Buddhists make up a small percentage of theUnited States military, with a 2009 article stating that only 5,287 of 1.4 million military personnel identified themselves as Buddhists.[2]
As popular Western understandings ofBuddhism often involve the belief that Buddhists practicepacifism, some people have commented on the apparent discord between the religion and military service. A Buddhist program leader at theUnited States Air Force Academy stated in an interview: "The questions of Buddhism are the questions of life and death. So, where else would you want Buddhism than right there where those questions are most vivid?"[2] Other reasons for Buddhists in the military may include an increase over time in the population ofAsian-Americans practicing authentic Buddhist traditions whose relationship to violence and war is more complex than the stereotype, and individuals who embrace Buddhist beliefs while already committed to a term of military service.
Among the earliest Buddhists to serve in number in the US military were theNisei Japanese Americans. A 1944 service for 50 soldiers atFort Snelling is believed to be the first Buddhist service ever delivered in an army installation in the United States.[3] A majority of Nisei troops were Buddhist, one estimate states half the Nisei troops of the442nd Infantry Regiment and theMilitary Intelligence Service,[4] and many Nisei linguists serving in the MIS had studied Japanese at Buddhist-run schools in the United States.[5] However, Nisei units such as the 442nd were only permitted Christian chaplains; Assistant Secretary of DefenseJohn J. McCloy feared that negative American perceptions of Buddhists would compromise the reputation of the unit.[6]
Following World War II, the denotation "B" for Buddhist became an allowed option on Americandog-tags.[5]
On September 11th 2022, a Buddhistpennant was flown on anunderway Navy ship for the first time, as Navy Chaplain Lt. Saejeong Kim presided over services on theUSS McFaul.[7]
In 1990, the American military first resolved to make plans for inclusion of Buddhists chaplains in the armed forces; in August of that yearInstitute of Heraldry produced a rank insignia, based on thedharmachakra emblem.[8]
The first Buddhist chaplain in theUnited States Department of Defense wasLieutenant Junior Grade Jeanette Gracie Shin, commissioned in 2004. Shin, a former enlisted Marine, graduated with aMaster of Arts degree inBuddhist Studies from theGraduate Theological Union/Institute of Buddhist Studies located in Berkeley, California.[9] The first Buddhist chaplain in the United States Army was former Southern Baptist Thomas Dyer, appointed in 2008.[10] Buddhist chaplains are endorsed by theBuddhist Churches of America.[11]
As of 2009, there was only one official dedicated Buddhist chapel in the United States military, located in the basement of theUnited States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel, which also housesCatholic,Protestant, andJewish chapels. The Buddhist chapel was constructed in 2005, and a 2009 report stated that at the chapel's Wednesday services "about half of the 18 pillows on the floor are usually occupied."[2]
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