Training/TDY

These last few weeks have been focused on these two areas. The first is going to grow from here on out.

The training has come in a couple different forms.

The first, sadly, has been an increased drive to complete suicide prevention training. This was not that difficult to accomplish because most of us have already been up-tempo on this. In the face of a growing number of suicides in the Army, everyone has been trying to do their part to train one another and help one another to see when a person is hurting. Therefore, as chaplains, we have all been very busy trying to get all of our Soldiers trained in a variety of suicide prevention programs. Some of the programs are oriented more toward "self-help" in a sense. We really try to help each Soldier understand how they are doing and encourage them to seek help if they need it. Others are designed to help Soldiers recognize some of the potential warning signs that a fellow Soldier may demonstrate if they are headed toward possible suicide.

The second area of training has been some live fire on one of the ranges here. This particular live-fire was at the squad level. Each troop had each of their squads go through some specific scenarios. As a chaplain I am not allowed to carry or use a weapon, but it was very interesting to see our Soldiers in action. I can say that I was very impressed.

After each of the run-throughs on the scenarios each of the squad members was asked questions and given the opportunity to share some of their own insights. To me, the terms and technical proficiency that the Soldiers used concerning the activity was similar to doctors evaluating a recently completed surgery. These men were very serious about their work and extremely professional about what they were doing and why.

I was able to snap a bit of a picture of one of our Soldiers to give you an idea of the night-vision goggles that we use. It was an "eye-opening" experience to say the least (pardon the really bad pun).

I was also given the opportunity to preach at the post Gospel service last Sunday. That was a lot of fun, and a wonderful honor. The Gospel service is made up of military and civilian folks who really love on people. My family felt extremely welcomed the first time we walked through the door.

To be honest, I wasn't sure if my preaching style would be something that they would enjoy, but I think we ended up meeting each other half way and it worked out extremely well.

Finally, the week ended with me beginning TDY and our household goods arriving. We have been very busy trying to figure out where everything should go and actually doing a yard sale for some of the stuff. I think some may yet end up going to Goodwill or the post thrift store. We'll see.

Talk to you all soon.