Why removing a distinct religious code for Native American military service members will make their needs invisible

The Pentagon's decision to reclassify Native religions under the category of "other" has serious implications for Native American military service members, according to a scholar in Native American and Indigenous Studies. By removing a distinct religious code, these service members' unique cultural and spiritual needs could be overlooked, potentially affecting their mental health and well-being. This change highlights a broader issue of cultural insensitivity and the importance of recognizing the diverse backgrounds and traditions of all service members, underscoring the need for more inclusive policies in the military.