HEATHENRY IN THE U.S. MILITARY: LEGITIMACY, ACCOMMODATION, AND THE CASE FOR ODIN’S WARRIOR TRIBE

Heathen Religious Practice in the U.S. Military

Heathenry – the modern practice of pre-Christian Norse/Germanic religion (often called Ásatrú or Heathenry) – has gradually gained recognition within the U.S. armed forces over the past decade. Milestones in acceptance include the 2013 approval of Thor’s hammer (Mjölnir) as an authorized emblem of belief for Veterans Affairs headstones and the subsequent addition of “Heathen” and “Ásatrú” to service members’ official religious preference lists. By 2017, the Department of Defense had incorporated several Pagan and Heathen faith codes across the services, enabling service members to officially register as Heathen on personnel records. Such recognition, while administrative, has tangible effects: for example, a Heathen or Asatrurar in the military may request leave to attend a feast such as Sigrblot, Winter Nights, or Yule.

These advances signify that Heathen practitioners in uniform are no longer invisible; their numbers can be counted, and their needs are starting to be acknowledged in policy. Despite these gains, institutional support for Heathens in uniform remains limited. As of the 2025, no Heathen clergy serve as military chaplains. Even if they did the problem is that Heathenry and Asatru have such a wide variety of paths. This absence means that Heathen service members must rely on lay-led groups and volunteer efforts for spiritual support. In many cases, Distinctive Faith Group Leaders (DFGLs) or Distinctive Religious Group Leaders (DRGLs) – essentially approved lay leaders – have stepped up to facilitate religious activities on bases where minority faiths lack an official chaplain. Indeed, the recent inclusion of Heathen and Pagan identifiers in DoD records is expected to “allow for an easier time of establishing Distinctive Faith Groups/Lay Leadership on military installations,” even if a dedicated Heathen chaplain is still not on the horizon.

Base chaplains have also sponsored Pagan Open Circles, which are inclusive worship gatherings open to all Pagan, Wiccan, Druid, and Heathen personnel regardless of specific denomination. These open circles, such as the long-running Fort Hood Open Circle (active since 1997), provide a venue for pluralistic Pagan fellowship on some installations. In short, the U.S. military today does recognize Heathenry as a legitimate faith on paper, but the onus of practicing that faith – organizing rites, obtaining sacred items, securing meeting space, educating commanders – still falls largely on the shoulders of Heathen service members and supporting organizations.

The Importance of Legitimacy and 501(c)(3) Status for Recognition

For new or minority religious groups in the military, legitimacy is not just philosophical – it is bureaucratic. Gaining official military accommodation (from having one’s religion listed in personnel systems to securing chaplain support or space for worship) often hinges on the group being recognized as a bona fide religious organization. A crucial marker of such legitimacy in the U.S. context is IRS 501(c)(3) status as a religious non-profit or church. The Army’s procedure for adding a new faith option to its records, may we have heard for example require sponsorship by a recognized 501(c)(3) religious organization. In practice, this meant that when soldiers first petitioned to have “Heathen” and “Ásatrú” added to the Army’s roster of faith preferences, they had to present documentation from an established IRS-recognized Heathen organization to back the request.

This requirement serves as a vetting mechanism: an IRS 501(c)(3) ruling designation signals that an organization has a degree of permanence, a defined religious purpose, and a responsible governing structure – attributes the military views as necessary for any group it will officially acknowledge. The Department of Defense has, in fact, adopted the IRS’s definition of a “church” as a standard for approving religious groups in many contexts. DoD policy for chaplaincy endorsing agencies is instructive: the Pentagon we understand expects any organization that wishes to endorse chaplains to meet the IRS “church” criteria, documented by obtaining an IRS determination letter of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This policy provides a neutral, external benchmark for legitimacy. As one analysis notes, the IRS “church” standard offers “the valuable objectivity of an unrelated and presumably unbiased government agency.” Chaplaincy authorities can simply require the IRS determination letter to “verify the ‘religious’ qualifications of an endorser,” rather than subjectively evaluating a group’s beliefs or sincerity.

In essence, 501(c)(3) status has become a proxy for a group’s credibility and seriousness: it shows the group has legal existence, a set of organizing documents, and a commitment to operate under non-profit and religious guidelines. For Heathen organizations seeking military recognition or partnership, achieving this status is practically a prerequisite to be taken seriously by commanders and military administrators.

