In "Scent of A Woman," Al Pachino is a lost soul: a blind retired Army Lieutenant Colonel. He devises a plan that we're not told: go to NY, see his brother, enjoy the fruits of luxury: Waldorf Astoria, fine dining, expensive call girl. My favorite movie, great story. In his scheme, he enlists an unwitting but sensitive Charlie, an elite prep school student on scholarship. Charlie has his own problems as he has witnessed an act of vandalism along with a rich kid who is protected by his rich father. Charlie stands alone. At one point, Col Slade says to Charlie, "why are you in this alone?"
At this point, Rose would be smiling and rolling her eyes at my long story to make a point. I see many people at the Infusion Center or at the Cancer Center that I want to ask, "Why are you alone?" Most I hope aren't but they appear to be: a young girl, an older man, an older woman. Alone, I surely am not going to be intrusive but maybe someone couldn't come, a personal choice or maybe, like the movie, someone will step up to the plate like Col Slade did in the end for Charlie.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Pain of Suffering
A couple of weeks ago I was hanging out at the Infusion Center, UCSF. All the patient chairs seemed to be pretty full. Each little "alcove" has about five or 6 chairs where those receiving chemo can sit and be comfortable. I logged in many an hour with Rose in those little "spots"as she took the juices. Wandering around, I saw a youngster in one of the chairs. Always makes me so sad. With us older types, we've lived out our lives. For me, I am always philosophical about living and dying. As a Vietnam combat vet, everyday is a bonus. I discovered that the youngster's chances of much of a future is slim to none, at least in this life. My prayer for the very large family is that they can enjoy and appreciate the days he has. Not easy as the sadness sometimes overwhelmes and it is very hard to find the joy in the presence. I relate it, in a sense, to Vietnam. At about six plus months, you went on R and R (rest and relaxation). A week of laying around, doing nothing and the war a million miles away. No, not really. It was in your psyche and if you weren't careful, you couldn't enjoy the present because going back to war was always hanging over your head. God bless this youngster and his family that the present may be what they know. Amen!!!
Don, I'm much more interested in why your friend decided not to go into ministry and why you think he made the right choice. My response to the question is not very different than your friend's response. It is pretty standard to an unanswerable question. Lamar and I had a wonderful seminary professor, Dr Boyce. His answer to such questions: God will always do the right thing. Killing all the babies? Bullshit. This would not be the right thing so let's not ascribe this to God. It is some ancient unenlightened prophet or somebody, ignorant who says, God told me. What God is this?
The flip side of the coin is I don't know and so am putting questions like this in the column of, "danged if I know."
{{{{{{{Jerry}}}}}}
On Dec 30, 2011, at 6:31 AM, David Peterson wrote:
Don
Am in Hawaii with family. Ha e some thoughts. If I have time later on will share them.
Happy New Year
Dave
Sent from my iPad
On Dec 28, 2011, at 4:08 PM, "Lamar Hunt" wrote:
Some good words for the young man, Don, and I can’t add much more.
As to the question of God “telling” Joshua, et al, to annihilate everyone, even the babies. That is something that troubles me, always has. The concept of total annihilation does violence to the concept a good God, good to/for whom? Babies too? I got some help from a VERY liberal friend who had done seminary, but gave up on ministry as a vocation, and rightfully so, in my opinion. His thought was that when God gave the land to Israel He just gave it to them. They responded in their mind sets and realized the promise according to the way things were done in that time. I don’t expect that this response will win any awards, but if one really wants to deal with the nature of God he/she must deal with Joshua.
I am not suggesting that this should be part of your response to the young man, much too far out for where he is now, but if he should ask, this is my thought on the subject.
I applaud your taking the time to deal carefully with this young man. He is truly blessed to have you responding to his questions.
Blessings. Lamar
From: dbreland@st-joseph.org [mailto:dbreland@st-joseph.org]
Sent: Wednesday, December 28, 2011 4:39 PM
Subject: FW: Military Service
10 Chaps:
A young man who is about to graduate from Texas A&M contacted me and said that he felt that God was leading him into the Marines. However, he has some concerns that he would be violating the Scriptural prohibition of taking human life. He was about to go into a meeting where he was going to be asked to make some preliminary decisions about receiving a commission. He asked me to give him a “quick and dirty” layout of some of the issues involved. So, off of the top of my head, I sent him the message below.
