Almost Being There

So far the big blizzard hasn't dumped as much as expected on Lancaster. All the better. Being at Camp Shelby in Mississippi seems even more attractive now that winter has really arrived. Yesterday I shoveled here and some of Mom & Dad's driveway.

A few days ago I received a call from a soldier in one of the units at Shelby. He had begun the process of applying as a Conscientious Objector. My understanding is that when soldiers apply for CO status, the chaplain is basically a counselor and helps the soldier clarify his/her religious grounding on the matter. A chaplain makes a recommendation to the CO board, but has no direct vote on the outcome. Since I was not yet at Camp Shelby, I suggested that the soldier get in touch with my senior chaplain. I heard that he had done so.

Sometimes soldiers who serve in supportive roles become anxious that they will be called upon to fill infantry slots or will face situations where they must use their weapons. If I were at camp right now, I would have greater opportunity to mingle with the troops and get a sense of morale. All sorts of issues come up in garrison while preparing for deployment. A chaplain helps to make sure troops are at the highest possible state of spiritual readiness to take on a particular mission.

Back at the HQ in Hbg, as I help other chaplains schedule briefings and offer my services to fill in, I am spending time reading all sorts of briefings, diaries, After Action Reviews (AAR's), field manuals, etc. in order to help give me as much background and knowledge of resources. I've even been reading up on all sorts of sects and cults from a sociological point of view.