Who do I complain to in the military as an Atheist?

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Jenna

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I was told to stand in attention for prayer after mission briefings in Iraq and made to attend a mandatory religious marriage counselling program on the "5 languages of love" by famed biblical marriage counsellor Dr. Gary Chapman.

I complained to the chaplain offline and he said there was "freedom of religion not freedom from religion."

The chaplains assistant told me to "pray anyway"

the SGT major denied that the Chaplain didn't excuse people. (The chaplain never excused nonbelievers. The simply said "chaplain you're up" and the chaplain began the prayer after calling people to attention. I waited to be excused every time)

I complained to the EO and the IG who were all friends with the chaplain and the SGT major and was told that there "wasn't a valid complaint."

This went on for a year in Iraq. a year!!!!!!!! I was an Atheist for a year attending mandatory prayers!

What can I do?
 
you can just stand there silently in respect for your fellow troops and think about.......NOTHING.
 
uh ohh, if you stand around too long you might start believing again, huh? if you're really comfortable with your beliefs, then this shouldn't be a problem. don't worry, you'll figure it all out one day.
 
Being told to "pray anyway" is totally off. But what do you expect from a system run without competition or a suggestion box?

As an atheist, if I were in your situation, I would stand there silently (but without pretending to pray, if that's even possible - basically, do the minimum required), leave as soon as allowed, and get out of the military at your first opportunity.
 
My son and his wife have to attend mandatory FRG meetings as their commander requires. In the military your life is not your own.

I can tell you have not been affected by the messages, so I am not sure why you can't weather it out. Your presence was required, not your agreement.
 
If you don't believe then what's the harm? Seriously it's females like you that like to complain that make the rest of us look bad. Suck it up and get over it.. when your contract is up, get out.
 
You could always quit.

An "Army of One" is a misnomer. The armed forces have different rules by which they operate.
 
i know it makes you uncomfortable but what you are doing is making it safer for those of us who think like you. and for those who don't think like you. thank you for your service to our country.
 
I'm Agnostic and I have no problem with religion even though I don't follow it, just go along and move on
 
Can you not ignore it? Stand at attention and meditate. And respect those who WANT to pray. Use that time to go over whatever in your mind and ignore the prayer.
 
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