't be any official content that is religious in nature (outside of Chaplain related things and stuff like public prayers such as those done over the 1MC... or the PA for the land types a and at Noon Meal at USNA). Some people will have Bible verses in their email, but those are typically fine since they are attributed to the individual and not the command. Boards that have religious themes or verses are typically taken down since they are visible in public spaces and could be taken as the Academy endorsing a specific religion.
For the OP: the vaccine is a DoD mandate as previously indicated. The military is pretty good about religious accommodations with the caveat that that the accommodation cannot affect readiness. The vaccine is viewed as a medical readiness item (can't fight the good fight when 1/3 of the unit is down and out for a couple weeks). There will be times that there will be orders that you won't agree with, but that's how the military works. On the religious transformation side, I became a stronger Catholic from USNA. I entered as a lukewarm Catholic after being one of those kids who got dragged to Mass every Sunday growing up. Luckily, the Lord surrounded me with a great faith community and gave me enough adversity to make the sprint back toward Him.
For all applicants/current mids: The religious opportunities available on the Yard are better than the Fleet. Usually, the chaplain staff is less in number for comparatively more people. As a result, they are harder to track down. Also, less denominations are represented. It seems USNA always has a Rabbi, Protestant ministers, and Catholic priests. The Fleet will only have one or two denominations. There are also multiple facilities at at USNA (prayer rooms, the Chapel, the Levy Center) and multiple religious clubs. Fleet bases usually have a chapel and that's about it. Religious activity availability varies. As a result, I have found it takes a bit more planning and effort to sustain your faith life post graduation.
My recommendation to all the new ENS and 2ndLts is to reach out to those who you know ahead of you in your respective religious communities. They can help you integrate into a religious community at your next duty station. For me, I had a buddy who was Catholic who was ahead of me by a couple years. I ended up following him to Pensacola and he helped me get in touch with a solid Bible Study and a great parish. My Bible Study has become a big chunk of my friend group down in Pensacola. If anyone is looking for a solid Catholic young adult community and parish, PM me.
For any parents reading this: Chaplains in the military do not simply exist to facilitate religious services of their chosen denominations. They also serve as the religious advisor to the commanding officer, facilitate services outside their religion/denomination, and serve as counselors for anything and everything. Chaplains are privileged communications so they are a great resource for mental health. They can't say anything to the command. You don't have to be religious to go see one. Just as you can be Buddhist and see a Catholic priest if you have religious concern or are trying to find local services.
For the OP: the vaccine is a DoD mandate as previously indicated. The military is pretty good about religious accommodations with the caveat that that the accommodation cannot affect readiness. The vaccine is viewed as a medical readiness item (can't fight the good fight when 1/3 of the unit is down and out for a couple weeks). There will be times that there will be orders that you won't agree with, but that's how the military works. On the religious transformation side, I became a stronger Catholic from USNA. I entered as a lukewarm Catholic after being one of those kids who got dragged to Mass every Sunday growing up. Luckily, the Lord surrounded me with a great faith community and gave me enough adversity to make the sprint back toward Him.
For all applicants/current mids: The religious opportunities available on the Yard are better than the Fleet. Usually, the chaplain staff is less in number for comparatively more people. As a result, they are harder to track down. Also, less denominations are represented. It seems USNA always has a Rabbi, Protestant ministers, and Catholic priests. The Fleet will only have one or two denominations. There are also multiple facilities at at USNA (prayer rooms, the Chapel, the Levy Center) and multiple religious clubs. Fleet bases usually have a chapel and that's about it. Religious activity availability varies. As a result, I have found it takes a bit more planning and effort to sustain your faith life post graduation.
My recommendation to all the new ENS and 2ndLts is to reach out to those who you know ahead of you in your respective religious communities. They can help you integrate into a religious community at your next duty station. For me, I had a buddy who was Catholic who was ahead of me by a couple years. I ended up following him to Pensacola and he helped me get in touch with a solid Bible Study and a great parish. My Bible Study has become a big chunk of my friend group down in Pensacola. If anyone is looking for a solid Catholic young adult community and parish, PM me.
For any parents reading this: Chaplains in the military do not simply exist to facilitate religious services of their chosen denominations. They also serve as the religious advisor to the commanding officer, facilitate services outside their religion/denomination, and serve as counselors for anything and everything. Chaplains are privileged communications so they are a great resource for mental health. They can't say anything to the command. You don't have to be religious to go see one. Just as you can be Buddhist and see a Catholic priest if you have religious concern or are trying to find local services.