You've Got To Be Kidding Me: Or, Yeah, Let's Courtmartial Petraeus

Posted By Grim

What is the purpose of the US military -- to win the wars its nation sends it to fight, or to make sure they don't say anything that anyone might possibly construe as an insult?

[E]ven if Petraeus offered his comments personally, that's a distinction without a difference. "Privately he's denigrating 21 percent of troops," Weinstein said. Suppose he privately denigrated women, African-Americans or Jews? Weinstein asked.

"He should still be relieved of duty and court martialed," he said.

Right.  I'm sure we'll be pulling GEN Petraeus from his duties any day now, in order to ratify this particular... crusade.

The book in question was written by a Chaplain, who has an obligation to tend to the religious needs of soldiers as best he can, without regard for denomination or faith.  I realize that some of our friends are unclear on just exactly how religion functions within the US military, so it must seem frightening to learn that a general officer has religious feelings. 

Nevertheless, they do, as do Chaplains.  The Army's own page endorses some of them:

U.S. Army Chaplains serve both God and country by bringing their unique gifts with which they are endowed by God, to the Soldiers of our nation in the broad, challenging, diverse, and ever changing environment of the Army.

No word on whether the officer in charge of the team that composed the recruiting page was relieved for suggesting that God exists, and endows soldiers with gifts.  But be at ease: the site also warns prospective chaplains:

Army Chaplains are expected to observe the distinctive doctrines of their faith while also honoring the right of others to observe their own faith.  The Army is a pluralistic environment.  Rabbis, Ministers, Imams and Priests serve our Soldiers with conviction and commitment.  While serving their own faith groups in the Army, chaplains also ensure and provide the means for others to observe their own faith in accordance with US law and regulations. 

Chaplains provide a host of wonderful services for our fighting men and women, both abroad and at home.  They are mindful of the need to be pluralistic, but entitled as well to their own faith.  So are our servicemembers -- yes, even our generals.

(H/t: Cassandra.)

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You've Got To Be Kidding Me: Or, Yeah, Let's Courtmartial Petraeus

What is the purpose of the US military -- to win the wars its nation sends it to fight, or to make sure they don't say anything that anyone might possibly construe as an insult?

[E]ven if Petraeus offered his comments personally, that's a distinction without a difference. "Privately he's denigrating 21 percent of troops," Weinstein said. Suppose he privately denigrated women, African-Americans or Jews? Weinstein asked.

"He should still be relieved of duty and court martialed," he said.

Right.  I'm sure we'll be pulling GEN Petraeus from his duties any day now, in order to ratify this particular... crusade.

The book in question was written by a Chaplain, who has an obligation to tend to the religious needs of soldiers as best he can, without regard for denomination or faith.  I realize that some of our friends are unclear on just exactly how religion functions within the US military, so it must seem frightening to learn that a general officer has religious feelings. 

Nevertheless, they do, as do Chaplains.  The Army's own page endorses some of them:

U.S. Army Chaplains serve both God and country by bringing their unique gifts with which they are endowed by God, to the Soldiers of our nation in the broad, challenging, diverse, and ever changing environment of the Army.

No word on whether the officer in charge of the team that composed the recruiting page was relieved for suggesting that God exists, and endows soldiers with gifts.  But be at ease: the site also warns prospective chaplains:

Army Chaplains are expected to observe the distinctive doctrines of their faith while also honoring the right of others to observe their own faith.  The Army is a pluralistic environment.  Rabbis, Ministers, Imams and Priests serve our Soldiers with conviction and commitment.  While serving their own faith groups in the Army, chaplains also ensure and provide the means for others to observe their own faith in accordance with US law and regulations. 

Chaplains provide a host of wonderful services for our fighting men and women, both abroad and at home.  They are mindful of the need to be pluralistic, but entitled as well to their own faith.  So are our servicemembers -- yes, even our generals.

(H/t: Cassandra.)

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