Fox News reports that United States (“US”) Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin traveled yesterday to Fort Meade, Maryland, to mark the 50th anniversary of the US’ all-volunteer force. He attended an enlistment ceremony and administered the military oath of office to 85 recruits, most of whom shipped out to basic training just hours after the ceremony.
Secretary Austin’s visit comes as the US military continues to face a recruiting crisis. College has become a more popular option for high school graduates – with 62% of high school seniors pushed to go directly to college. There is also a perception by many that the military has gone “woke” and according to a recent Pentagon study, roughly 77% of America’s youth are not even eligible to serve because of drug use or physical and mental health-related issues.
The Fox News article may be read HERE.
It seems that being proud of America as a nation and serving in the military is viewed as derogatory by many in today’s culture. We would do well to remember that evil is rampant in this world and that those of us who live in freedom and security do so, at least in part, because of the deterrent resulting from the presence of a strong military.
Despot leaders who typically despise the Christian faith and those who would subject citizens to socialist, communist or otherwise dictatorial leadership and government, will not succeed if the citizens of freedom-loving countries give glory to God and secondly, maintain a strong military capability. When Jesus returns, this will be a thing of the past, but for now, with the enemy roaming the earth and seeking to devour as many as possible, our civil governments must remain on guard.
God bless those who are willing and eligible to volunteer and offer their lives for something larger than their own personal interests for a season!
1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
John 15:13 (NKJV)
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!