He is going to want to discuss this more in depth, and I would like to have your wisdom to share with him. Anything that you can add will be appreciated. And, if you are interested, I would be glad to pull together all of the comments that I receive and send the whole package back out to each of you.
Don
Chaplain Don C. Breland
Coordinator of Spiritual Care
ACPE Supervisor
St. Joseph Regional Health Center
Bryan, TX 77802
(979) 776-3988
FAX (979) 776-5939
dbreland@st-joseph.org
From: Don Breland
Sent: Monday, December 26, 2011 2:10 PM
To: 'Storm Reichard'
Subject: RE: Military Service
Storm:
I am really pleased that you want to struggle through your concern over obeying vs. disobeying Scripture around the issue of military combat. I encountered many young men over the years who had not settled this for themselves before coming into the military. Then, in basic training, they were trained to accurately hit human-shaped targets with their bullets. It was then that many realized that some day they may be put in the position to shoot at real humans. This caused a crisis of conscience within many of them.
Whether a person is a Christian or not, the prohibition against murder is part of our value system and our laws. There would hopefully, then, be an inbred reluctance in all of us to take a human life. But for the Christian, there is an additional concern about following God’s will and purposes for us. All of this adds up to a major issue for the Christian in the military.
For example, in one instance in Vietnam, the Cav troop that I was with was ambushed. I was on a personnel carrier that had three machine guns mounted on top. I was sitting next to the gunner of one of the machine guns. A VC soldier suddenly popped up and began to spray us with an automatic weapon. The gunner next to me instinctively swung his machine gun in the direction of the VC and began to fire. He immediately hit the VC, and the VC crumpled to the ground. My attention was then pulled toward some other action that was taking place. When I looked back at the gunner next to me, he seemed to be in a daze and was not firing. I thought that maybe he had been hit and questioned him. He didn’t answer immediately, but finally said, “I just killed a man.” Obviously, he had not prepared mind and soul for that moment.
Stories like this one cause many Christians to wonder if they should be part of the military. My strong answer to that question is, “Yes, if God calls you into the military, then that is where you need to be.” I base that response on the following factors:
First it is important to be clear about the nature of God. He is not a god of confusion. He does not prohibit something, and then turn around and instruct people to do the prohibited thing. This truth is important to take with us as we examine the subject of the taking human life as presented in Scripture.
The Scriptures do differentiate between murder (the Ten Commandments for example) and killing under certain circumstances. Those instances where murder is the focus tend to be in the relationships between individuals. Killing has to do more with corporate situations, done under the command or authority of others, including God. [We can go deeper into a Scriptural study on this if you like]. Note for example, all of the times that God directed Israel into battle, even into battle where He instructed the complete annihilation of the enemy. So, there must be differentiation in the mind of God about how and under what circumstances human life is taken.
In spite of the seeming conflicts in Scripture about taking life, God does call people to serve in the military. He would not put a complete ban on the taking of a human life, and yet call people into the military.
Next, the military can be part of the “sword” that God authorizes rulers to exercise in order to maintain peace and stability among their people. (Romans 13)
Finally (for this list at least) I believe that God calls persons into the military for at least the following reasons:
To live out the great Commandment as a life testimony in the presence of the whole military community
To pursue the great Commission, seeking to make disciples among military people
To influence the “conscience” and morality of the military community.
In my case, I am totally convinced that God called me into the military and very clearly had a purpose for my being there. I praise Him for His oversight of that process, and cannot imagine a ministry that I would have enjoyed more.
Any of this is open to discussion. Please let me know where I can help.
Don
Chaplain Don C. Breland
Coordinator of Spiritual Care
ACPE Supervisor
St. Joseph Regional Health Center
Bryan, TX 77802
(979) 776-3988
FAX (979) 776-5939
dbreland@st-joseph.org
From: Storm Reichard [mailto:stormkreichard@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2011 4:32 PM
To: Don Breland
Subject: Re: Military Service
Mr. Breland:
I am planning to join the Marine Corps, and I'm worried about what the Bible says about killing. I've been told by several people that the Commandment in question is actually more accurately translated as "Thou shall not murder", meaning premeditated killing in cold blood, so I was wondering if this was just them trying to further their own philosophy using the Bible, or if that was actually the case.
