Staff Ride

Monday was a staff ride. Here's the short version of what that is...a unit's staff officers go to a historical battlefield. Either an individual or a number of staff officers are responsible leading various sections of the trip and teaching about the tactics used or available in a given battle. Basically, it's an educational event for staff officers. Chaplain's are part of a unit's staff officers, so this was a training event for us. We went to two of the old forts at Charleston's harbor. Most people know Fort Sumter. Ft Moultre is a few hundred yards from Fort Sumter and was used in both the American Revolution and the Civil War. Anyway, that was Monday. The rest of the week has been spent with a very, very tedious certification process for a family wellness program. I will probably use a little of what we are learning. I'm looking forward to a three day weekend at the beach for Labor Day.

A couple of updates

Emily pointed out that I had not posted one of the pictures of our baby on the blog, so here you go. She's due in three weeks. I'm supposed to finish CHBOLC in two weeks. Needless to say, we are hoping he does not come early. I really have nothing to say. Its been a great weekend. I've gotten some time alone. I've played golf. I've laughed almost constantly with some of the guys from my platoon. This is what I've needed.

For those who have asked about pictures, there are several new folders on the "My Pictures." Its on the right side of the page somewhere.

Capstone

Capstone is the week that we begin putting a lot of our training together. At least I think that's the purpose. We are on a simulated Forward Operating Base. This means that our quarters are better than they were during our last Field Training Exercise. You can see where we stayed in the picture on the left. The training was good. The weather was as good as you can reasonably hope for in August in South Carolina. The least inappropriate story is a mock memorial ceremony. A member of my platoon that I will spare from naming went to sick call because of a reaction to an insect bite. When he returned, my platoon held a memorial ceremony for his manhood. The rabbi in my squad asked if the ceremony would be cruel and in bad taste. I assured him that no one (including the subject) would be upset or hurt and that the cermony would not be even close to in good taste. He immediately agreed that good taste could not possibly be a part of such a ceremony. I think members of other platoons were extremely unsure about what was going on, and kept their distance. All in all, this was the second funniest thing I've seen at CHBOLC. The funniest is entirely inappropriate to share, and I am desperately trying to supress the memory of it. I'm sure I'll end up in therapy over it.

Sorry there aren't better pictures, but most of mine did not turn out

Funeral services

Last week we were briefed about military funerals, memorial services, memorial ceremonies, and graveside services. Today a few of us had to actually perform the tasks. I volunteered because this replaces another assignment that would have been due next week (field services). I happen to get a graveside service. This is a remarkably short service. It takes place after a funeral service, so very little is required. Basically, I read a psalm and offered a brief word of comfort. The most difficult part was keeping the drill and ceremony straight. I had a minor error, but nothing that will normally apply to me.

This picture is up mainly because Emiliy kept asking why I hadn't put up any pictures of anything other than my ACUs (camo pattern). This is honestly the first time I've worn my Class A uniform. I still have not worn the Dress Blue uniform. That'll come in a couple of weeks.

I am getting to the point of counting the days until I graduate. I'm looking forward to getting to my battalion and getting started with ministry. Of course, I'm also looking forward to being back with Em and Isaac, whenever he decides to make his grand appearance.

I better go. Tomorrow morning, we are back in the field for Capstone. This is supposedly where a lot of the classroom training is implimented. Regardless, I won't be posting again until Friday or Saturday. At least there should be something interested to say.

Emily loses her mind

Let's do some math. Not a phrase you normally hear from me...I know. She is due to deliver our first child on September 15. She managed to get a job with Killeen Independent School District last week. She has passed the required exam, so the job is official now. She'll be teaching a class of 1st graders. Here's the math...September 15 minus August 12. That's just over a month before she's due. (I never said the math would be complicated.) How many woman get a job at 8 months of pregnancy. Most of us knew she was crazy due to her choice of husbands, but this one has to solidify her insanity.

In South Carolina, the weather is better. The classes are pretty much the same. Next week will be Capstone. This is a week in the field where we practice implimenting the things we have been taught this summer. I'll post again sometime this weekend.

Weekend Retreat

This weekend has been a training event at Ridgecrest Conference Center. For those who may not be of my denomination, this is a rather large retreat center in western North Carolina. This supposedly serves two purposes. The first was training in a program that the army frequently uses to help soldiers make good choices about spouses. Basically, we were given instruction on teaching this class. Overall, it seems to be a really good program. The second purpose was to give us an example of doing a retreat. I'll put some pictures up from our free time sometime over the next few days.

The weather today was absolutely perfect. The air was cool when I was running this morning. The temperature never really got too hot all day. I'm sure it'll be back to the semi-Hades temps by the end of this week.

For anyone who didn't know...Em was hired to teach first grade this week. Her contract depends on her ability to pass an exam tomorrow, but that won't be a problem. I guess this year, she won't be mistaken for a student as she waddles/rolls around. OK, I need to get some sleep.

30 Something days to go...

OK, this stuff in the picture is what we use in field worship services. Each person will lead one 20 minute service. Twenty minutes is all a lot of commanders will give when you're in a combat zone. Luckily, I have previously been accused of preaching short sermons in order to beat the Sunday rush at restaurants. The radio is for those of us that desperately need help singing. Under the green towel is a common cup that holds wafers & wine. The cross doesn't show up, but it's being the communion cup.

As posted previously, we spent Monday on one of the live fire ranges. We went through a convoy operations course with a group of basic training soldiers. This is training for when a convoy comes under enemy fire or is hit by a roadside bomb. With twenty 18 year olds with live ammunition in their M16, I quickly learned to glance over their shoulders to see if the safety was activated. I'll sum up what convoy ops training is for chaplains...stay out of the way of those with guns...find cover quickly...keep your head down.

Other than that, I've learned that the US Army cannot communicate without a powerpoint presentation. I've spent most of each day listening to endless briefings. After six hours of briefing on suicide prevention, most of us were becoming suicidal ourselves.