The prior article on Casting Crowns noted they gave a concert at an “undisclosed location” to US troops. A CNN article indicates they did a “three-night swing through Kuwait and Qatar.”
The linked video at American Forces Network indicated the group played to US Army Soldiers as part of their Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program.
Also of note: Read more
It was bound to happen. While some have claimed the US military should not discriminate on the basis of sexual preference, they’ve been unable to explain why the US military still discriminates on the basis of gender. A new report from a Congressional panel now recommends removing those very policies.
The Defense Department should eliminate restrictions on women serving in combat units and end all “gender restrictive policies,” according to a blue-ribbon panel created by Congress.
The logic of the report is astounding: Read more
A Canadian article notes the suggestion that military Chaplains might have a “new role” in future conflicts, directly contributing to the emergence of peace by engaging religious leaders in the AOR.
While the article speaks collectively of the “Canadian and US military” forces, the suggested “new” role for Chaplains has been an “old” one for some time in the US. US military Chaplains have been engaging local leaders in Afghanistan and Iraq for years.
Some have dismissed the value of military Chaplains out of hand. They fail to fully realize the extent of the impact of Chaplains on all aspects of the military’s role, including the achievement of victory.
In November, leading Christian music group Casting Crowns was given the opportunity to perform for troops in the AOR. Lead singer Mark Hall said the trip grew from hearing from troops’ families at US concerts who were encouraged by their music.
The band’s popular songs include Until the Whole World Hears and Praise You in the Storm — a song that speaks of glorifying God even in an unexplainable hardship. Hall notes that these songs “hit close to home” for those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, making the worship a “little deeper.”
The group played to a packed facility in Read more
Despite the decision by some government organizations to have “holiday” trees, the National Christmas tree lit in the Nation’s capital each year remains precisely that — a Christmas tree. This year the US Coast Guard Band was the primary musical backdrop for the event; as is often tradition, the band stood for the Christmas prayer offered by the Rev. Darrell D. Morton. Some bowed their heads; some did not.
The President’s remarks included a call for prayer for the military: Read more
Summary of recent articles/news on the potential change to the law banning homosexuals from serving in the US military. Below:
An article at the LA Times documents an interview with Christy Goetz, wife of Chaplain (Capt) Dale Goetz — the first Chaplain killed in combat since Vietnam.
Salient quotes:
His soldiers say the chaplain died doing what he loved — talking to them, praying with them, helping counsel them through long days and nights of fear and dread. He had been carrying CDs for them to record personal messages to their families.
“Chaplains don’t sit around the big bases waiting for Read more
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.