What are Your views and where do You stand on Service Members that Practice (Non Radical) Islam and are devoted Muslims?

SGT Vince Albert Dickson — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:52:09 -0500

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 9:25 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 21:25:30 -0500

I knew one back in the day. Great guy, learned a lot about the religion from him. He was a great "ambassador" for his faith, we had many conversations contrasting Christianity and Islam. Them 9/11 happened, he deployed with his unit, I never saw him again.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 9:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 21:29:22 -0500

Why is this even a question? Denomination does not determine who you are as a person

Response by SPC Ethan Reddick made Feb 25 at 2016 10:08 PM

SPC Ethan Reddick — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 22:08:10 -0500

I have several friends in the Army that are devote Muslims. I am Jewish myself. There is NOTHING wrong with someone who is a Muslim or practises the Islamic faith. I have worked with them (just like for myself or anyone in need of a chaplain) to get their BAS. I took one of my Muslim friends to the local Jewish Chaplain and he wrote him a memorandum requesting BAS to be able to purchase halal meals. I had the same thing(courtesy of this Rabbis help) to get kosher food. There is no reason to suspect them unless there is a VALID reason to. Most of the time I have found them to be unfounded assumptions. These soldiers are there to serve just like any other.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 10:20 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 22:20:51 -0500

Help them in every way possible.
Very Simple.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 10:29 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 22:29:01 -0500

I'm going to address a couple of things here. I'm going to start with your main picture. She's not following the tenants of Islam. In the next picture there is nothing about being a Muslim that would stop him from deploying. He's using it as a crutch. It doesn't matter to me what religion someone chooses to express their faith. Each individual should be judged on their own merits.

Response by Liz Hodges Flores made Feb 25 at 2016 10:34 PM

Liz Hodges Flores — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 22:34:00 -0500

THERE IS A PROBLEM AS WELL AS THE BEGINING OF GENISIS AMONG THE HEAVENS, AND BETWEEN CAIN AND ABEL !!!!

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Feb 25 at 2016 11:06 PM

PO1 Brian Austin — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 23:06:21 -0500

I was stationed with members who were Muslim and practiced Islam. It was no big deal to me. Had many interesting conversations and learned a lot.

One of my next door neighbors is Iranian and Shia Muslim. He's very nice and more secular, runs a Avis Rent a Car and loves the NFL and NBA. His wife is more traditional, wearing the hijab. She cooks some excellent kebab's and stew's.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Feb 25 at 2016 11:32 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 23:32:23 -0500

SGT Vince Albert Dickson - Bigotry, Biases, and Prejudices are a ALL trumped by Patriotism... at least in my house.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Feb 26 at 2016 12:20 AM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 00:20:15 -0500

Catholics are encouraged/commanded to eat fish on Friday. But note that if a Catholic does NOT eat fish on Friday, there are no Biblical edicts to kill or maim said Catholic. The Koran/Q'uoran holds no such freedoms. One is Muslim first, American second. As a Muslim you are allowed to lie to non-Muslims in your quests. This was initially a safety feature for Muslims living near/in mixed areas such as Turkey. But the practice of Kithman is still there. So when a Muslim professes to be "one of the peaceful Muslims" a hearty laugh is in order. Zakat is another practice where all Muslims are required to tithe for the propogation of Islam. "But Don, what about the 'good' Muslims?" Ahh...those would be the ONES that the REST of the Muslims are killing... You see, unlike the Bible with its different interpretations and multiple religions, the Koran's rules are quite simple; you obey or are to be killed. So while we touchy feely kinder gentler Americans foster the ability to question ones' faith, that action is not present in Islam. This is why one chunk of the Middle East is constantly at war with another chunk, etc. But please, don't take my word for it. Unlike Christianity with it's professions of faith, baptism, etc, 'becoming a Muslim' is a pretty straight forward process and as such, virtually any Mosque will welcome your entreaties and present you with your own Koran for free. Why, it will even be split with English on one side, Arabic on the other. This could possibly be why a LOT of other nations (Japan, etc) will not allow Muslims citizenship, etc. Cuz if they're reading their Koran faithfully, they will be Muslim first, national second. And that's not a cocktail you want when national security is at stake.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Feb 26 at 2016 1:01 AM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 01:01:43 -0500

The question insults Muslims, and all serving service members by staying Non Radical, because you are pandering to religious bigotry. So are you going to say all priest a pedophiles?

