Annual ‘religious liberty training’ for troops could be on the way
A White House panel recommended an annual training requirement along with expanded role for religion across the military. Pentagon officials said they "welcome" the recommendations.
Patty Nieberg
Published Jul 1, 2026 8:30 AM EDT
A commission assembled by the White House to probe "religious liberty" in the federal government issued a report with recommendations for the Pentagon that would expand chaplain's roles, introduce annual training, and expand religious expression across the ranks. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Tori Peterson.
Annual “religious liberty training” may soon be required for troops and commanders if the Pentagon adopts recommendations from a White House-directed commission of faith leaders and military advocates.
The recommendations, which Pentagon leaders said Tuesday they “welcome,” come from the Religious Liberty Commission, a 12-person committee established by President Donald Trump in May 2025 to develop policies across the federal government to “secure domestic religious liberty.”
Some of the witnesses who testified at commission meetings in 2025 and 2026 included former military chaplains and veterans. The commission’s primary members include a mix of activists, faith leaders and politicians. Chaired by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and former Trump cabinet member Ben Carson, the committee includes four Christian clergy, a Rabbi, several prominent figures in Christian activist and legal circles, and talk show host Dr. Phil McGraw.
The commission’s review of Pentagon policies emphasized expanding the presence of religion across the Defense Department.
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/pentagon-religious-liberty-training/
