Victory Ranch

This was an excellent week for events. In other words, there was a lot going on.

We divided up into platoons and rotated through a number of different curriculum on different days. For my platoon, we started the week going through some of the software and hardware that the Army uses for field communication, and then we did some of our sacred communication labs. Tuesday we had PT and then we studied solution focused counseling and had some more sacred communication labs. Then Wednesday our platoon went to Victory Ranch.

Now let me pause here because this was the part of the week that we wanted to get to. Victory Ranch is a sort of retreat center. It is operated by Cadence International and Ron and Pam (http://www.cadence.org/weinzapfel). Cadence International seeks to reach out especially to the military. We were able to visit with them, learn about their ministry, and spend some time as a platoon developing plans for our own spiritual development and fitness. We also had some time to just relax and have some time to ourselves or as a group.

The great thing is that we have people in our platoon from a variety of faith traditions, and everyone felt welcome and able to use the time to their advantage. It was a very nice day, and very needed by everyone. I am including a picture and video.

Thursday officially began phase 3 of our program. We have entered the final portion. On Thursday we discussed ministry to the wounded and dying, and developed a "battle book." This is kind of your own book or CD or compilation of files of material that you feel that you may need while deployed or out in the field. We also had our official weigh-in and I passed with about 20 pounds to spare. So that night I went and ate a BUNCH of pizza and pasta in order to carb up for our official PT Test the following morning.

So Friday morning we had our OFFICIAL PT test. Our last one, two weeks ago, was a "diagnostic" test. On that one, I passed with 46 pushups, 43 situps, and the two miles in 16:26. That was coming off a couple weeks of tendinitis in my elbow. Friday I passed with 67 pushups, 51 situps, and the two miles in 16:05. Needless to say, I was pretty happy. However, I still need to continue improving for the standards set by the 101st. Also on Friday we studied Islam in the realm of the current conflict, and how we as chaplains will need to serve as religious liaisons. These were both very interesting because it is very easy to offend someone if you do not understand their culture.

So, like I said, this was a busy week for events. This next week stays busy as we head out for Capstone. This is basically a 3 day field (camping) exercise where we put everything we have learned into practice. Should be a lot of fun and challenging. I think it starts and ends with a 5 mile road march.