I was also reading Matthew 5:39 and it states not to resist an evil person, so does that mean that killing is never justified, even when your life or someone else's life is in danger, or am I misunderstanding what Matthew was trying to say.
I still want to join the Marine Corps, but I'm afraid of disobeying Scripture and, therefore, God.
I really do appreciate you taking the time to read this, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Storm
Dialoging via email is OK with me. If you could begin by laying out your concerns, then I will respond.
I understand that you are considering a stint in the military. I spent 27 years as an Army Chaplain, and found it to be a very rewarding and fulfilling experience. It certainly has its challenges, and the issue of taking another human being’s life in combat is certainly one of them. All of us who were reared in the Judeo-Christian value system have been taught to reverence human life, and to place ourselves in a situation where we may have to kill someone can create grave doubts.
So, if you will open the discussion, we will go from there.
The flip side of the coin is I don't know and so am putting questions like this in the column of, "danged if I know."
{{{{{{{Jerry}}}}}}
On Dec 30, 2011, at 6:31 AM, David Peterson
Don
Am in Hawaii with family. Ha e some thoughts. If I have time later on will share them.
Happy New Year
Dave
Sent from my iPad
On Dec 28, 2011, at 4:08 PM, "Lamar Hunt"
Some good words for the young man, Don, and I can’t add much more.
As to the question of God “telling” Joshua, et al, to annihilate everyone, even the babies. That is something that troubles me, always has. The concept of total annihilation does violence to the concept a good God, good to/for whom? Babies too? I got some help from a VERY liberal friend who had done seminary, but gave up on ministry as a vocation, and rightfully so, in my opinion. His thought was that when God gave the land to Israel He just gave it to them. They responded in their mind sets and realized the promise according to the way things were done in that time. I don’t expect that this response will win any awards, but if one really wants to deal with the nature of God he/she must deal with Joshua.
I am not suggesting that this should be part of your response to the young man, much too far out for where he is now, but if he should ask, this is my thought on the subject.
I applaud your taking the time to deal carefully with this young man. He is truly blessed to have you responding to his questions.
Blessings. Lamar
From: dbreland@st-joseph.org [mailto:dbreland@st-joseph.org]
Sent: Wednesday, December 28, 2011 4:39 PM
Subject: FW: Military Service
10 Chaps:
A young man who is about to graduate from Texas A&M contacted me and said that he felt that God was leading him into the Marines. However, he has some concerns that he would be violating the Scriptural prohibition of taking human life. He was about to go into a meeting where he was going to be asked to make some preliminary decisions about receiving a commission. He asked me to give him a “quick and dirty” layout of some of the issues involved. So, off of the top of my head, I sent him the message below.
He is going to want to discuss this more in depth, and I would like to have your wisdom to share with him. Anything that you can add will be appreciated. And, if you are interested, I would be glad to pull together all of the comments that I receive and send the whole package back out to each of you.
Don
Chaplain Don C. Breland
Coordinator of Spiritual Care
ACPE Supervisor
St. Joseph Regional Health Center
Bryan, TX 77802
(979) 776-3988
FAX (979) 776-5939
dbreland@st-joseph.org
From: Don Breland
Sent: Monday, December 26, 2011 2:10 PM
To: 'Storm Reichard'
Subject: RE: Military Service
Storm:
I am really pleased that you want to struggle through your concern over obeying vs. disobeying Scripture around the issue of military combat. I encountered many young men over the years who had not settled this for themselves before coming into the military. Then, in basic training, they were trained to accurately hit human-shaped targets with their bullets. It was then that many realized that some day they may be put in the position to shoot at real humans. This caused a crisis of conscience within many of them.
Whether a person is a Christian or not, the prohibition against murder is part of our value system and our laws. There would hopefully, then, be an inbred reluctance in all of us to take a human life. But for the Christian, there is an additional concern about following God’s will and purposes for us. All of this adds up to a major issue for the Christian in the military.
