Watch Live: Second House Hearing on IRS Scandal

Watch: Rioters in London Clash With Police Over ‘Cleaver’ Terror Attack

Faith

Air Force Chaplain Clarifies Details About Muslim Military Training Doc, Bronze Star Medal: ‘I Don’t View This as Accommodating Islam’

Mar. 14, 2013 9:17am Billy Hallowell

Jon Trainer Speaks With TheBlaze About His Islam Military Training Document

Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force/Corey Parrish

“It was simply informing our troops, ‘You’re in a different culture. They have a different set of values than you do.’”

That’s how Air Force Lt. Col. Jon Trainer, 51, describes the presentation at the center of recent controversy surrounding him being awarded a Bronze Star.

Trainer has been the subject of news reports and scrutiny this week after a local media story indicated he was awarded the Bronze Star Medalbecause of the presentation. But Trainer says that presentation was only part of a larger portfolio of work — and beyond that, it was an important presentation.

“I don’t view this as a politically correct — and I am a conservative evangelical chaplain,” he said.

The chaplain, who most recently served on a voluntary deployment to Afghanistan, encountered a plethora of criticism when it was alleged that his creation of the PowerPoint about properly treating and disposing of Islamic religious materials played a major role in his selection for the military honor.

TheBlaze interviewed Trainer on Wednesday to speak further about this document and the criticism he has received. The faith leader, who completed his last deployment in June 2012, explained that the media reports surrounding his Bronze Star Medal have not been entirely accurate. Rather than being predication upon a PowerPoint presentation, the military’s fifth most prestigious award was given to him as a result of his overall service oversees, he told TheBlaze.

“The relationships that I built over the long haul in my ministry in Afghanistan, the messages [I delivered], the counseling [and] the way I am living my life far outweighs the PowerPoint presentation I put together over a two day period in a seven-month deployment,” he said when asked about the reason for the award.

During his time in Afghanistan, Trainer said that he was in a command staff position in Kabul. Along with three other chaplains, he was a part of a central team responsible for overseeing every military faith leader who was part of the chaplaincy across all military branches in Afghanistan. His role was centered upon training and pastoring military members.

“I did 90% of the counseling so I had a very significant role as pastor and then you have things like the Koran burning that occurred that required extra effort on my part,” Trainer explained. “My award is based on my level of responsibility and then how well I performed on the duties assigned.”

EXPLAINING THE CONTROVERSIAL DOCUMENT

Trainer described the purpose of the PowerPoint presentation, which was used to train American military personnel in better understanding Islamic texts and the cultural elements at play in the region. The faith leader told TheBlaze that he drafted the document in the wake of violent riots following soldiers’ apparent inadvertent burning of copies of the Koran early last year.

The document, called “Proper Handling and Disposal of Islamic Religious Material,” was a tool that he crafted in an effort to protect both soldiers and the mission they were sent to fulfill.

Air Force Lt. Col. Jon Trainer (Photo Credit: Jon Trainer)

“We were simply trying to help soldiers identify Islamic religious material and then know how to approach it and…dispose of it,” he explained. “Our bottom line was — if you encounter any kind of material that you think could be religious material, we [wanted] Afghan mullahs to deal with that material…so that our actions [couldn't] be misinterpreted as being disrespectful of their holy scriptures.”

Some would dismiss this as bowing to Islamic extremism, however there are a number of important elements to consider. U.S. soldiers serving in Afghanistan and other Muslim countries, for that matter, are forced to cope with the sometimes-murderous ramifications of cultural clashes that unfold in the religion. The creation of this document was, in Trainer’s view, an effort that would prevent soldiers from falling prey to extremist attacks and reactions.

“You get a high school graduate engaged in operations in Afghanistan and if he comes across something while clearing out a house — he knows how to approach that,” Trainer said of the program’s intention. “It was simply informing our troops, ‘You’re in a different culture. They have a different set of values than you do.’”

The training included about 20 slides. Gen. John R. Allen ordered that it be distributed after its creation to every person in the U.S. military theater in Afghanistan within a 72-hour period. The document also became a part of pre-deployment training for soldiers preparing to head into battle and it was used as part of the newcomers briefing once they arrived in Afghanistan.

“I don’t view this as accommodating Islam,” he said. “I think it’s simply smart cultural behavior.”

The chaplain went on to note that he wrote his Master’s thesis paper on “undermining radical Islam by using the instruments of power.” Thus, Trainer explained the importance of engaging with Muslims’ minds to affect change. In the end, he felt the training enhanced the mission and helped to protect it.

“It’s just a tool that may prevent a soldier from making a mistake that he or she doesn’t have to make,” he added.

