Combat from a Computer Console

The Houston Chronicle, via Military.com, has an article on Major Jon Stiles, a US Air Force Predator operator who flies out of Houston for the Texas Air National Guard.  The aircraft he controls are flying over Afghanistan and Iraq.

As similar articles have noted in the past, UAV/RPA operators certainly do not experience the same “combat” conditions as troops on the ground or even the aviators directly overhead.  That said, their actions can still have life and death impacts — immediately visible on the screen — as well as strategic implications.  There is certainly pressure and stress, though perhaps in a way not yet fully comprehended by the military.

“If Gays Serve Openly, will Chaplains Suffer?”

USA Today has duelling articles on the potential impact of the repeal of the policies commonly known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

“No, the mission is to serve all soldiers.”
Arnold Resnicoff, a former Navy Chaplain, responds in the negative. Resnicoff was also a special assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force from 2005 to 2006, when the Air Force Academy “Christian scandal” made news.  (Michael Weinstein called Resnicoff an “unmitigated disaster.”)

Resnicoff’s primary argument is that

good chaplains can preach and teach, true to their beliefs — respecting rights while challenging what they believe is wrong. (emphasis original)

He maintains there would be zero impact to Chaplains.

“Yes, religious liberty is in real jeopardy.”
Daniel Blomberg of the Alliance Defense Fund answers in the affirmative.  In contrast to Resnicoff, Blomberg says the change would “likely harm” Chaplains:  Read more

Chaplain’s Website Needs Disclaimer, Critic Seeks Board Position

A few months ago the Chaplain for the Spring Hill Fire Department came under fire for having a webpage, on the department’s website, with religious-specific content.  Ken Fagan, a local citizen, complained that Chaplain Jack Martin broke rules with his page:

The matter was brought to the attention of the Florida Department of Community Affairs in January after resident Ken Fagan complained Martin broke “ethics rules” with his website and that he has “crossed the line regarding the separation of church and state.”

Now, the assistant attorney general for Florida has said the website (here) must have a disclaimer, and that it may have “information that arguably Read more

US Chaplains, Jordanian Imams Discuss Religious Military Support

As is often the case, US military Chaplains in San Antonio again demonstrated they can have strategic impact on military relationships.  US Third Army Chaplains met with imams from the Jordanian Armed Forces to discuss their roles in supporting their respective forces.

“The intent of the exchange was to enhance the capabilities of religious support in contingency operations of both the Jordanian Armed Forces Chaplaincy and the U.S. Chaplaincy through face-to-face discussions of both religious support doctrine and operational experience,” said Col. Richard Pace, command chaplain, Third Army.

Chaplains have many roles and responsibilities, and their professions are far more complex than just preaching on Sunday morning.  Just ask the Chaplains who recently made an official visit to Namibia.

Some Government Prayers Bring Lawsuits, Others Ignored

The city of Lancaster, California, has been criticized by the ACLU and sued by the Jewish Defense League for “sectarian Christian prayers” at city meetings.  In an interesting contrast, it does not appear either the ACLU or the JDL have said anything about the city of Vacaville doing the same thing in Sanskrit:

Acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed will deliver invocation from Sanskrit scriptures before Vacaville City Council on [July 27th]. After Sanskrit delivery, he then will read the English translation of the prayer.

Sanskrit is considered a sacred language in Hinduism Read more

DADT Survey Publicized, Derided by Advocacy Groups

A homosexual advocacy group obtained a copy of the survey delivered to US military members despite the military’s intent to keep the survey “confidential.”  The Department of Defense defended the format and content of the survey against criticism from homosexual advocacy groups that have derided it.  Apparently, those groups take issue with the word “homosexual” and the fact recipients were asked how they would feel about sharing personal space with open homosexuals.  The military’s response:

Responding to critics’ claims the survey was biased against gays, [DoD spokesman Geoff] Morrell said, “Absolutely, unequivocally, I reject it as nonsense.”

Fighter Pilot Dies during Bible Study

The Air Force announced that US Air Force Captain Samuel Robertson, a 26 year old F-15 pilot stationed at RAF Lakenheath (UK), collapsed during a Bible study last week.  He was pronounced dead after being transported to a hospital, and the cause of death is under investigation.  From his wing commander:

“Our heart-felt condolences go out to Captain Robertson’s family, friends and coworkers.  He was a loving husband, a great friend and an outstanding Wingman.  His loss will be felt across our Air Force family. The Liberty Wing will provide untiring support and assistance to his family during this difficult time.”

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