The US Navy used to have a slogan that said, “Join the Navy, see the world.”  While the catch phrase has long since been abandoned, “seeing the world” remains a significant reason that some people join the US military.  Within just a few months of starting their military service, they may be sent to places as widely varied as Europe, Asia, and Africa.  It is true, too, that in this present time many will likely soon see Iraq, Afghanistan, and the surrounding regions.

An Army press release notes the experiences of a group of soldiers who were given the opportunity to see the ruins of Ur in Iraq.  Ur is the historical birthplace of Abraham, sometimes called the “father” of the “Abrahamic” religions of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.  More than 230 soldiers got to visit and walk through an archaeological site that few people in this world can visit.

Lt. Col. Gene G. Henke, a unit Chaplain, said

It is a once in a lifetime opportunity, one of those opportunities that would not be afforded us without the military.  It is really one of the unspoken benefits or blessings that the military provides. We are…able to encourage and provide support for the establishment of freedom and democracy…and at the same time it takes us to a corner of the world…I would never have the opportunity to go to.

The tour wasn’t purely for personal edification, as it offered the opportunity for the Soldiers to better understand the culture of the local nationals they are defending.

The tour of Ur is probably one of the few “touristy” things the Soldiers will do in their lifetimes while carrying loaded automatic weapons.