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Feb 26 at 2016 4:04 AM

TSgt Melissa Post — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 04:04:01 -0500

I may not agree with the religion's beliefs, but they still have the freedom of religion just like the rest of us. It is no different than a Christian practicing, or a Jewish person, or a Buddist (spelling?). I can understand the fear and the source of the fear very well though and it took me awhile to get through that, and I will admit, I still do every once in awhile get cautious around Muslims. I suppose that is just expected after having your country attacked by radicals. It is no different than when the Christian ran the crusades through the Promise Land. To a Christian, the cross is the symbol of Christ's forgiveness of our sins, but to the Jew it holds a complete different meaning. One of murder, rape, pillaging, and torture to be more accurate.

But this is just my opinion.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 26 at 2016 5:19 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 05:19:25 -0500

One of the Largest Growing Ethnic (Or at least Cultural) Groups in Kansas City is the Muslim community and I have the Utmost Respect for my Muslim Co-Workers. Worked side by side with a Orthodox Muslim fellow doing test and turn up of SONET Rings for Sprint and We were a damn good team and had a blast, Trusted him Completely. Having done Private Security in the Metro for some time now the Muslim Community is well represented in Private Security and I have complete faith and trust in my Coworkers. 2 "Mass Shooting" Events in my Neighborhood both by "Christians". Why would I for a moment have a problem with Muslims.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 6:49 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 06:49:01 -0500

my stance is that any American can practice any religion they feel is right for them. As long as that expression does not cause harm to another free person. I continue this view with service members, though we have the added weight of having to be in line with regulations of the branch we are in. furthermore, I think each individual should be "judged" on their own actions and not on the actions of others that may have some aspect in common with them.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 26 at 2016 7:46 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 07:46:49 -0500

Had a roommate (comm guy) in 3/1 who was Muslim. No issues.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Feb 26 at 2016 8:44 AM

SSG Gerhard S. — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 08:44:19 -0500

Their choice, their right, and like all other practitioners of religion, so long as they don't interfere with the rights of others to do so, or to not do so, I see no issue.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Feb 26 at 2016 8:46 AM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 08:46:46 -0500

It's no different than any other religion. If you wear it on your sleeve or attempt top use it to aviod duty then your ass needs to seek other employment

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 9:03 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 09:03:19 -0500

That is one of three greatest things about living in America and serving the country, most of us really dot care what your religion is or the color of your skin or your sexual orientation.. as long as you can don your job, that is all that matters. And looking our for your brothers and sisters

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Feb 26 at 2016 4:46 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 16:46:32 -0500

I don't like it but who am I to say???

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Feb 26 at 2016 4:52 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 16:52:37 -0500

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/first_amendment

This doesn't mean freedom to practice the "right" religion, or freedom to be Christian, or freedom to practice a religion other people don't have a problem with. It means the freedom to practice whatever religion you want, or not if you choose not to practice any religion at all. Quite frankly, I think we need to just get ALL religion out of public.

That being said, radical religion (of any variety) is a bastardization of religious tenets, and should be squashed where it starts. Anyone who studies history knows that man has visited horrible atrocities upon our fellow man in the name of religion. Additionally, using religion as an excuse to avoid deployment should be grounds for a general discharge. No in the rear with the gear, no administrative duties, just a general separation, and have a nice day.

First Amendment

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2016 1:38 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 01:38:33 -0500

I am a devout active duty Muslim; I fail to see your reason for this question; pleas elaborate.

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Feb 27 at 2016 11:24 AM

Capt Gregory Prickett — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 11:24:25 -0500

This post is bigotry, and harms our serving personnel who are deployed.

I have several non-radicalized Muslim friends. Served on the police with several, and know Muslim veterans. All this post does in create doubt.

Response by SFC Clark Adams made Feb 27 at 2016 2:09 PM

SFC Clark Adams — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 14:09:53 -0500

A Soldier's faith is none of my business unless it impacts on their duty perfomance or completion of the mission or tasks at hand.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Feb 27 at 2016 9:03 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 21:03:07 -0500

I do not agree with the Religious beliefs of Muslims, but it's the prerogative of the individual to choose or decide which religion they want to follow. As long as it's not radical and this person doesn't try and impose his/her religion onto others or TRY AND STOP OTHERS who believe in another religion in any way by complaining about their religion, then so be it...

Response by CPT Chris Newport made Feb 27 at 2016 9:19 PM

CPT Chris Newport — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 21:19:31 -0500

With regret a potential security risk.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2016 10:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 22:47:20 -0500

If you know anything about the Quran, you'd know that non-radical Islam and a devoted Muslim is a contradiction in terms. Islam is a form of government. Any form of government based fundamentally on religion above reason, is radical by definition. As for devoted Muslim, if he doesn't believe that Muslims need to dominate the world and make unbelievers drink boiling water (Q. 10:4, 6:70), then he is really no different than a Catholic that sins all week and goes to confession on Sunday - but don't call them devout.

