The US Senate is on record now as saying US military academies may “allow voluntary, non denominational prayer,” according to an amendment attached to the 2006 defense authorization bill by chief sponsor Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.). The action comes in response to a new Air Force guideline that discourages public prayer at official Air Force Academy functions, like football games. Senators were unanimous in their approval.
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
