MPN Press Center : Articles: Pagans in the Military

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Copyright © 1994,1997 John Machate
All Rights Reserved
May be reposted as long as the above attribution and copyright notice are retained

The military is starting to see an increase of public pagans in its ranks. We are showing up in hospitals, communication groups, police, and even in combat positions. The effect this will have on the military is yet to be seen. Ripples that it is making in the pagan community are already visible.

In an article by Isaac Bonewits, Archdruid of ADF, he stated:

A 'soldier', on the other hand, I perceive as a hired killer, whose primary task is not the defense of his/her community, although that claim is usually made, but rather the defense of that community's political, social, religious, and economic rulers.

This statement reflects the attitude of a lot of civilian. organizations. One organization doesn't even want to allow military members to belong to their organization. We as members of the armed forces have to work, not only to convince the military that we are not "baby killers", but the civilian pagans too. Again I quote Isaac Bonewits "He or she will kill any man, woman, or child that he/she is ordered to kill, simply because he/she was told to do so..."

As far as the military is concerned "officially", we have the right to practice our religion, in accordance with the Constitution. This means that we should not have discrimination problems, but we do. Last year, at Camp Lejune, North Carolina, a Marine Sergeant was called on the carpet by his commanding officer for being a witch. This was done in the presence of the his troops. In 1988 an Air Force Senior Airman, at Lackland AFB, Texas was denied her right to the Pagan holidays by her supervisor. I am sure that each of you can probably tell another story just like the two I gave.

The good news is that problems, like the examples I gave, can be prevented. Though both examples given have been dealt with, they should not have occurred. Public awareness is the key. We can no longer hide in our homes and dorm' rooms. We must come out and meet the public. If we venture out and let the military know we are here, we will be better able to prevent future harassments.

The first step is to do your job and do it well. If you represent yourself well, then you will represent the Pagan community well. Be public, don't hide your faith, give lectures, print newsletters, and get involved with the local community activities. Finally, let yourself be known to new Pagans moving to your area. Welcome them and show them around. This will give the impression of good will and charity.

There is an organization dedicated to keeping military Pagans in touch. The Military Pagan Network was set up to help military Pagans get in touch with the Pagan community at their next duty station. It has expanded to include providing "military precedence" of Pagan acceptance in the military, and researching the likelihood of Pagan Chaplains. There is also a military chapter of Witches Against Religious Discrimination, an organization we should all support. Address for both will be listed at the end of this article.

Be proud of what you are, show the military and the civilian Pagans, that we are not "baby-killers". Go public, and finally join in the fight for your right to be a Pagan in the United States Armed Forces.

Military Pagan Network
P.O. Box 1225
Columbia, MD 21044