Millennial Generation Spirituality and Religion in the United States Army

Currently over two thirds of the U. S. Army is composed of Soldiers from the Millennial Generation, the generation born between 1982 and 2001. Millennials were the majority of the force that fought the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and will remain the majority of the force until the mid 2020s. The Millennial Generation is uniquely shaped by the generational cycle and postmodernity and is at a key transition point in life, the emerging adult life stage. Each of these affect Millennial spirituality and religion. These same Millennials with their personal views and spirituality join the U. S. Army and present new leadership challenges. This paper addressed the Millennials shaping factors, trends, spirituality, unique military issues, and concluded with eight Department of the Army level recommendations intended to enhance understanding, resilience, and religious support regarding Soldiers from the Millennial Generation and the following generation.