ADDRESSING CONTROVERSY OVER THE BRONZE STAR

Trainer also addressed critics who have wondered why he, as a non-combat member of the Air Force, received the Bronze Star. He explained that there are different designations for the award — and he highlighted that the chaplain who served in the same role before him also received the honor.

There’s a Bronze Star for valor and, as he explained, “That’s for engaging in contact with the enemy and heroic performance.” Then, there’s a meritorious Bronze Star, another version of the award that is given to those who show valiant service, but who aren’t necessarily on the front lines. It was this latter honor that he was given.

The Air Force web site describes the award, in detail:

The Bronze Star is awarded to personnel in any branch of the military service who distinguished themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.

The award recognizes acts of heroism performed in ground combat if they are of lesser degree than that required for the Silver Star. It also recognizes single acts of merit and meritorious service if the achievement or service is of a lesser degree than that deemed worthy of the Legion of Merit; but such service must have been accomplished with distinction.

And another government explanation adds, “Executive Order 11046 authorizes the secretary of the military department to grant the award for either heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving aerial flight, in connection with operations against any opposing armed force, or while serving with friendly forces engaged in an armed conflict.”

Considering these elements and Trainer’s overall service, he qualified — as did the faith leader preceding him — for the award.

Trainer, who has been off the battlefield and preaching in the U.S. since last summer, isn’t sure if the training is still being used, as he’s been out of deployment for quite a while. But there’s one thing he is sure about: He’d like to voluntarily redeploy once again in the near future, as he says he enjoys serving the country he loves.

–

Other Must-Read Stories:

Benghazi, IRS, AP...What's next? Only TheBlaze TV offers the truth from Glenn Beck, Andrew Wilkow, and Real News from TheBlaze. Get instant access and a free trial here.

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (63)

media-bias-steals-elections
Posted on March 14, 2013 at 3:43pm
I respectfully disagree, we are not talking about another culture, we are talking about soaking the 1st Amendment with gasoline, and lighting it on fire, because another culture likes to watch the flames burn?

His viewpoint brings great discredit upon the 1st amendment, the Bill of Rights, and the US Constitution, may God forgive him? You sir, are part of the problem, by allowing politicians to establish a religion against the wishes of the civilian population, we are the People, and we will not be silent while you conspire to trample our civil rights, by giving aid to Islamic nations, and supporting the religion of Islam?

You may not be allowed to say that, but we can, because we refuse to give up our right to assemble our opinion that is not shared by others, because that is what you swore to defend? May God save America, from this wrongful support of the religion of Islam? There is no compassion for violating the civil rights of Americans, that vile thing should be defend against, not promoted?

Why not support the Pope then? Why not support Hindus in China? Why not support the religion of N. Korea? Not even a 6th grader, can understand American foreign policy, and that will not change, if we remain silent when those who oppress our civil rights, those who want to take guns away from good guys, those who believe the tax system is social justice, is more important then our common sense?

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Rokytop
Posted on March 14, 2013 at 3:20pm
If you don’t understand or know anything about military medals you should probably keep your mouth shut. To disparage a chaplain that served in a combat zone over the type of medal he received is beyond belief. This man gave comfort to wounded soldiers, comfort to soldiers who saw their fellow soldiers killed. So, he presented some guidelines for our soldiers in dealing with foreigners. Every military unit in the world, tries to respect the customs of the country they are in. Whether it is Germany, Korea, Japan, or the Middle East.

I did not think my Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal should be ranked above the Vietnam Service Medal, but that is where other people ranked it, at the time. Most of my medals came because I was doing my job, the only one I worked for and received was my Good Conduct Medal. So, will you civilians keep your opinions to yourself about this man’s medal.

And THANK HIM FOR HIS SERVICE.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- media-bias-steals-elections
  Posted on March 14, 2013 at 3:47pm
  We will not thank him for supporting the religion of Islam, and we hope that makes you feel the same way? Let them come to America, let them die for their religion of Islam, but we refuse to support one more dime going to another Islamic nation? We will not grease the tanks of the enemy with our guts that defend the US Constitution, with this bi-partisan compromise?
  
  Report this comment
hi
Posted on March 14, 2013 at 2:20pm
“Hey, why didn’t we give out Bronze Stars for teaching our troops to respect the swastika in 1943? Same difference.”-Debbie Schlossel

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
JEANNIEMAC
Posted on March 14, 2013 at 1:00pm
Our soldiers in Afghanistan were ordered not to say anything derogatory about women’s rights, abuse of children, pedophilia, etc. as this things were part of the Afghan culture, and the Afghans would be offended. Our soldiers, who come from a culture where these things are evil and immoral, were forced to accept them.
Why are our military in this God-forsaken desert among barbarians of the sixth century?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- hi
  Posted on March 14, 2013 at 2:16pm
  I agree.
  
