Day 254: Oath

OATH

a solemn appeal to a deity, or to some revered person or thing,
to witness one's determination to speak the truth, to keep a promise.

For the last several weeks the Afghan National Army has held training for new recruits here in Khowst on our base. I've had the distinct opportunity to assist in the mission readiness of these young soldiers in regards to first aid training and health maintenance. As a participant in their training, I was invited to witness an oath ceremony that the recruits participate in as a symbol of their dedication to the Afghan National Army and their allies.

The entire ceremony was in the Afghan dialect of Pashtu and was attended by several local dignitaries and high-ranking military officials. The ceremony started out with a prayer from the Koran that was sung by a soldier. After quick introductions of notable people in attendance, the oath ceremony was underway.


In front of the formation was a long table (see above) with a variety of Afghan Army weaponry (machine guns, grenade launchers, rockets). Each platoon (30-40 soldiers) marched up to the table, laid hands on a weapon (see below) and then recited, actually more like shouted, an oath of allegiance, in the presence of Allah, to the Afghan National Army. Not quite the "raise your right hand and repeat after me" approach to a military oath, but unique and frankly, pretty cool!

"Suffer hardship with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier."

II Timothy 2:3,4 NASB