Another issue stirring controversy and—according to the New York Times—delaying action on the 2007 defense authorization bill centers on religion in the military. Proponents of a House provision want military chaplains to be able to pray in their own fashion, whether they are serving over a voluntary or an involuntary function. The Pentagon—and the Air Force in particular which earlier this year developed a new set of religious guidelines—as well as the chief military chaplains association and various church groups say that chaplains should offer nondenominational prayers at mandatory functions. Opponents, including Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) and Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.), want chaplains to pray however they wish at any time. Both sides of this issue are saying that tradition is on their side.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.