OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
4000 DEFENSE PENTAGON
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20301-4000
PERSONNEL AND
READINESS
December 16, 2024
MEMORANDUM FOR SENIOR PENTAGON LEADERSHIP
DEFENSE AGENCY AND DOD FIELD ACTIVITY DIRECTORS
SUBJECT: Directive-type Memorandum 24-009 – “Public Complaints or Requests Regarding
Public Displays or Public Expressions of Religion on DoD Property”
References: See Attachment 1.
Purpose. In accordance with the authority of DoD Directive 5124.02 and Section 1049 of
Public Law 118-31 (also known and referred to in this issuance as the “National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024”), this directive-type memorandum (DTM):
• Establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and provides procedures for the
timely determination of a covered complaint or request as defined in the Glossary
regarding public displays or expressions of religion on DoD property.
• Is effective December 16, 2024; it must be incorporated into DoD Instruction
(DoDI) 1300.17. This DTM will expire effective December 16, 2025.
Applicability. This DTM:
• Applies to:
o OSD, the Military Departments, the Office of the Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the
Office of Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense
Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities
within the DoD, referred to in this DTM as “the DoD Components.”
o Covered complaints or requests regarding public display or expression
of religion that have occurred or taken place on DoD property.
• Does not apply to requests for access to DoD installations for the purpose of
conducting or performing a public display or expression of religion. Such
requests will be in accordance with Volume 3 of DoD Manual 5200.08.
• Requests by Service members for the accommodation of religious practices
are governed by DoDI 1300.17 and applicable Military Department and Service
policies; such requests are not subject to this DTM.
