I am constantly amazed by people who seem surprised that those who join the military are deployed to engage in war. After all, that’s why armies exist.

Sure, there are arguments of just and unjust wars, but there are no logical definitions of military armies and non-military armies. An army is, by definition, military. Those who join it bear arms. Arms are used to fight and kill.

Yes, I can believe that some Americans enlist in the Army (and other military services) for money, for education, and for other benefits. I have a harder time believing that those who enlist for these reasons are so naive as to think that the military is some club for upward social mobility and not a machine of war.

Cowardice is a term infrequently used these days, but it is a characteristic alive and well.

Although I don’t carry a weapon and am a noncombatant, I didn’t accept a commission in the Army because I wanted to stage a passive protest. Yes, chaplains are deliberate noncombatants, and I realize the value of this. But we are still soldiers in the defense of our nation; a chaplain who betrays this nation shall still suffer the consequences of his treason. Therefore, my thoughts on this matter do not even reflect on the noncombatant chaplain.

Instead, my thoughts turn to those who, for their own inane reasons, become soldiers in name only. Inwardly, they are interested only in their own machinations and are not compelled with love of country and liberty. There may be some place in the military for conscientious objectors, but anyone who joins the armed forces with the intent of avoiding arms or being involved in the maneuvers of war is at best naive and at worst an imbecile.

Does this mean that soldiers are blood-thirsty, cravers of the deaths of their enemies? Not in the least. As the saying goes, no one cherishes peace so much as he who fights the war. It is natural for a man who loves life and liberty to defend his family, his nation.

And so go I to war. Just as ministers accompanied their flocks to battle in the days of the American Revolution, so they continue today. The cure of souls does not end where the threats of tyranny begin.

O LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the soldiers of our country; Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.