Taking It Up a Notch

Given the intensity of this week, just taking the time to reflect in this journal seems self indulgent. We've had PT every morning beginning at 5:20 A.M. The days alternate between running and "muscle failure" (basically stretching, sit ups, push ups, and other isometric exercises). We've had class until at least 6 P.M. each evening with only a little more than an hour for lunch. As officers at this training facility, we are on our own when it comes to meals, except for the fine continental breakfast that is offered at Army Lodging's Kennedy Hall. (Not John F., but John T. Kennedy.)

For the most part, the week so far has consisted of a counseling class that is oriented to solution based therapy. It is a pragmatic model that is client centered that encourages one to find creative solutions to their own problems and affirming any positive movement between sessions. It works. The Army also has been emphasizing it's caring posture toward marriages. There is even a specialty within the chaplaincy for "Family Life Counseling." (The divorce rate is higher than the national average.) So, we will be trained in couples counseling. The sessions so far are part lecture, part practice, and part informercial about the method itself or the specialty. Our lecturer was an ELCA pastor. I had some face time with him and he shared how few of them there are in Northern Florida, where he once pastored. He had some excellent resources, such as Friedman's book Generation to Generation. And he introduced me to a Paulist Press publication by Ciarrocchi on pastoral counseling to those with mental illness. We spent time on suicide prevention and grief counseling as well covering topics in swathes rather than being overloaded with details. Suicide prevention training is mandatory for all soldiers twice a year. This briefing is usually given by the chaplain.

We were lectured by CH Sterling who gave a very lucid explanation of Just War Theory, it's history and distinctions within it. He is by far the most scholarly lecturer here. It's easy to imagine being in a university or seminary setting when he is leading the discussion. Jus ad Bellum and Jus in Bello are headings of criteria for going to war and behavior in war. The theory has its limits, but the main intent is to limit the dehumanising effects of war and how to best win a war when a country must enter into one.

The 21st Century Army has some interesting toys. One of which is something called FBCB2 or "Blue Force Tracker." We we trained on this system which is essentially a communications system that prioritizes messages on the battlefield and visually presents data in nearly real time. It is like a video game that includes overlays, highly detailed maps and satellite photographs, tracking of friendly troops and enemies, analysis of terrain and line of site for firing weapons, and so much more. After each major segment of learning, we were tested in our knowledge. By the end of the second day, I started to feel a bit overwhelmed and got nervous in trying to figure out the problems. After a good night's sleep, however I was masterful to the point of tutoring others. The interesting thing about Army learning is that there are good days and then there are great days. There is not enough time to dwell on weaknesses, often you move on only to find confidence in something else.

I appreciate the pluck that I have the chance to experience here. There are times when I think how well I might have done if I had military experience at a younger age. But, I also notice that I display some of the marks of my Liberal Arts education, especially in areas that require some critical thinking. A couple of students have asked me "How did you know that?" I sometimes take for granted what I got as an undergrad and through my own curiosity. There are many smart people here as students, even a few Ph.d's Others have come up through Bible Colleges. Last year there was a young Hispanic man who was conservative and had been home schooled until he went to college.