For example, in one instance in Vietnam, the Cav troop that I was with was ambushed. I was on a personnel carrier that had three machine guns mounted on top. I was sitting next to the gunner of one of the machine guns. A VC soldier suddenly popped up and began to spray us with an automatic weapon. The gunner next to me instinctively swung his machine gun in the direction of the VC and began to fire. He immediately hit the VC, and the VC crumpled to the ground. My attention was then pulled toward some other action that was taking place. When I looked back at the gunner next to me, he seemed to be in a daze and was not firing. I thought that maybe he had been hit and questioned him. He didn’t answer immediately, but finally said, “I just killed a man.” Obviously, he had not prepared mind and soul for that moment.
Stories like this one cause many Christians to wonder if they should be part of the military. My strong answer to that question is, “Yes, if God calls you into the military, then that is where you need to be.” I base that response on the following factors:
First it is important to be clear about the nature of God. He is not a god of confusion. He does not prohibit something, and then turn around and instruct people to do the prohibited thing. This truth is important to take with us as we examine the subject of the taking human life as presented in Scripture.
The Scriptures do differentiate between murder (the Ten Commandments for example) and killing under certain circumstances. Those instances where murder is the focus tend to be in the relationships between individuals. Killing has to do more with corporate situations, done under the command or authority of others, including God. [We can go deeper into a Scriptural study on this if you like]. Note for example, all of the times that God directed Israel into battle, even into battle where He instructed the complete annihilation of the enemy. So, there must be differentiation in the mind of God about how and under what circumstances human life is taken.
In spite of the seeming conflicts in Scripture about taking life, God does call people to serve in the military. He would not put a complete ban on the taking of a human life, and yet call people into the military.
Next, the military can be part of the “sword” that God authorizes rulers to exercise in order to maintain peace and stability among their people. (Romans 13)
Finally (for this list at least) I believe that God calls persons into the military for at least the following reasons:
To live out the great Commandment as a life testimony in the presence of the whole military community
To pursue the great Commission, seeking to make disciples among military people
To influence the “conscience” and morality of the military community.
In my case, I am totally convinced that God called me into the military and very clearly had a purpose for my being there. I praise Him for His oversight of that process, and cannot imagine a ministry that I would have enjoyed more.
Any of this is open to discussion. Please let me know where I can help.
Don
Chaplain Don C. Breland
Coordinator of Spiritual Care
ACPE Supervisor
St. Joseph Regional Health Center
Bryan, TX 77802
(979) 776-3988
FAX (979) 776-5939
dbreland@st-joseph.org
From: Storm Reichard [mailto:stormkreichard@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2011 4:32 PM
To: Don Breland
Subject: Re: Military Service
Mr. Breland:
I am planning to join the Marine Corps, and I'm worried about what the Bible says about killing. I've been told by several people that the Commandment in question is actually more accurately translated as "Thou shall not murder", meaning premeditated killing in cold blood, so I was wondering if this was just them trying to further their own philosophy using the Bible, or if that was actually the case.
I was also reading Matthew 5:39 and it states not to resist an evil person, so does that mean that killing is never justified, even when your life or someone else's life is in danger, or am I misunderstanding what Matthew was trying to say.
I still want to join the Marine Corps, but I'm afraid of disobeying Scripture and, therefore, God.
I really do appreciate you taking the time to read this, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Storm
Dialoging via email is OK with me. If you could begin by laying out your concerns, then I will respond.
I understand that you are considering a stint in the military. I spent 27 years as an Army Chaplain, and found it to be a very rewarding and fulfilling experience. It certainly has its challenges, and the issue of taking another human being’s life in combat is certainly one of them. All of us who were reared in the Judeo-Christian value system have been taught to reverence human life, and to place ourselves in a situation where we may have to kill someone can create grave doubts.
So, if you will open the discussion, we will go from there.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
MY FRIEND ROSE
In "Scent of A Woman," Al Pachino is a lost soul: a blind retired Army Lieutenant Colonel. He devises a plan that we're not told: go to NY, see his brother, enjoy the fruits of luxury: Waldorf Astoria, fine dining, expensive call girl. My favorite movie, great story. In his scheme, he enlists an unwitting but sensitive Charlie, an elite prep school student on scholarship. Charlie has his own problems as he has witnessed an act of vandalism along with a rich kid who is protected by his rich father. Charlie stands alone. At one point, Col Slade says to Charlie, "why are you in this alone?"