False Claims and the Risks of Non-Legitimate Groups

In the scramble to fill the spiritual needs of Heathen troops, not every group meets the rigorous standards discussed above. The rise of social media has allowed many informal “Heathen” or “Asatru” communities to spring up, some focused on military audiences via Facebook groups or online forums. While the enthusiasm for building community is commendable, a disturbing trend is the false or misleading claim of 501(c)(3) status by some online groups that have not gone through the proper legal steps. In some cases, organizers assume (or pretend) that simply calling their circle a “church” is enough to make it tax-exempt and authorized. It is true that U.S. tax law grants automatic tax-exempt status to churches that “meet the requirements of section 501(c)(3)” even without an application. However, this is a narrow provision intended for traditional congregations, and it does not mean that any self-proclaimed religious group can declare itself exempt without scrutiny. Tellingly, one newly formed network of military Heathens explicitly cites this rule to justify not applying for IRS recognition – effectively claiming exemption by default. Such a group may insist it “affirms its right to operate as a religious organization,” yet simultaneously it acknowledges that this route “does not extend to…requirements of an ecclesiastical endorsing agent for military chaplains..” In other words, by skirting formal 501(c)(3) recognition, the group concedes it cannot fulfill the official role of endorsing chaplains or perhaps even be fully recognized by military institutions. It is a house of cards. The risks to service members associating with non-legitimate or deceptive groups are significant. First, there is the practical risk of non-accommodation: if a unit commander or chaplain discovers that a group a soldier has been working with is not actually a registered 501(c)(3) or recognized church, any support or special consideration being given (such as use of facilities, excuse from duties for observances, etc.) could be withdrawn. The soldier’s sincere religious requests might then be viewed with skepticism, having been tied to a group lacking credibility. Second, there are financial and legal risks. Organizations that are not bona fide charities cannot lawfully solicit funds, act as a charity on military bases or represent themselves as tax-deductible charities. Service members who donate to or fundraise for such groups could run afoul of regulations. In fact, groups that operate without proper non-profit status often self-limit their activities. They do not solicit funds. This is an implicit admission that without 501(c)(3) status they have no legal framework to handle money. This severely curtails what the group can do for its members. A soldier or Marine or sailor or Airman who expects robust support – event planning, materials, outreach – may be disappointed to find an informal club with no budget and no accountability. Perhaps most gravely, there is the risk of professional and security repercussions. The U.S. military, particularly in recent years, has strict policies prohibiting membership in extremist or hate groups.

Unfortunately, the Heathen revival has a known schism: some organizations promote racially extremist ideologies under the guise of religion. A service member who unwittingly connects with a fringe Heathen group could jeopardize their career if that group espouses values opposed to DoD Equal Opportunity norms. There is one prime example of this and military members who have been members of that organization have been discharged.

Any military member visibly affiliating with such a group risks investigative scrutiny, loss of security clearance, or worse, under regulations that bar participation in organizations that advocate discrimination or extremist causes. The bottom line is that a Heathen service member cannot afford to entrust their spiritual support to groups that lack legitimacy, transparency, and alignment with military core values. Doing so could mean not only inadequate support but active harm to one’s military standing.

Limitations of Pagan Open Circles for Committed Heathens

Many bases and ships have attempted to foster inclusivity by supporting Pagan Open Circles. These are typically lay-led devotional circles sanctioned by a chaplain for any Pagan or earth-centered spiritualist – Wiccans, Druids, Heathens, etc. – to come together for ceremonies. Open circles have been valuable as a first step: they create a space for non-Abrahamic faiths where previously there was none, and they introduce military leaders to Pagan customs in a low-key, non-threatening way. However, for the committed Heathen – especially one with a warrior mindset seeking a robust, mission-aligned religious practice – generic Pagan circles often prove insufficient. One issue is breadth versus depth. By design, an open circle is non-denominational and must accommodate diverse paths. The content of rituals might lean toward Wiccan or pan-Pagan frameworks, since those are more commonly understood by volunteers, leaving Heathen-specific rites (blót rituals to the Norse gods, for example) relatively underrepresented. A Heathen who is serious about honoring Odin, Tyr, or Freyja in the manner of their ancestors may find that open circle gatherings only scratch the surface of their spiritual needs. The experience can feel watered-down – a “one size fits all” approach that by necessity cannot dive deep into reconstructionist Heathen lore or complex warrior initiatory rites. Another limitation is consistency and support. Open circles are often ephemeral, sustained only by the passion of a single volunteer or a small group of lay leaders. When key personnel transfer or retire, the circle can dissolve if no successor steps up. Even when they persist, these circles sometimes face indifference or hostility from others on base.

