Guards at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico will be allowed to continue using common religious greetings after complaints from the Military Religious Freedom Foundation prompted a dispute over whether the phrases violated Air Force policy.

The organization said it received 34 complaints about guards using greetings including “God bless you” and “Have a blessed day” when welcoming people onto the installation. MRFF argued that the practice could violate Air Force rules governing religious expression and the prohibition against preferential treatment based on faith or the absence of faith.

MRFF initially said the greetings had been halted following its complaints. Kirtland officials later clarified that the base had not issued any directive requiring or prohibiting the use of particular greetings.

“Base officials have reviewed the feedback received from a small percentage of individuals with base access and, in line with Department of the Air Force policies and the law, have not issued, and have no plans to issue, any changes to procedures either mandating or restricting the use of common phrases while welcoming personnel to the installation,” base officials said.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach also said the service’s policies remained unchanged. “We are not restricting the use of common greetings while entering our bases,” Wilsbach said.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth weighed in on the dispute after MRFF's complaints became public. Hegseth said the Defense Department would not change its approach in response to the organization and said the Air Force would “confront” the issue.

Air Force policy requires service members to ensure their words and actions do not discriminate against individuals or groups because of their faith, beliefs, or absence of belief, while also addressing constitutional protections for religious exercise and the prohibition against government establishment of religion.

MRFF founder Mikey Weinstein has threatened to seek a writ of mandamus in federal court if the religious greetings continue, arguing that their use by uniformed personnel at the gates violates military policy.

Kirtland officials have maintained that gate personnel are expected to communicate professionally and courteously with everyone entering the installation. The base, located near Albuquerque, supports nuclear and other high-security missions.