[St_Thomas_Aquinas]

-— But certainly freedom of religion includes the freedom
not to believe in a supreme being. -—

Yes, but it doesn’t grant you the right to serve in the military. Given the choice of an atheist or believer with you in a foxhole, which would you trust with your life?

[Maine Mariner]

I agree there is no right to serve in the military.
The military services certainly have the right to select the best candidates for their organizations.

[C19fan]

So if the military can kick out an atheist then it can force these oaths:

“I, N, do declare that I do believe that there is not any transubstantion in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, or in the elements of the bread and wine, at or after the consecration thereof by any person whatsovever.”

“I, N, do solemnly and sincerely in the presence of God profess, testify, and declare, that I do believe that in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper there is not any Transubstantiation of the elements of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ at or after the consecration thereof by any person whatsoever: and that the invocation or adoration of the Virgin Mary or any other Saint, and the Sacrifice of the Mass, as they are now used in the Church of Rome, are superstitious and idolatrous...”

If you wanted to be part of the Royal Navy or English (British) Army you were required to take that oath for 150 years until 1829.

[reg45]

Given the choice of an atheist or believer with you in a foxhole, which would you trust with your life?

The one who is the better shot.