Airmen and Guardian service members have raised alarm after a Defense Department data update appears to have removed "atheist" as a selectable religious identity on Air Force personnel records. The Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) shared excerpts of a letter from an airman who said they were unable to register as an atheist while updating their record.
What Service Members Say
The airman wrote,
"If my previous [withheld] years of service while being an atheist was good enough, why is it no longer?"
MRFF said it had received 38 similar complaints by Saturday afternoon, according to Military.com. Under the revised system, the airman noted, those who do not believe in a deity can select "no religion" or "other religion," but they argued neither option accurately reflects an atheist identity.
Trump has given Hegseth free rein in his war on wokeness. / Nathan Howard / REUTERS/Nathan Howard
Official Changes And Reactions
The Air Force announced it was updating data systems to "align" with the Defense Department's revamped list of Religious Affiliation codes. The DOD cut the number of registerable religious identities from more than 200 options to 31, a change officials characterized as a way to streamline support for religious servicemembers.
A published Air Force press photo showing a chaplain with a visible cross on his uniform prompted some critics to say the rollout favored Christianity. A former military chaplain told Military.com the image made the change "crystal clear" as an "attempt to push Christianity onto the troops," and said it carried an element of intimidation.
A chaplain assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing wears a cross on his chest. / Airman Ashton Hamby / 1st Special Operations Wing
Responses From Leadership
"Our commitment to the spiritual readiness and religious freedom of every Airman and Guardian remains steadfast,"
said Richard Anderson, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. A Defense Department spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Daily Beast.
Broader Context And Controversy
Pete Hegseth, who has led the Pentagon's personnel office since his appointment, has been criticized by some advocacy groups and service members for actions they say erode the separation of church and state. Critics have pointed to Hegseth's organization of Christian worship events at the Pentagon and his invitation to pastor Doug Wilson—who has made controversial statements on women's suffrage and LGBTQ issues—to speak in a Pentagon auditorium.
The Pentagon's X account shares photos of Pete Hegseth with Pastor Doug Wilson. / screen grab
In June, the DOD's decision to dramatically narrow the list of religious categories also drew political criticism when Mormonism was initially omitted, prompting lawmakers including Senator Mike Lee to protest the changes as inappropriate government interference in religious distinctions.
Why It Matters
Service members' ability to accurately record religious identity can affect access to religious accommodations, chaplain support, and institutional records. The complaints underscore ongoing tensions about religious inclusion, free exercise, and the appearance of institutional favoritism within the armed forces.
