[sasafras]

"lawful general order"

How is what he did unlawful?

[BeHoldAPaleHorse]

How is what he did unlawful?

Because, by offering prayers specific to his denomination at public events where sailors are required to attend (as opposed to denominational worship services, which are voluntary in nature), he is violating the rights of those sailors who do not believe as he does.

Or would you be comfortable with a Muslim chaplain, with a captive audience of sailors that is there under penalty of court-martial, offering Islam-specific prayers?

[BeHoldAPaleHorse]

Oh, and furthermore, he appeared at a political rally in uniform--that is illegal. He disobeyed a lawful order (as already established), which is illegal. He verbally trashed the chain of command from President Bush downward, and that is bigtime illegal.

He got off very lightly.