  Report this comment
shorelineliz
Posted on March 14, 2013 at 12:38pm
The Uneasy Conscience by Carl Henry:

The late Carl Henry sets forth the case that there is a great divorce within Evangelicalism. He argues that evangelical Christianity has become separated from any form of social reform. Christianity has failed to deal with the pressing issues, which face the world today. Doctrine has become divorced from ethics and orthodoxy (right teaching) has become divorced from orthopraxy (right living).

While redemption in Christ is the only answer to this world’s problems Henry argues that Christianity has ceased its preaching of this message to the culture. Christianity has given up its humanitarianism.

Sadly, since the church has given up its social endeavors, non-evangelical efforts have taken over. Therefore the saving message of the cross of Christ is replaced with sub-Christian methods of reform. The effort to save society continues but without a redemptive foundation all such efforts are bound to failure. Without the gospel social reform may feed a few empty stomachs but will fail to provide the living water of Christ, which is the world’s only hope.

Henry offers a solution by properly understanding kingdom preaching. The kingdom must be preached both as a present reality (kingdom now) and as a future reality (kingdom then). There is an already, not-yet dimension to the kingdom of God and this needs to be applied to kingdom ethics.”

Q: What happens when lack of Evangelical integrity tries to confront the world? The world la

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
shorelineliz
Posted on March 14, 2013 at 12:24pm
The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience: Why Are Christians Living Just Like the Rest of the World? (PC Running Amuck) by Ron Sider

“Once upon a time there was a great religion that over the centuries had spread all over the world. But in those lands where it had existed for the longest time, its adherents slowly grew complacent, lukewarm, and skeptical. Indeed, many of the leaders of its oldest groups even publicly rejected some of the religions most basic beliefs

In response, a renewal movement (Evangelicalism) emerged, passionately championing the historic claims of the old religion, and eagerly inviting unbelievers everywhere to embrace the ancient faith. Over time the renewal movement flourished to the point of becoming one of the most influential wings of the whole religion.

In spite of the renewal movement’s proud claims to miraculous transformation, the polls showed that members of the movement divorced their spouses just as often as their secular neighbors. They beat their wives as often as their neighbors. They were almost as materialistic and even more racist as their pagan friends. The hard-core skeptics smiled in cynical amusement at this blatant hypocrisy. The general population was puzzled and disgusted.

By their daily activity most “Christians” commit TREASON. With their mouths they proclaim that Jesus is Lord, but with their actions they demonstrate allegiance to money, sex and self fulfillment.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
zoro51
Posted on March 14, 2013 at 12:12pm
to award a medal for MURDER by a MURDERING MUSLUM is TREASON PERSONIFIED.. YOU sir are NO CHAPLAIN WHAT SO EVER but a ISLAMIC PUPPET

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
SpeakSoftlyAndCarry
Posted on March 14, 2013 at 11:58am
If this Lt. Col. Jon Trainer had ANY integrity he would have refused to accept this unwarranted and unearned honor of the Bronze Star. But like most Liberal pseudo-Americans, he must be used to accepting rewards he didn’t earn.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
BannedByHuffpo
Posted on March 14, 2013 at 11:22am
This comes as no surprise.

This is the same bunch of military stooges that awarded Iraq soldier PFC Jessica Lynch a Bronze Star for getting lost while driving her vehicle in a sandstorm and ultimately getting into a wreck. She was also awarded the POW medal while being “held captive” as she was being treated by doctors in an Iraqi hospital while she recovered from her car accident injuries, for which she also received a Purple Heart.

This puts her actions in the same league as the 11B who’s missing a limb from a combat firefight. Makes perfect sense.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
StonyBurk
Posted on March 14, 2013 at 11:15am
I wonder what faction this conservative-evangelical chaplain belongs to? I’ve read the bible a time or twice and other than Render unto Caesar that which is Caesars and to God what is His. I can’t recall Jesus Christ ever putting out a power-point teaching His disciples how to treat the worship of the Pagans so the false gods would be appeased.They tried to stone Jesus because He taught only one Way.The Apostle Paul was put in prison how many times for offending the cultural elite? Because he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?I offended that the Military has seems to inculcate the practice of handing awards like nose candy to a junkie-because the people like to see a chest full of medals.I don’t fault him or accepting what has been offered–I do find his opinion of no greater value than his calling himself Chaplain.God will judge him.I am not God. Neither will I call him my pastor.
But I will honor the advice in Scripture about how to respond to those who come bearing strange doctrine.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
mike1791
Posted on March 14, 2013 at 11:14am
This statement by him right here “I don’t view this as accommodating Islam,” he said. “I think it’s simply smart cultural behavior.” I s progressive statement in it’s self. That should shed some light into this mans thinking.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply

It appears that you have Javascript Disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser preferences for a better user experience on TheBlaze. You can not comment without Javascript enabled.