#2
by Weaver » Feb 27, 2010 10:39 pm
When I first enlisted I had No Pref on my tags. I thought it meant what it said - that I had no preference for any religion. Later on I was doing an annual readiness check, and the unit Chaplain asked what my religion was. When I said that I was an atheist, but had "no pref" on my tags to avoid conflict, he informed me that No Pref was viewed as non-denominational Christian, and that if I was an atheist I should put it on my tags. He then assured me he would help defend me from anyone who tried to give me flak for it (only Chaplain I've ever had who viewed his duty as protecting everyone's freedom of religion!).
Since I had atheist put on my tags I've received a few sideways glances from people, but no harrassment (probably helps that I was getting promoted above routine crap by that time). The only thing people have asked me about is whether I didn't feel it made me more vulnerable if captured by our current enemies because of their religious extremist views. I reply that expoused belief in a god didn't seem to help any of the people who were captured/kidnapped so far, and that I thought it was a far better idea to try to ensure I never became a prisoner in the first place.

Retired AiF
Cogito, Ergo Armatus Sum.