Pentagon Establishes New Office of Religious Affairs
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is establishing a new Office of Religious Affairs within the Pentagon, which will report directly to him and is intended to provide enhanced religious support services.
Charlotte, NC, October 2, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Defense is establishing a new entity within the Pentagon dedicated to religious affairs. The Office of Religious Affairs will report directly to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The primary stated purpose of this new office is to provide enhanced religious support services to service members. Details regarding the specific scope of these services, the office’s organizational structure, or its projected staffing levels were not immediately available.
The establishment of the Office of Religious Affairs signifies a focused effort by the Pentagon to address and bolster the religious support framework available to military personnel. The direct reporting line to the Defense Secretary indicates a high level of organizational priority placed on this initiative.
Further information concerning the operational mandate, the timeline for implementation, or the individuals who will lead the new office has not been disclosed.
Story summarized from the original created by TIFFANY STANLEY, Associated Press on www.qcnews.com, see more information here.
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