"Being an atheist has nothing to do with my belief that the government should have a monopoly on violence through its military and police force. I hope for the day where there is no use for instruments of violence, but it is…"

"Personally I'm indifferent about the 'beliefs' of most military personnel, but I would prefer that all personnel that had anything to do with nuclear weapons were atheist - I don't want some over eager skypilot deciding…"

" "

"All the stress card is doing is gving recruits an excuse to act weak. And that defeats the entire purpose of basic training. Another one that bothers me is the ruck sack marches are now done in tennis shoes...."

"I was *furious*....and I'm atheist, come from a reborn Christian household. *chuckle* I was bred my old-school military mindset. It just pissed me RIGHT off. Funny this: I'm a feminist of the first order without apology; I'm by and…"

"Oh the stress card. Yeah that made me laugh. That came in after I was out and I still laugh every time I hear about it."

"*nod* I cringed when I learned about particular MREs and "stress cards" -- GAH! Like the enemy is gonna bend based upon *your* religious preferences or your *stress level*!! Yikes! *shakes head* Do I understand religious tolerance? Yes, of…"

"I don't necessarily think theists are stupid, as much as they are more naive. They don't take the time to realize how religion hides them from reality. They choose to live on in their blindness because its usually all they've ever…"

"Denise, I wholeheartedly agree, and thank you :) people like you make my job completely worthwhile. There shouldn't have to be a class on religious tolerance. You can't force people to be tolerant of others religions. Tony, that is…"

"I don't think it should even be something to consider.  Same as at your job - everyone come to work, do your damn job and respect others ONLY for the work they do.  Don't press your views on others and expect the same from them.…"

"Alex, not to put too fine a point on it, but I spent 4 years in Jr Army ROTC -and earned an Academy nomination (that I walked away from -- though not for reasons related to this topic :)). The differences between ROTC and AD/AGR/NG are…"

"People have this delusion that the military should be a Christian group of people. My commander foind out I was atheist, and gave me the dirtiest look I have ever received. And hes actually a really great guy. So it seems all around whether your in…"

"Well, I'm in Army ROTC, will graduate and commission in 2-3 years.  I'm an agnostic.  If the topic isn't brought up, it's not a problem.  Why would anyone else have a problem with it?  The people who are…"

"I agree. I believe it gives some of the religious soldiers something to fight for and believe in. But as for us atheist ones it helps me complete our mission without having something to complicate it."

"Personally, I believe it's preferable... The military is supposed to be a place of *collective conformity* ~ where personal religious and political beliefs ARE personal, but as a part of the collective, you're under orders to complete a…"