The beating of a Jewish soldier in Army basic training last fall has prompted Fort Benning to make changes aimed at improving conditions for Jewish troops, from adding a rabbi chaplain to offering kosher meals at dining halls.
Drill sergeants must now attend classes on how to accommodate soldiers of varying faiths. Fort Benning, located in west Georgia, plans to hold Shabbat services and observe Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur on post, rather than busing soldiers to a synagogue in neighboring Columbus, Ga.
Religious tolerance became an issue at Fort Benning after Pvt. Michael Handman, 20, suffered a concussion from a beating by a fellow trainee. — ap