Response by SCPO Joshua I made Feb 28 at 2016 8:50 AM

SCPO Joshua I — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 08:50:57 -0500

Ya'll that think Islam is a religion crack me up.

Response by PO1 Nathan Watts made Feb 28 at 2016 10:04 AM

PO1 Nathan Watts — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 10:04:27 -0500

We did not wear our uniforms to defend the freedoms and liberties of Caucasian, Republican, Heterosexual, Christian males. We wore our uniform for *ALL* Americans, regardless of whether or not we agree with their lifestyles, religion, or other doctrine of different opinion - including within our own ranks.
It amazes me how many people in uniform forget that.
We fled a Theocracy for a reason and have very specifically since then used the moniker of "freedom of religion" to protect fundamental Christian roots from persecution.
Therefore to persecute - openly name and ostracize a people based on the *sole* factor of what religion they belong to - is categorically Anti-American.
Thus, I make no apologies when I refer to Trump as just that - the spokesman for the Cult of Hate. Our Republican party has lost its way supporting such a demagogue.
Worship as you please brother - it doesn't change my day one single iota.

Response by SSG Drew Cook made Feb 28 at 2016 10:10 AM

SSG Drew Cook — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 10:10:39 -0500

Kill it all with gas.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 28 at 2016 11:20 PM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 23:20:39 -0500

Religious freedom is founding principle of our nation.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Feb 29 at 2016 4:11 AM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 04:11:13 -0500

There is nothing wrong with this topic. In my 21 years of service in the Army, I have served alongside soldiers who were Muslim. One of them was my Battalion Sergeant Major. I also have a cousin who is Muslim, and she served in the Air Force.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Feb 29 at 2016 6:44 AM

PO3 David Fries — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 06:44:39 -0500

If you are going to watch your sector of fire, or whatever your job is, well then I don't particularly care what your religion/gender/political affiliation/sexual orientation/ favorite book series is.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 7:16 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 07:16:02 -0500

RP has exposed me to Muslims in a very positive light, that I didn't get before! Thank you!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 7:46 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 07:46:34 -0500

What are your views on those that are practicing Mormons, Catholics, Buddhists, or Hindus?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 10:25 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 10:25:16 -0500

She should cover her hands a little better.
D-Bag in the beret should learn his religion before opening his mouth.
Praying is good for the soul.
God Rest our fallen brothers and sisters.

Your faith (or lack thereof) of any particular religion does not determine of you are going to be a psychopathic killer; however, if you were duct taping puppies' muzzles to vehicle tailpipes as a kid, chances are you are still a psychopath.

As a Catholic, I enjoy learning about other faiths and religions.

Response by SPC Javier Ortiz made Feb 29 at 2016 2:30 PM

SPC Javier Ortiz — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 14:30:04 -0500

You choose ... Country or Religion. ... You can't have it born ways. Lead ... Follow ... or Get Out of the Way.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Mar 1 at 2016 1:22 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 01:22:38 -0500

I do not believe that a truly committed muslim can assimilate into our way of life. As such they truly cannot fit in with our military and its mission. Their first priority is to their God and the teachings in the Koran.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 7:30 AM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 07:30:15 -0500

SGT Dickson if you don't mind please tell us a little about your faith. The public is bombarded daily with Radical Islam so it will be very helpful for your to explain the tenets of your faith, the role of the Koran and the Hadith and the branches of Islam ie the Shia, Sunni.

Apologies if you already have.

Thank you for opening the dialogue. It's vital to use reason rather than emotion to discuss any topic.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 10:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 22:45:38 -0500

I think these two things:
1. To directly answer the question, I don't care what any Service Member's religious views are as long as they are accomplishing their mission.
2. I think to pre-clarify Islam with "(Non Radical)" is to continue to put a stigma against the religion. Including that is to continue to coat the religion of Islam with the idea that it's ALWAYS or MOST OFTEN a radical view. That is not the case. I just think the question would read better and in favor of progress and against further discrimination if "Non Radical" was omitted.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2016 12:32 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 00:32:04 -0500

I am proud of my deen, and even though I am not the best muslim, I believe your faith should not preclude you from serving. Protestant Christians will whine and complain that they are under attack when they are the single largest denomination in the country, but I don't see anybody questioning their ability to serve based on their faith.

I know Allah (SWT) will be there for me when I die, and I'll get what I deserve when He judges my sins, but while I wear the uniform I place my confidence in the UCMJ and my chain of command, which I believe is something the Most Merciful would forgive me for doing, as I am honoring my word.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2016 1:42 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 13:42:24 -0500

Don't care.