Army Values, 1775
Our Army was born on June 14, 1775. Two weeks later, on June 30, 1775, the Continental Congress gave the new Army its first Articles of War , 69 rules of law under which the Army would live. As a chaplain, it brought a smile to my face to read that Article 2 was this: "Go to church." Article 2 recommends - but does not require - Soldiers and officers to attend what it calls "Divine Service." The same article does require everyone, however, to behave decently and reverently wherever worship services are taking place. It imposes fines on those who misbehave, with the fines being used for the benefit of the sick and wounded. Article 3 seems just as quaint: "no cussing." Anyone guilty of "profane cursing or swearing" was also subject to a fine. Go to church. Don't cuss. All of this seems very old fashioned now, but it is part of our heritage as an Army. Of course a lot has changed since 1775. Our Army is more diverse and our understanding of re...