How many atheists are in the military?

Answer 1

Contrary to popular belief, most US servicemen are not nor were not in combat. Out of the 500,000 men fighting in Vietnam during a one year period of time; approximately 25,000 of those men were in "the field" (the front lines) on any one given day. Translating to approximately 475,000 men NOT in the field on any one given day.

Logistics will ALWAYS outnumber actual fighting men. It takes, on average, about 5 men to support one fighting man: 1. Paying him (personnel), 2. Feeding him (mess section), 3. Supplying him (supply), 4. Transporting him (Transportation Corps), 5. and the Medical Corps (patching him up).

Probably, very few of those 25,000 men would admit to being atheists.

I have no idea why the above poster is going on about combat, (?)but here is my answer to your question.

The exact number of atheist soldiers can not be known, no one counts them up, and some may not admit it to their military boss because of fear of reprisal/discrimination if the boss is a christian. Many civilians share this dilemma, we need our jobs and promotions, just like christians do.

The above poster does make 1 point, it does take courage to be an "out" atheist in the military, but there are indeed atheist soldiers. Many of the atheist soldiers belong to "Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers".

From the MAAF WEBSITE:

"Being an atheist or freethinker in the military can be a challenge. Now more than ever MAAF needs atheists and freethinkers to stand together. For far too long we have been marginalized and treated like second-class soldiers. Excluded from prayer breakfasts, forced into religious ceremonies, and discriminated against for not attending church services, it is important that as a community we stand strong. MAAF draws its strength from numbers. We stand as a reminder that there are atheists in foxholes, on ships, and in airplanes throughout the world. Together we can make a difference and help atheists and freethinkers be proud of their beliefs and find a supportive community."

there is also a group called "Atheists in Foxholes" of active duty soldiers. (MAAF contains some retired soldiers).