A change in a chaplain’s attitude or a single incident of vandalism can set back years of progress. In short, Pagan open circles provide a baseline community, but they lack the institutional weight, focused identity, and guaranteed continuity that a committed Heathen in uniform might desire. The serious practitioner – especially one who identifies with the warrior ethos of Norse tradition – is likely to crave a more structured and resilient support system than what ad-hoc circles can offer. This is precisely where Odin’s Warrior Tribe enters the picture as a game-changer.

Case Study: Odin’s Warrior Tribe – A Model for Military Heathens

Odin’s Warrior Tribe (OWT) is a modern Heathen organization singularly positioned to meet the needs of U.S. service members and veterans who follow the old Norse faith. From its inception, OWT has been focused on legitimacy, integration with military culture, and the cultivation of a warrior ethos among its folk. It was founded in 2019 as a Virginia non-stock religious corporation, first as a religious organization and then swiftly obtained recognition from the IRS as a 501(c)(3) religious church. This verified status is not just a paper accolade; it underpins OWT’s credibility both inside and outside the military. Being an IRS-recognized church means OWT can confidently interface with military chaplaincies and commands as a vetted religious partner. For example, OWT can issue donation receipts and is registered as a charity in multiple states, enabling it to fundraise for projects that directly benefit Heathen service members. This contrasts starkly with informal Facebook groups that lack any legal standing. When an OWT representative approaches a base chaplain to request space for a blot (ritual) or to sponsor a Heathen event, they do so backed by an established church – a fact that opens doors that would remain firmly closed to unregistered groups. Equally important is OWT’s integration into the military community. Uniquely, Odin’s Warrior Tribe restricts its membership primarily to those with military, veteran, or first-responder backgrounds, plus a few exceptional others who demonstrate a “martial spirit.” This is not an arbitrary restriction but a core part of OWT’s identity: it is “a Germanic/Norse heathen religious tribe with a martial spirit” whose tribe functions “akin to a warrior society” Many of our members are combat veterans, and a sizable number are still actively serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or allied militaries.

The result is that OWT events and programs feel culturally familiar to military personnel. The tribe’s leadership includes a Chieftain and leadership team of Volva, Deputy Chieftain, Hersir, and Huskarls, and they explicitly draw on military values and customs in shaping their group’s culture.

Discipline, honor, loyalty, and brotherhood – virtues prized in uniform – are also part of Odin’s Warrior Tribal Code. This alignment with the military ethos makes OWT’s gatherings an extension of the warrior camaraderie service members know so well. Indeed, OWT remarks that what sets them apart in the wider Heathen community is this very connection: “our tribe has its own military character… Many of the same values that [military] service members live and die by are part of Odin's Warrior Tribal Code.”

Far from being an outside group looking in, OWT is an internal ally to the military Heathen: they are the military, bringing their faith with them. One tangible manifestation of OWT’s integration is its support for Distinctive Religious Group Leaders (DRGLs) and lay-led services on military installations. While a smaller, purely online group might have no one qualified (or geographically concentrated enough) to lead base circles or study groups, OWT’s ranks are filled with trained Heathens located on or near bases across the country. OWT members have actively served as the recognized lay leaders for Heathen services – whether on stateside posts or in deployed environments – under the auspices of base chaplains. For instance, OWT’s Gothi and Chieftain (a retired Army Colonel and veteran of five wars) and our multilingual third generation Heathen Tribe Volva (and now a Volva in training as well) have completed years of training and the organization can endorse these individuals to act as clergy or lay facilitators for military members in need. Odin’s Warrior Tribe’s Gothi is authorized by court order to perform heathen marriages in Virgina and as a result of that can also perform them in Maryland.

Through our Society of Gungnir program (an introductory society for members) and its emphasis on vetted membership, OWT ensures that those representing it in military contexts are knowledgeable in Heathen rites and also understand the military environment. Thus, when a forward-deployed unit has a few Heathen troops wishing to celebrate a holiday like Yule or Sigrblot, an OWT member in the unit or theater can step in as a DRGL with the tribe’s blessing. They carry with them not only ritual expertise but the weight of OWT’s recognized status – a combination that lends authority and continuity to base Heathen gatherings in a way no ad-hoc group can match. Moreover, Odin’s Warrior Tribe has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to projects and activities that support the warrior spirit and veteran identity of its members. The Tribe's mission statement explicitly includes helping veterans “reignite their warrior virtues in a positive way” as they transition to civilian life.

