Against All Enemies, Foreign, and Domestic

"I,________________, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

Every soldier in the United States Armed Services must state the above Armed Services Enlistment Oath when they join the military. The Military Oath of Enlistment states one's devotion and dedication to the protection of freedom.

On Thursday November 5, 2009, a soldier at Fort Hood in Texas went on a 10-minute shooting spree, inside a military processing center, killing 13 people and wounding 42 more.

The Army psychiatrist suspected of opening fire on fellow soldiers is, 39 year old, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan.

Hasan was at the processing center to complete his final tasks before his scheduled deployment to Afghanistan.

The Army and several other government agencies now have the grueling task of figuring out the trajectories of each bullet to determine where each shot came from, as well as deciphering why Hasan would shoot his comrades.

As of November 9, Hasan was in stable condition and talking after being taken off of a ventilator. It is not clear whether Hasan has talked with investigators.

In the following months investigations will continue, and the pieces will fall together. Hasan's mental status will be called into question, and the media and the government will explore the options that Hasan had, rather than shooting his fellow comrades.

The most current issue that has come into light is Hasan's religious ties, as well as his nationality. Several reports state the F.B.I. and several other government agencies were suspicious of Hasan.  

When Hasan goes to trial he will face charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and will face a courts-martial made up of fellow comrades. The fact that Texas has a death penalty might become an issue, his mental competence will be called into question, and the base will get to once again relive the horror and terror that ensued.

The military will without a doubt review its policy regarding firearms on base, and make changes as seen fit. The military may also review the pre-deployment procedures that are currently in use.

It comes down to the fact that our soldiers aren't even safe on their own soil. They are always at risk of coming under enemy fire. When a soldier takes the Oath of Enlistment they vow to serve and protect the United States and its people.

This concept is now called into question. How can we trust those individuals to protect us and not put us in harm's way? Luckily, most of the men and women who serve this country do so without hesitation and with dignity and devotion that is rarely ever applauded.

The men and women serving this country deserve our upmost respect and encouragement, especially at a time like this. We need to take a minute of time to reflect on their sacrifices and acknowledge their unselfish service, devotion, and dedication to this country and its citizens. We need to thank our soldiers for everything they provide for us.