The Air Force Times ran an article entitled “More 6-month tours” presenting the picture of longer combat tours for Air Force personnel.  The content is unremarkable, but what was interesting was the picture the AF Times used to headline the article, even on the site’s front page.  Taken by Petty Officer 2nd Class Todd Frantom, it shows a group of US Air Force Airmen praying as a group prior to “going outside the wire,” something the caption says is a “tradition” for every such mission.  (See picture and read more below the fold.)

The full caption at the military site that houses the official photograph notes that the Airmen are assigned to Detachment 3, 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.

Based on the picture alone, it is impossible to know who led the prayer, or what kind of prayer it was.  It is impossible to know if everyone in the picture was of the same faith, though statistically speaking it is highly unlikely.  Yet it appears that the squad took the time to pause as a group, and each stood respectfully as the prayer–whatever form it took–occurred.

Such scenes are repeated routinely throughout the US military.  Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, and Sailors pause to pray and reflect.  Given the life and death nature of the military profession, such soul-searching solemnity is understandable (and leads to the axiom that “there are no atheists in foxholes,” whether it is true or not).

Whether done for the desire for Divine protection on a mission, a psychological reassurance, or merely a show of respect for others who feel those needs, such displays demonstrate both the freedom of faith expression in the military and the high degree of mutual respect among the diverse group of people in the US military.