Is no Religion a Religion.

[Minimalist]

Here is the whole story which makes it clear that this is a battle between an entrenched military bureaucracy which props up the jesus freaks at every opportunity and a minority ( which is a relative term ) of soldiers who object.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/27/us/27a...=3&ref=us&

Note that unlike the disingenuous interpretation provided in the OP, no "atheist" ever cites the need for "spiritual needs." The OP made that up.
The word "spiritual" appears only once in the story.

This is about politics and crooked chaplains seeking to maintain their power with the help of the high command.