Tag Archives: Iraq

Study: Top Cause of PTSD is Moral Guilt

In an era in which society encourages each to do his own thing, and “right” is a relative term, a recent study seems to indicate many people do inherently have an understanding of morality at their core — and this may sometimes conflict with the actions required by military combat:

The conflicts that troops feel can range from survivor guilt from living through an attack where other troops died, to witnessing or participating in the unintentional killing of women or children, said researchers involved in the study.

The key quote comes near the end of the article:  Combat experienced US Marines were the subject group, and the study showed

Their condition [PTSD] was more closely linked to an inner conflict Read more

Native Americans on Warrior Spirit in US Military

A group of Native Americans recently spoke at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC.

Joseph Medicine Crow, a 96-year-old World War II veteran who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 by President Barack Obama, is the grandson of White Man Runs Him, one of Custer’s Crow scouts.

The men spoke not only of their contributions to the US military, but also the importance of Native American spirituality, even within the military:  Read more

New Chapel Rising at Fort Campbell

The US Army post at Fort Campbell is getting a new chapel to support its 20 different religious services attended by more than 2,000 congregants each week:

The post’s seven chapels are getting too small for the needs of the soldiers and their families, said Chaplain (Col.) Roger Heath, the installation chaplain at Fort Campbell.

The $8.4 million, 32,900-square-foot complex will hold 1,200 people and include supporting campus areas.  It is scheduled to be Read more

Who Ended the Iraq War in December 2011?

President Obama has indicated he fulfilled a campaign promise when he brought the war in Iraq to a “responsible” end.  But who really ended the war?

As summarized by the Congressional Research Service [emphasis added],

On November 17, 2008, after months of negotiations, [the US and Iraq] signed the Agreement Between the United States of America and Republic of Iraq On the Withdrawal of United States Forces from Iraq and the Organization of Their Activities during Their Temporary Presence in Iraq.

The agreement required two specific things:  Read more

US Soldier, Family Convert to Islam in Germany

The Stars and Stripes covers the story of US Army SGT Chris and Cristina Tarantino, who were “reared Catholic” but recently converted to Islam.

She started to wonder what happened after death, she said, and how to best live life on earth.

She was spending time with her older sister, who had converted to Islam after marrying a Palestinian, and she sought her sister’s guidance.

Her sister’s answers about Islam made sense Read more

Army Chief of Staff Supports Women in Combat

The US Army Chief of Staff, General Ray Odierno, has said he wants an expanded role for women in combat units:

“We need them there. We need their talent,” he said. “This is about managing talent. We have incredibly talented females who should be in those positions.”

As with prior discussions, the article seems to place more emphasis on the “lost opportunities” for career advancement due to the lack of combat experience Read more

Soldiers Tour Ancient Ziggurat

While US forces are exiting Iraq, some are still taking the unique opportunity to tour ancient sites in the area.  American COB Adder in Iraq is located near the Ziggurat of Ur, which US Army reservists recently got to visit while supporting other functions.  Ziggurats were used in the religions of ancient Mesopotamia.

While there are many challenges in the military, including the dangers of a combat zone, members of the military are also able to take part in once in a lifetime opportunities.

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