At this point, Rose would be smiling and rolling her eyes at my long story to make a point. I see many people at the Infusion Center or at the Cancer Center that I want to ask, "Why are you alone?" Most I hope aren't but they appear to be: a young girl, an older man, an older woman. Alone. I surely am not going to be intrusive but maybe someone couldn't come, a personal choice or maybe, like the movie, someone will step up to the plate like Col Slade did in the end for Charlie.
At this point, Rose would be smiling and rolling her eyes at my long story to make a point. I see many people at the Infusion Center or at the Cancer Center that I want to ask, "Why are you alone?" Most I hope aren't but they appear to be: a young girl, an older man, an older woman. Alone. I surely am not going to be intrusive but maybe someone couldn't come, a personal choice or maybe, like the movie, someone will step up to the plate like Col Slade did in the end for Charlie.
Sunday, December 04, 2011
CHAPLAINS IN COMBAT
MINISTRY OF PRESENCE: It has been my experience that , more so than most other ministries, ministry to Armed Forces Personnel has the added dimension of EARNING THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD. The “troops” , for the most part, consciously or subconsciously, check the chaplain out before they entrust themselves to his/her spiritual/pastoral care. This is true in every unit to which I was assigned, however, it was much more pronounced in a combat unit. It was even more pronounced in the Cav. Squadron to which I was assigned because I replaced a chaplain who had been relieved. None-the-less , most of my colleagues agree that Combat Ministry does not become effective until the chaplain has “earned the right to be heard.” This is accomplished by going into combat with the unit, having a thorough knowledge of the mission, and being available to the troops at appropriate times. In summary, MINISTRY OF PRESENCE.
2) PROVIDING ON-SITE, HANDS ON MINISTRY AT APPROPRIATE TIMES: This is a learned concept. . When a chaplain is on a patrol with his troops, or riding along in an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) very little formal or informal ministry takes place. However, because he/she was present ministry will be accomplished during the “down periods”. For example much of my ministry with the CAV. Squadron was accomplished after the unit "loggered –up" for the evening. This is when I went around the perimeter to talk with the troops, sometimes pray with them, and sometimes have short devotions/Bible reading. Quite often Troops appreciate the chaplain praying with them before they go on a move out. I know of one chaplain who, prior to the unit beginning the mission went to each vehicle and, in many cases, individuals, and prayed asking God’s protection, etc. In many cases he placed his hand upon their head and asked God’s blessing on the individual. Feedback was very positive.
3) MINISTRY TO THE WOUNDED AND DYING: It is rare that a wounded or dying troop does not desire a chaplain presence. Having said that, the ministry style of the chaplain is very important. No matter the degree of urgency, it is wise to be sensitive to the “troops” desires, and if possible, to be aware of his /her religious practices/beliefs. For example, it is appropriate to say: I would like to pray with you and for you if that is okay with you. Also, the non-wounded, in more cases than not, want the chaplain to minister to their wounded buddy. When they are aware that the chaplain is in the area, almost without exception, they will request the chaplain’s presence. OBSERVATION: it is very important for the unit chaplain to have a working knowledge of the basic doctrines of all major faith groups. For example, protestant chaplains need to understand the unique aspects of ministering to a dying or wounded Catholic, Jewish, Orthodox, or Muslim service member.
4) MEMORIAL SERVICES: It has been my observation that a unit is not completely ready to return to combat until the dead from the previous battle have been properly honored, remembered and memorialized. The process of unit emotional closure begins with the memorial service. Memorial Services, properly administered and accomplished are an extremely important morale factor in the life of a unit. OBSERVATION: Chaplains, in most cases, need additional training in this area. Quite often memorial services are confused with a funeral service.
