The repeal of the ban on homosexuals serving in the US military, most often referred to as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” appears to be the only military/religion story to make the “top 10” 2010 story lists of most websites that look at military/religious issues:
Chris Patti, reportedly a Navy cryptologist, wrote an opinion piece at the Washington Post saying repeal of DADT was the “easy” part, and now Secretary of Defense Robert Gates faces “difficult” questions. Oddly, Patti raises no questions that have not already been addressed. Just like the terse answer to those who wondered if they could resign early if they had moral reservations about repeal (“No.”), the military working group on DADT repeal provided terse answers to Patti’s questions. For example, he asks: Read more
In its continuing efforts to reduce suicides and improve the overall mission effectiveness of Soldiers on the battlefield, Army Chief of Chaplains MajGen Douglas L. Carver recently lauded the value of “spiritual fitness” for both servicemembers and their families.
The Army defines spiritual fitness as the development of the personal qualities needed to sustain a person in times of stress, hardship and tragedy. These qualities can come from religious, philosophical or human values…and form the basis for character, disposition, decision making and integrity.
“That’s what I think spiritual practice does, lighten the load,” [Chaplain Carver] added. “And who wouldn’t want to take a few rocks out of a rucksack?”
Coincidentally, the Department of Defense published this article on Spiritual Fitness a few weeks prior to an outcry by atheists on this very topic. The article adequately explains the Army is not categorically calling “spiritual fitness” a “religious” endeavor, despite accusations to the contrary by atheists.
Carver recalled an interesting story from a morally conflicted Soldier: Read more
A recent article on AF.mil noted the Operation Deep Freeze runs by USAF C-17s flying from New Zealand to McMurdo Air Station, Antarctica. Most interesting, however, was the included photograph:
It seems benign at first, but if you look at the pallets between the passengers, you can see cases of beer…lots of cases of beer: Read more
Operation Rest and Relax has been organizing all-expenses paid vacations for servicemembers and their families when they return from their deployments.
“I had never dreamed that this would be as large as it’s become,” Dr. Grant Evans said, the founder of Operation R&R. “We have upwards of 400 owners now that have donated a free week of ocean front homes and condos. We have 60 restaurant owners; we have 35 business owners that offer 50% up to 100% discounts. And we have close to 200 greeter couples which are couples we assign to a family.”
Currently, the operation is strictly local, helping out only servicemembers specifically assigned to Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Bases, and the Beaufort Marine Air Base. Servicemembers eligible must also be married, and only immediate family can accompany them.
You can learn more from their website.
The New Year has begun, and along with resolutions of daily Bible reading and hitting the gym to improve your fitness score, you’ve got another burning question:
What are you going to do with all that money?
The Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress includes a 1.4% pay raise for active duty military members. Combined with the New Year it provides an excellent opportunity to review your financial stewardship, whether you’re a brand new Lieutenant or a “seasoned” senior officer.
Of course, it is difficult to be wise about your finances when you don’t even know where your money goes. If you don’t have one already, it’s time…for a budget.
While that may make some cringe or scoff, realize that a budget — even a very basic one — will help you be a good steward of the resources God has given you. While the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 actually goes beyond money, its truth is applicable: Read more
During the Christmas season it is not unusual to hear the controversy over whether “Merry Christmas” is being intentionally censored or avoided. Regardless of your political or religious persuasion, there are some ridiculous examples of scornful “Merry Christmas” retorts to what may be sincere well wishes expressed in the “wrong” words of “Happy Holidays.” Some have rightly said that some Merry Christmas-ers are just looking for something to get twisted over.
Likewise, atheists now have their own manufactured cause célèbre.
The Global Assessment Tool (GAT) Soldier Fitness Tracker (SFT) is part of the Army’s Comprehensive Soldier Fitness initiative. It is designed to help Soldiers self-assess their Emotional, Social, Family, and Spiritual resiliency. Atheists have taken umbrage at the “Spiritual” section, Read more
According to various sources, the US Navy plans to investigate the creation and use of “inappropriate” videos on board the USS Enterprise. The “star” and producer of the videos, which were created in 2006-2007, was reportedly the ship’s second in command, since promoted to its Captain. US Navy CAPT Owen Honors is a Navy fighter pilot (or “naval aviator”) as well as graduate of the Navy Test Pilot School. The Enterprise is scheduled to deploy early this year. The videos were apparently released to the Virginian-Pilot by Sailors who currently remain anonymous.
The Navy’s initial reaction: Read more