The U.S. Department of Defense has dramatically reduced its official list of recognized religious faiths and belief systems for service members from roughly 211 to just 31.
A May 20, 2026, memorandum signed by Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata implements the change, which was directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The move aims to streamline chaplain services and religious preference data collection across the military, addressing what officials described as an impractical and overly expansive system that had grown difficult to manage.
The revised list focuses on major faith traditions, including various Christian denominations such as Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran and Methodist, along with Islam (Muslims), Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Agnostics. Removed are approximately 180 other belief systems, including Atheists, Pagans, Wiccans, Humanists, Druids and many smaller or alternative groups.
This marks the first major revision to the faith codes since 2017, when the list was significantly expanded. Officials note that the vast majority of service members — about 82% of whom identify as religious — have historically used only a handful of the most common codes. The updated system is intended to improve planning and delivery of targeted religious support by military chaplains.
Critics, including some former chaplains, have called the reduction a blow to religious freedom and inclusivity for the more than 1.3 million active-duty personnel. However, service members can still select “other” or no religious preference when filling out forms or for items like dog tags.
The policy applies Department-wide and does not restrict personal worship or private beliefs. It primarily affects internal administrative and chaplaincy resource allocation.
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