Military Religious Demographics

MAAF conducted a six-month effort to gather and review data on religious preference in the military. The intention was to determine the religious demographics of the military and the chaplains who service the military. At the outset of the chaplaincy in the 18th century and even for part of the 20th Century, it is fair to say that the military and its chaplains were almost uniformly Protestant. The modern military includes over 100 religious preferences both among the general population and the chaplaincy, with the majority being Christian. Other than that general knowledge of Christian plurality and wide diversity overall, there was little specific information.

MAAF has previous reports, including a 2002 Air Force study, and a 2004 study that included religious data. However, there were no truly comprehensive studies available, nor did they include studies of chaplain support, nor were they transparent with their data. MAAF solves these issues, providing a new study with raw data showing preferences of individual service members as well as chaplains. MAAF drew from raw data maintained by the Department of Defense (Defense Manpower Data Agency) as well as the military services (data provided below for public review).

Viewing our nontheistic demographic, we found 0.5% self-identified as atheist or agnostic. While this may seem low, atheist was essentially #2 overall. The largest individual demographic was No Religious Preference (see note below) at nearly 23% of the military. Some preferences were unknown. Putting aside NRP and unknown groups, several Christian denominations topped the list, and atheist came in as the next largest demographic. More personnel profess Atheism specifically than those that profess Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, or Judaism. Atheists even outnumbered 68 (of 85) individual Christian denominations. These numbers show that nontheists are a significant demographic within the military. We deserve and need support just as all service members do.

Chaplain support showed a Christian majority as expected, but the reality was that Christians fill nearly 98% of all chaplain billets with only 68.6% of the general population. It seems that this group is especially willing to stand up for military service, and they should be applauded for serving. In addition, most "minority" religious groups like Jewish, Muslim, and LDS still have strong per-capita representation in the chaplaincy. Catholics are underrepresented and enjoy special recruiting emphasis. Atheists and humanists have no dedicated chaplain support despite their relatively large minority. This information should show that atheists and humanists are an underserved population that need support. Unlike the other demographics, there is currently no precedent for allowing nontheists to serve as chaplains. MAAF seeks to do our part by endorsing humanist chaplains, if the military will accept candidates.

The major categories selected (Catholic, Christian, Other, None) are common in religious demographics studies except for "Evangelistic." This is not intended to be read as "Evangelicals." The concern among many, including interfaith allies, is that the military and the chaplaincy is populated densely with Christians who may put conversion efforts ahead of their military duties. Endorsing agencies and denominations placed in this category appear to put a strong emphasis on the "Great Commission," a passage interpreted by some to mean that Christians should convert others to obey Chrsitian laws regardless what civilian authority teaches. The "Evangelistic" category identifies denominations that may warrant increased oversight due to their stated ecclesiastical priorities.

MAAF invites endorsing agencies, especially those in the "Evangelistic" category, to sign onto the MAAF Minimum Statement of Support and to invite their chaplains to reach out to nontheistic populations in their commands. By showing support for atheists and humanists in the military, we can ensure equal treatment and move away from negative perceptions.

Note: No Religious Preference is the largest single demographic at nearly 23%. These personnel may be Christian, Catholic, Hindu, spiritual but not religious, atheist, or something else. Many Christian options are available, including non-denominational and general protestant, and there is no stigma against being Christian in today's military. However, the fears for atheists and humanists is significant influencing many to choose "No Religious Preference" rather than being "outed" as an atheist. Some try to identify as atheist and are told that they have to choose "No Religious Preference." Certainly the entire 23% is not comprised of atheist personnel, but there is good reason to believe the majority of that number are nontheistic. In any case, NRP is an important demographic for chaplains to serve, most likely with something other than the chaplain's standard denominational services.

Demographic Studies

atheists come in as the second largest specific religious preference