5) HOSPITAL VISITATION: Pastoral care to the wounded is of utmost importance. The patient wants a visit from the unit chaplain. He/she is anxious to hear about the unit and also, normally looks upon the unit chaplain as his/her pastor. That is the person who, in the eyes of the patient, is credible. Also, unit members are anxious to hear about the status of their wounded buddy. It was my routine to be in the field with the unit from Sunday Evening through Saturday morning. I then went back to the base camp and made pastoral calls on the hospital patients, conducted worship service (s) for support/headquarters personnel and then returned to the combat “field” . Almost without exception the troops were anxious to hear about their wounded buddies and various other types of information which I gained as a result of being in the “rear area.”.
6) ASSISTING THE COMMANDER IN SETTING A HIGH MORALE CODE. I am of the opinion that the Viet-Nam War left a large number of “troops” with severe guilt and psychological problems. One of the primary reasons for this was because so many broke their morale code. (In a significant number of cases this was advocated by the unit leadership personnel.) This took place not only in their personnel behavior, but also, in the manner in which they treated the enemy. As a result of my Viet-Nam experience I became very much aware that a chaplain has a strong responsibility to assist the unit leadership in personnel in setting and establishing a morale code that brings out the best in the troop rather than the worst. When I served as the CENTCOM chaplain (Desert Shield/Storm) I regularly addressed this issue.
7) NON-TRADITIONAL DUTIES/MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE CHAPLAIN: There are a number of non-traditional ministries that have the potential of leading to meaningful traditional ministries and pastoral care opportunities. For example, during my tour with the CAV Squadron in V-N the Commander requested that I be responsible for planning troop recreational events between combat missions and/or during the R&R periods of time. Not only was this program a significant morale builder, it also had a positive impact on my relationships with the troops and ultimately, ministry. During Desert Storm the Command was not prepared for the tons and tons of Any Service Member mail that was mailed to the troops by people throughout the nation. I was asked by the J-1 to assist in solving the problem by having chaplains “carry the mail” when possible. Consequently, the chaplains delivered tons of mail, packages, etc. In my opinion, it provided great assistance to the command, increased morale, and enhanced the relationship between the unit and the chaplain….a humanitarian type of ministry that had the potential of enhancing traditional ministries.
8) TRADITIONAL COMBAT (worship and Liturgical) MINISTRIES: Although the style of ministry in a combat setting is much different than in a Garrison setting, it is still of great importance to conduct worship and liturgical (serving the sacrament, conducting baptisms) ministries. One of the lessons learned is to conduct worship services on a smaller scale. It is not unusual, in a combat environment, to conduct worship services for 2 to 5,6, or 7 people. Serving the sacrament/Lord’s Supper is very important to many individuals during combat since many of us believe the sacrament is for “believers” it was an appropriate time to communicate the Gospel of Grace to the “troops.”
9) EVANGELISM: The ministry of Evangelism is a bit controversial within the Chaplain Corps. However, for an evangelical chaplain who believes he/she is called to be an instrument in communicating the Gospel of Grace to service members and assist them in coming to faith in Jesus Christ, combat ministry provides numerous opportunities. It has been my observations that people often reject the conviction of the Holy Spirit until they are confronted with an experience that is beyond their personal control. Combat often causes the service member to come to terms with his/her own immortality. Consequently, ministry of presence and chaplain availability during combat operations often results in communications and discussions about eternal matters with the troops .
Colonel Dave Peterson
2) PROVIDING ON-SITE, HANDS ON MINISTRY AT APPROPRIATE TIMES: This is a learned concept. . When a chaplain is on a patrol with his troops, or riding along in an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) very little formal or informal ministry takes place. However, because he/she was present ministry will be accomplished during the “down periods”. For example much of my ministry with the CAV. Squadron was accomplished after the unit "loggered –up" for the evening. This is when I went around the perimeter to talk with the troops, sometimes pray with them, and sometimes have short devotions/Bible reading. Quite often Troops appreciate the chaplain praying with them before they go on a move out. I know of one chaplain who, prior to the unit beginning the mission went to each vehicle and, in many cases, individuals, and prayed asking God’s protection, etc. In many cases he placed his hand upon their head and asked God’s blessing on the individual. Feedback was very positive.
