I too wish it was Christian prayer and contemplation. But, it’s likely that won’t happen,
However, mindfulness meditation is, primarily a tool, and a preparation for some types of prayer. It’s faith-neutral, there is the equivalent in Christian Spiritual Exercises. So, it could be seen as a way to enhance Christian prayer life.
No doubt your remarks are honest, but... i believe a bit naive and factually incorrect.
Your statement that the type of meditation being advocated in this article is somehow “faith neutral.” On what basis do you make that statement?
Second, studying the meaning of the Hebrew word for “meditate,” as seen in Psalms 1 and 2, is never used to describe an Eastern-style, mind-blanking type of meditation.
Rather, it conveys an active focus of one’s mental power, perhaps much like one does when trying to cram for an exam.
This move by the Army and Marines is another well-intentioned, misguided, post-Christian, progressive idea.
In the old days, Soldiers were encouraged to read the Bible and pray. Seemed to work for the likes of George Washington, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson. Even Douglas MacArthur read the Bible daily — though, to be fair, he was not a church-goer.