To this end, OWT has sponsored a variety of unique events: Viking combat training and competitions, Viking-style boot camps and hikes, archery, and wrestling (including the traditional Scandinavian art of Glíma), and even voyages on an authentic 26-foot Viking longboat. These activities are not just for entertainment; they serve as a form of adventure therapy and community-building. In our experience, many veterans deeply miss the intense camaraderie and sense of purpose they had in the military.

By recreating a “warrior fellowship” in a religious context, we effectively provides group members with a healthy outlet for that warrior side of their identity. The approach is informed by both ancient models and modern psychology – We note that similar methods of warrior reintegration were used by tribal societies and are echoed today in some VA programs. The impact is profound: veterans’ bond over shared challenges and then gather around the campfire or feast hall to share stories and honor the gods, forging kinship much like a military unit or warband. The Tribe’s charitable endeavors further reinforce this warrior-community ethos. For example, OWT has initiated the construction of a “Viking Hall” envisioned as both a spiritual gathering place and a retreat for veteran-oriented activities and as a boat house for our Viking boat.

This ambitious project – funded by donations and even matching grants – is only possible because OWT is a registered 501(c)(3) that can publicly fundraise and own property for the benefit of its mission. No loose Facebook collective could marshal resources in this way. And importantly, all these efforts are conducted in a nondiscriminatory spirit: OWT proudly adheres to Department of Defense Equal Opportunity (EO) policies, explicitly welcoming service members of all races, ethnic backgrounds, and orientations into its events (while of course requiring that actual members be Heathen.)  That doesn't prevent those who seek our faith for reasons of ancestry - indeed that is a key motivation among most of our members. This alignment with DoD’s own ethos of pluralism further cements OWT’s standing as the only Heathen organization that truly mirrors the military’s values while serving its unique spiritual needs.

Conclusion: The Only Credible, Mission-Aligned Option for Warrior Heathens

In surveying the landscape of Heathen support available to American military personnel, a clear conclusion emerges. Odin’s Warrior Tribe is not just the best option for Heathens in uniform – for those with a warrior mindset, it is the only option that meets all the necessary criteria of credibility, legitimacy, and mission alignment. The tribe combines what others lack: the official legitimacy of a 501(c)(3) religious institution, the insider understanding of military life, strict adherence to DoD policies, and a passionate focus on the warrior ethos. Other groups, whether loose online networks or well-meaning open circles, fall short on one or more of those counts – they might offer fellowship but cannot guarantee recognition or continuity; they might claim to be a church but fail to pass muster when scrutinized by authorities; they might welcome all Pagans but not truly satisfy the spiritually hungry warrior. By contrast, Odin’s Warrior Tribe stands as a fully realized Heathen church and veteran society in one, able to engage with the military on official terms while still kindling the old fires of Odin and Tyr on the modern battlefield. The case for OWT’s primacy is thus both positive and cautionary. Positively, OWT shows what a rightly constructed religious organization can achieve in the military context: it has created a bridge between an ancient faith and the contemporary armed forces, normalizing Heathen practice and providing soldiers and veterans a sense of belonging that strengthens, rather than conflicts with, their service. It proves that being a Heathen and being a warrior are complementary callings – each enriching the other – when properly supported by a tribe that understands both. OWT’s example also highlights the perils of anything less. A Heathen warrior who chooses a different path – perhaps an unvetted online clan or a disorganized circle – may find themselves spiritually adrift or even in trouble, whereas one who joins with OWT becomes part of a respected, thriving community. The U.S. military’s own regulations and recent history underscore this lesson: only groups with legitimacy and integrity will endure and be accepted. Odin’s Warrior Tribe has proven itself to be that enduring presence for Heathens in uniform. In the words of its founders, OWT seeks to be “the world’s premier military heathen organization.”

This is a goal it is rapidly achieving, to the benefit of all warrior believers. Given all the evidence, Odin’s Warrior Tribe is indeed the paramount choice for any service member looking to walk the Heathen path without compromising their career, honor, or warrior spirit. We are not just for US military though we are also overseas with friendly military veterans in the following European countries: Iceland, Ireland, UK, Netherlands, and Germany, More on that later.

Footnotes:

Norse Mythology Blog – K. Seigfried, “Heathens in the Military: Army Adds Ásatrú and Heathen.” (2015).

Wild Hunt – C. Schulz, “Department of Defense adds Heathen and Pagan religions to recognized faith groups.” (2017).

PaganSquare – P. Brucato, “Pagan Discrimination in the U.S. Military.” (newWitch #15, 2007).

Military Association of Atheists & Freethinkers – J. F. (MAAF), “Playing Favorites: What beliefs should chaplains support?” (2012).