Army Discontinues Use of Spiritual Fitness Guide

The US Army has decided to abandon its recently launched Spiritual Fitness Guide. This decision, taking effect immediately, was announced via video by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The primary focus of Hegseth’s speech was the changes being made to the Army Chaplain Corps, where he voiced concerns that chaplains are increasingly being perceived more as therapists rather than ministers.

Reasons Behind the Decision

Hegseth criticized the Spiritual Fitness Guide for its lack of religious emphasis. He noted that the guide mentions God only once while it refers to feelings eleven times and even uses the term “playfulness” nine times.

Future Plans for the Spiritual Fitness Guide

An Army spokesman, Tony McCormick, confirmed the decision to discontinue the Spiritual Fitness Guide. He underscored that the Army is aggressively moving forward with Secretary Hegseth’s intent for the guide’s discontinuation.

Origins and Purpose of the Spiritual Fitness Guide

The Army had launched the Spiritual Fitness Guide just in August. The guide, along with its companion “battlebook”, was a part of the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness program, also known as H2F. The program was developed to aid soldiers in their spiritual growth, viewed as encompassing mental and emotional health. The guide was intended as a resource to inspire spiritual readiness among leaders and help soldiers cope with service and life stresses, cultivate mindfulness, and find a deeper sense of purpose.

Reception of the Spiritual Fitness Guide

The Spiritual Fitness Guide and its accompanying battlebook received mixed feedback. Despite their aim to support soldiers’ mental and spiritual well-being, they faced criticism for their lack of specific spiritual references. Many saw the guide as being too broad and not tailored to a particular belief system.

—
Read More Health & Wellness News; US Lifestyle News