The Concept of "Calling" and Its Relevance to the Military Professional
Abstract
Americans are vigorously seeking to understand their purpose in life -- that is, to answer the question, "What on earth am I here for?" Theologians are using the concept of "calling" (also known as "vocation") to provide answers to this question. Senior military leaders have recently used the word "calling" in various venues to describe the profession of arms. This study summarizes biblical teachings, historical foundations, and current research in explaining the concept of "calling" and its relevance to the military professional of the 21st century. The report first distinguishes among several terms often substituted for "calling" and summarizes the historical and current understanding of this concept. The process of discovering one's "calling" is then discussed. The uniqueness of the military "calling" is then described, and several personal and professional implications of a military "calling" are offered. The study concludes that "calling" is much more than "being involved in something bigger than yourself" -- it is an all-encompassing perspective that can have profound, enriching effects on all facets of a military professional's life.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA476257
Entities
People
- Scott G. Frickenstein
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College