Even Unto Death: The Spiritual Armory of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Chapter 4

4. What Does It Mean to Be Evangelical? The armed forces maintain good order and discipline by adhering to law codes specifically designed for military life. Since obedience, respect, and discipline serve as the foundation of an effective fighting force, military justice codes execute swift punishment on those who through their actions would crack the foundation. Dereliction of duty, disrespect, disobedience, disorderly conduct, and desertion are but a few of the offenses for which a service member could face court-martial. Depending upon the offense, a service member could receive a reprimand, reduction in rank, restriction, a fine, confinement, a dishonorable discharge, or death. A person who makes a military oath recognizes that his actions could have grave consequences. As Adam and Eve discovered, breaking God’s law condemns man to death.