Religious freedom is fine, but not in uniform and not during duty hours. In the military, discussing religion or politics in uniform and during duty hours is a major no-no, and when it happens the level of discomfort goes through the roof.
The highest ranking officer, a LTC Chaplain, I saw relieved was for just such an offense. He made two grave errors: he wavered from his non-sectarian function, and he confused his particular sects' beliefs with army policy. In the same speech in front of the Post Commander.
A brief mention of Jesus would not have offended, but he went on about Jesus being the only path to salvation in front of a group of officers. A Jewish officer sat to my right and seethed, and a Moslem officer sat to my left and seethed. The Chaplain also had some unkind things to say about Catholics.
He then went on a rant about "sins" forbidden by the UCMJ, many of which weren't in any way unlawful, such as abortion, fornication, and not attending church on Sunday.
Okay, so he was probably insane. But the principle still holds, that military people are creatures of rank and hierarchy, and anything that even creates the appearance of impropriety raises tension levels in a hurry.
And religion and politics are improper things to discuss.
"...religion and politics are improper things to discuss."
A STUPID Victorianism! Those are the only subjects that really matter. Everything else is superficial.
"Religious freedom is fine, but not in uniform and not during duty hours. In the military, discussing religion or politics in uniform and during duty hours is a major no-no, and when it happens the level of discomfort goes through the roof."
Not sure if you're aware of this or not, but the Military is on Duty Hours 24 and 7, 365 days out of the year. In Uniform or not.
Denying them the right to their religious freedom at ANY time to pray, read the bible or even talk amongst themselves about their beliefs is a direct violation of the 1st Amendment.
Now, within reason, a superior officer should not preach to a subordinate, unless that subordinate is in his or her church. But your assertation that they should not be allowed to practice their faith in uniform and on duty is incorrect.