This Friday, April 24, marks the 40th anniversary of Operation Eagle Claw. Operation Eagle Claw was the failed joint military operation ordered by President Jimmy Carter in an effort to rescue hostages held captive in Iran. This tragic mission cost the lives of 3 Marines and 5 Airmen and brought scrutiny to both the United States and the fledgling Special Operations community.
The investigation that followed the incident revealed significant deficiencies in the special operations systems including mission planning, command and control, and inter-service operability. Seven years later, on April 16, 1987, the United Special Operations Command was founded bringing all Special Operations Branches under one single command. The result is the highly trained, lethal, and synchronized special operations command we know today.
As I reflected on this operation I realized that some of our greatest innovations and cultural shifts were made during times of hardship. Difficult times bring people together and new ideas are generated and implemented. The polio outbreak in the United States during the 1940’s gave us Candy Land. World War II gave us M&Ms and the ability to mass produce penicillin. The 9/11 attacks brought patriotism and unity back to the United States.
And now we face the pandemic known as COVID 19 or coronavirus. When I say we, I mean mankind; all the peoples of the earth. What will our legacy be? What innovation will be created to change life or medicine? We do not know the answers to these questions yet, but I am encouraged by the words of James who said,
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
The same God who created the heavens and the earth knows you and knows the trials you are experiencing today. These tests of faith produce perseverance and will make you stronger, more mature, and complete to accomplish the mission God has prepared for you. I know many soldiers and family members in our formation are facing trials that are well hidden; be assured that while we don’t fully comprehend the “why” today God has a plan for you, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”[1]
The struggle is real and we the people of this earth are in it together. Be patient. Be strong. Be courageous. Allow your faith to grow. Persevere through the trials. The world will no doubt be different when you emerge from your cave of isolation and social distancing, but God is preparing you to help shape it.
[1] Jeremiah 29:11
The Chaplain's Anvil 