Religious Accommodation

Question 1

State the DoDI 1300.17 position on religious liberty in the military service.

Answer 1

The Department of Defense places high value on the rights of members of the Military Service to observe the tenets of their respective religion or to observe no religion at all.

Question 2

True or False: The Department of the Air Force is neutral regarding religious beliefs.

Answer 2

True, the Air Force neither endorses nor disapproves any faith belief or absence of faith belief.

Question 3

When might religious accommodation NOT be approved?

Answer 3

-When it is precluded by military readiness, unit cohesion, standards, or discipline

-Or when it has an adverse effect on the concepts listed above

Question 4

True or False: Commanders do NOT have to be consistent and fair in regards to respecting the religious beliefs and practices of military members.

Answer 4

False, commanders must act in a manner that is consistent and fair to all in regards to religious beliefs/practices.

Question 5

Who is responsible for the chaplain service programs?

Answer 5

Commander

Question 6

What are the four duties of the chaplains?

Answer 6

-impartially advise commanders on religious accommodtation

-provide pastoral care to help commanders care for their people

-implement programs of religious support

-adhere to the tenants of their religious faith

Question 7

True or False: the words or actions of leadership cannot reasonably be construed as officially endorsing or disapproving of any faith, belief, or absence of belief.

Answer 7

True

Question 8

True or False: superiors do not have to be sensitive to the potential that personal expression may appear to be official.

Answer 8

False

Question 9

Do superiors have the same freedom to exercise their religious rights as other members of the military?

Answer 9

Yes

Question 10

What is the Chain of Command for the appropriate referral agencies regarding religious accommodation?

Answer 10

1. Chaplain Service
2. Equal Opportunity Office
3. Judge Advocate General
4. Inspector General

Question 11

Which amendment of the Constitution is the baseline that establishes freedom of religions in the US?

Answer 11

First Amendment

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peacefully to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Question 12

In regards to being a referral agency for religious accommodation, what does the Chaplain Corps do?

Answer 12

-provides guidance and subject matter expertise concerning religious matters

Question 13

In regards to being a referral agency for religious accommodation, what does the Equal Opportunity Office do?

Answer 13

-provides a platform for those who have a complaint regarding discrimination or unfair treatment without fear of reprisal

Question 14

In regards to being a referral agency for religious accommodation, what does the Judge Advocate General Office do?

Answer 14

• can help with the interpretation of legal rights from the Constitution or UCMJ

Question 15

In regards to being a referral agency for religious accommodation, what does the Inspector General do?

Answer 15

-this option is always available, but normally used as a last resort to resolve issues that could not be resolved at a lower level. The IG can investigate issues with other agencies or work alone to resolve issues.

Question 16

True or False: public prayer can be a part of routine official business

Answer 16

False, it should NOT.

-apply mutual respect and common sense

-at times, non-denomination prayer or a moment of silence may be appropriate as long as its primary purpose is not the advancement of religious beliefs

Question 17

State DoD Directive 1304.19

Answer 17

“Within the military, commanders are required to provide comprehensive religious support to all authorized individuals within their areas of responsibility”