By: Apostle Steve Lyston
The army has been very prominent in the media lately regarding domestic violence, not
only locally, but it is a common issue internationally. Many cast blame and are taking
sides at the gender level; but domestic violence should never be dealt with on the basis
of gender. If we are looking at gender, the fact is that more men die than women. It is
our responsibility to look at both sides of the story, rather than jumping on one side of
the fence.
Core Values
There are many things cause violence at this level. It stems from economic, social,
cultural and moral behaviors. Parenting also plays a role in the whole thing. It is
disappointing when a soldier makes the headlines in such a negative way; but what
many don’t understand is that soldiers are trained to be emotionally hard. They are
trained to take pressure and heavy stress, however, they have also been taught core
values – courage, loyalty, respect integrity, commitment and discipline – and must
demonstrate them. The Bible also says that a good soldier should not be distracted or
entangle himself with civilian matters, but must serve wholeheartedly. (2 Timothy 2: 3 –
4)
Recipe For Disaster
In dealing with domestic violence, we must also look at the things that negatively
influence the actions of the soldier, and how we can work together to minimize those
influences – the demand on a nation to solve crime and violence, or the demand for
soldiers to go to war, for example. One of the things which affects them seriously is the
lack of quality time they are able to spend with their families; and it is no secret that the
long hours away lead to infidelity on the part of their spouse. So, while they are
patrolling out there, somebody else is “patrolling” at (their) home. One of the worst
things the soldier can hear is that somebody else is “doing the work”, and it is worse
when they are being jeered by fellow soldiers.
Soldiers are not girl guides or cub scouts; they are trained to kill. For soldiers,
especially those with less than six (6) years of service, being away for long hours doing
police duties (which they are not trained to do) along with the personal pressures, is a
recipe for disaster.
Actions For Moving Forward
While the government wants to boost security in an effort to increase employment
among the youth, they must be careful of how they treat the senior ones, particularly as
it relates to retiring soldiers. Without a doubt, there is a serious lack of mentors – youth
can’t mentor youth. They may have to start calling back those who were honorably
discharged in order to bring balance and avoid greater problems.
More time needs to be given to soldiers for family recreation in order to ease the
tension, allow all involved to have peace of mind, less stress and greater productivity.
Every now and then an “oil change” is needed.
An experienced RSM (Regimental Sergeant Major) or CSM (Company Sergeant Major)
or Platoon Sergeant, must be able to quickly identify when something has gone wrong
within the family and act wisely. The army also needs to carefully examine the area of
Chaplaincy, and how they can bring a new Spiritual climate to bring a refreshing to
them. We cannot allow them to operate without that kind of atmosphere – something
that Yoga and the New Age Activities cannot provide. The Chaplain must be one to
help the soldiers beyond simply recommending disciplinary action.
Neighbors and family members must be encouraged to report, with proof, any form of
domestic violence they know of, to the Officer in Command of the soldier’s unit, or to the
Military Police or Chaplain without fear that the soldier will be discharged.
Furthermore, there are many soldiers who suffer with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder) and who need medical help. There are others who are afraid to re-adjust to
civilian life because they don’t have much savings, and others don’t know how to
survive and that has a negative impact on them. So, the private sector, banking sector
and government must put more systems in place particularly low-income housing. This
will minimize domestic violence.
Instead of hurling negative criticisms, let us work together to preserve life.