Military and mass

[Cruciferi]

He does, but your right to attend services is always subject to military needs. If you’re in the field for two weeks, no one is going to truck you back to the base on Sunday to go to church.

As far as I could tell, he’s on base. He’s got internet after all… If you’re away from civilization it’s a totally different matter. Nevertheless, that doesn’t appear to be the situation here.

I’m not saying don’t raise the issue with the chaplain (again, doesn’t need to be a Catholic chaplain)

According to the PDF, there should be a Catholic Chaplain there.

 

[BoomBoomMancini]

There might be one on base, but not assigned to his training command.

And the military determines what military necessity is. You don’t have to be “in the wilderness.” If the rule is “when you’re in a training status, no going anywhere solo.” then thems the breaks.

I know some of this might seem convuluted or counterintuitive, but it’s just part of being in the military.

 

[Cruciferi]

If the rule is “when you’re in a training status, no going anywhere solo.” then thems the breaks.

From what I’ve heard, declining attendance will make it nearly impossible to attend then in this situation. However, back in the day, lots of guys would go and this wasn’t a problem.

I know some of this might seem convuluted or counterintuitive, but it’s just part of being in the military.

People have to educate themselves about the policies and their rights. You don’t know until you’ve pressed the issue.

 

[BoomBoomMancini]

Right, which is why I suggested he speak to his chaplain, who might be able to make arrangements for him, even if he isn’t Catholic.

You just have to recognize that as a Marine private in his initial training period his ability to press issues is…limited.

 

[Cruciferi]

ability to press issues is…limited.

Press away!

 

[Sarcelle]

As others have already said, don’t leave and hope to not get caught.

Is there a Catholic chaplain you can talk to?

If not, don’t worry about it. God does not expect us to do the impossible.

 

[BoomBoomMancini]

Again, OP, just a tip: you can still seek help from a non-catholic chaplain. One of their duties is to make sure people have access to religious services, even if it’s not their particular service. You can still go see the chaplain and say, “hey sir/ma’am, I’m a Catholic and I’ve been having difficulty getting to mass on Sunday. Is there anything you can do to help me out?” Even if they’re, for example, a Baptist chaplain, it’s still their job to try to help you access Catholic services.

Doesn’t mean you’ll always get to go if there is a training conflict, but they can at least try to help.