Buddhists in the United States military facts for kids
Buddhists are a small group within the United States military. In 2009, about 5,287 out of 1.4 million military members said they were Buddhist.
Buddhism is often seen as a religion that focuses on peace. So, some people might wonder why Buddhists would join the military. However, a Buddhist leader at the United States Air Force Academy once said, "Buddhism asks big questions about life and death. Where better to explore these questions than where they are most real?"
A Look Back: History of Buddhists in the Military
One of the first times many Buddhists served in the U.S. military was during World War II. These were Nisei Japanese Americans. In 1944, a special Buddhist service was held for 50 soldiers at Fort Snelling. This was likely the first Buddhist service ever held at a U.S. Army base.
Many Nisei soldiers were Buddhist. For example, about half of the Nisei troops in the famous 442nd Infantry Regiment and the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) were Buddhist. Many of these soldiers had learned Japanese at Buddhist schools in the U.S.
However, Nisei units like the 442nd were only allowed to have Christian chaplains (religious leaders). A government official, John J. McCloy, worried that if Buddhist chaplains were allowed, Americans might think badly of the unit.
After World War II, things changed. Soldiers were then allowed to mark "B" for Buddhist on their dog-tags.
Buddhist Chaplains: Spiritual Leaders
In 1990, the American military decided to plan for Buddhist chaplains. These are religious leaders who help military members. In August of that year, a special symbol was created for them. It was based on the dharmachakra, which is a Buddhist symbol that looks like a wheel.
The very first Buddhist chaplain in the United States Department of Defense was Lieutenant Junior Grade Jeanette Gracie Shin. She became a chaplain in 2004. Shin had served in the Marines before. She studied Buddhist Studies at a special school in California.
The first Buddhist chaplain in the United States Army was Thomas Dyer, who joined in 2008. He used to be a Southern Baptist. Buddhist chaplains are supported by the Buddhist Churches of America.
A Place to Worship: The Buddhist Chapel
As of 2009, there was only one official Buddhist chapel in the United States military. It is located in the basement of the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel. This large chapel also has places for Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish worship.
The Buddhist chapel was built in 2005. A report from 2009 said that during Wednesday services, about half of the 18 meditation pillows on the floor were usually being used.
