By Madison S. Hughes (08.13.2011)
On innumerable occasions during my twenty-three year career as a U.S. Army Officer I found myself a captive audience member of Staff meetings that began with prayer. While deployed I vividly recall one instance where a Mississippi Redneck Chief of Staff, Colonel Massey, asked before a mandatory Staff meeting if anyone objected to the Chaplain opening the mandatory Staff meeting with a prayer. When I voiced my objection, I was told that I was welcomed to leave the room during the prayer. The U.S. Army, especially the Officer corps, is highly right-wing, and religious. It never ceases to amaze me that I, a lifelong Atheist, was able to serve twenty-three years in such an overtly religious organization.
Always Question Authority 
Appreciate you sharing your experiences Madison. If one thinks about this scenario slightly more deeply, one has reason, as far as I’m concerned, to find it scary! One reason is that these officers, whether in barracks or going to war or combat, think that they have God on their side! Once, as a photolithographer, I worked at a missionary printing company, so as a Devout Atheist, you can imagine my similar experiences!