Month: November 2010

XM25 Deployed to Afghanistan

As previously noted, the Air Force isn’t the only service with lethal technological toys.

The Army has reportedly fielded the XM25 in Afghanistan.  The rifle-sized “Counter Defilade Target Engagement System” enables a Soldier to fire a projectile that will explode at a specific point in space; in short, he can kill the enemy hiding behind a wall.

With reports of increasing airstrikes and tanks being moved into Afghanistan, the XM25 may be another indicator of the military’s attempts to prevent a “fair” fight with its adversaries.

Air Force Downsizing Chaplaincy

As noted several months ago, the Air Force has decided to reduce the size of its Chaplaincy.  It has apparently transitioned from voluntary separations to forced departures:

Chaplains of all denominations will be involuntarily separated through a selective early retirement board and reduction-in-force process. Roman Catholic priests, in shortest supply across the military, are eligible to leave only through early retirement.

The Air Force reportedly has 528 Chaplains today, and could see as few as 465 by September 2011.

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Misconstrued by Media

Media articles and reports continue to highlight the common misunderstanding about the policies, rules, and perspectives about homosexuality in the military.

For example, in discussing the history of homosexual policy in the military, an Associated Press report recently said

In the end, Congress agreed to let gays serve only if their sexual orientation remained secret.

While it is a common belief, the statement is flatly wrong.

The law Congress passed banned homosexuals from military service without qualification.  The “secret” part, more commonly known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” was the Read more

Air Force Might Oppose Homosexual Nurse’s Return

In the other case on DADT, former flight nurse Maj Margaret Witt, who was discharged under DADT, has claimed she can return to service while her case is appealed.  The DoJ is appealing the ruling in her favor, but did not request a stay on the ruling while it is appealed.  The ACLU has represented Witt.

The Air Force, for its part, said no request was made because they have had no indication Witt wanted to be reinstated, making a request for stay moot.  Should she begin an application, they would have a response, and might subsequently seek a stay.

American Pilot, Soldiers Pray with Locals in Afghanistan

A British news report tells the story of a British military Imam who led a 600+ member congregation — including locals, American servicemembers, and others — in the celebration of Eid ul Adha while in Afghanistan.

This service provided an opportunity for ISAF to demonstrate respect for the Muslim faith by providing a service for all Muslims on the base. One young American pilot told me of the Read more

Report: Most Afghans Don’t Know about 9/11

One of the frequent memes about associations of the Christian religion with the US military has been the “propaganda” value it supplies to those who would try to turn Afghans against the allied forces.

A recent report, however, shows that 92% of Afghans in two volatile provinces don’t even know about the events of 11 September 2001.  They have no idea why foreign forces are in their country, despite the fact the war is 10 years on.  (Perhaps the silver lining Read more

Shortage of Catholic Chaplains draws Protestants, Contractors

The shortage of military Catholic Chaplains has been noted here repeatedly.  Now, military Archbishop Timothy Broglio has said the shortage is causing Catholic military personnel to seek help from Protestant Chaplains.

Because many in the armed services often face grave situations, [Broglio] said, questions about the meaning of life and the existence of God often surface.

“They are at great risk because there are not nearly enough priests to meet their needs,” he said. Read more

Sub Skipper Fired Over Cheating Scandal

According to the Navy Times, Capt Charles Maher of the attack submarine Memphis was relieved of his command over allegations of a 10-person cheating ring under his watch.  There was no evidence Maher was directly involved in the cheating.

Unlike several prior instances of cheating in all of the military services (Navy, Marines, Army), this appears to be the first time the commanding officer has been relieved over ethical failures in testing by subordinates.

1 2 3 … 7