3) MINISTRY TO THE WOUNDED AND DYING: It is rare that a wounded or dying troop does not desire a chaplain presence. Having said that, the ministry style of the chaplain is very important. No matter the degree of urgency, it is wise to be sensitive to the “troops” desires, and if possible, to be aware of his /her religious practices/beliefs. For example, it is appropriate to say: I would like to pray with you and for you if that is okay with you. Also, the non-wounded, in more cases than not, want the chaplain to minister to their wounded buddy. When they are aware that the chaplain is in the area, almost without exception, they will request the chaplain’s presence. OBSERVATION: it is very important for the unit chaplain to have a working knowledge of the basic doctrines of all major faith groups. For example, protestant chaplains need to understand the unique aspects of ministering to a dying or wounded Catholic, Jewish, Orthodox, or Muslim service member.
4) MEMORIAL SERVICES: It has been my observation that a unit is not completely ready to return to combat until the dead from the previous battle have been properly honored, remembered and memorialized. The process of unit emotional closure begins with the memorial service. Memorial Services, properly administered and accomplished are an extremely important morale factor in the life of a unit. OBSERVATION: Chaplains, in most cases, need additional training in this area. Quite often memorial services are confused with a funeral service.
5) HOSPITAL VISITATION: Pastoral care to the wounded is of utmost importance. The patient wants a visit from the unit chaplain. He/she is anxious to hear about the unit and also, normally looks upon the unit chaplain as his/her pastor. That is the person who, in the eyes of the patient, is credible. Also, unit members are anxious to hear about the status of their wounded buddy. It was my routine to be in the field with the unit from Sunday Evening through Saturday morning. I then went back to the base camp and made pastoral calls on the hospital patients, conducted worship service (s) for support/headquarters personnel and then returned to the combat “field” . Almost without exception the troops were anxious to hear about their wounded buddies and various other types of information which I gained as a result of being in the “rear area.”.
6) ASSISTING THE COMMANDER IN SETTING A HIGH MORALE CODE. I am of the opinion that the Viet-Nam War left a large number of “troops” with severe guilt and psychological problems. One of the primary reasons for this was because so many broke their morale code. (In a significant number of cases this was advocated by the unit leadership personnel.) This took place not only in their personnel behavior, but also, in the manner in which they treated the enemy. As a result of my Viet-Nam experience I became very much aware that a chaplain has a strong responsibility to assist the unit leadership in personnel in setting and establishing a morale code that brings out the best in the troop rather than the worst. When I served as the CENTCOM chaplain (Desert Shield/Storm) I regularly addressed this issue.
7) NON-TRADITIONAL DUTIES/MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE CHAPLAIN: There are a number of non-traditional ministries that have the potential of leading to meaningful traditional ministries and pastoral care opportunities. For example, during my tour with the CAV Squadron in V-N the Commander requested that I be responsible for planning troop recreational events between combat missions and/or during the R&R periods of time. Not only was this program a significant morale builder, it also had a positive impact on my relationships with the troops and ultimately, ministry. During Desert Storm the Command was not prepared for the tons and tons of Any Service Member mail that was mailed to the troops by people throughout the nation. I was asked by the J-1 to assist in solving the problem by having chaplains “carry the mail” when possible. Consequently, the chaplains delivered tons of mail, packages, etc. In my opinion, it provided great assistance to the command, increased morale, and enhanced the relationship between the unit and the chaplain….a humanitarian type of ministry that had the potential of enhancing traditional ministries.
8) TRADITIONAL COMBAT (worship and Liturgical) MINISTRIES: Although the style of ministry in a combat setting is much different than in a Garrison setting, it is still of great importance to conduct worship and liturgical (serving the sacrament, conducting baptisms) ministries. One of the lessons learned is to conduct worship services on a smaller scale. It is not unusual, in a combat environment, to conduct worship services for 2 to 5,6, or 7 people. Serving the sacrament/Lord’s Supper is very important to many individuals during combat since many of us believe the sacrament is for “believers” it was an appropriate time to communicate the Gospel of Grace to the “troops.”
9) EVANGELISM: The ministry of Evangelism is a bit controversial within the Chaplain Corps. However, for an evangelical chaplain who believes he/she is called to be an instrument in communicating the Gospel of Grace to service members and assist them in coming to faith in Jesus Christ, combat ministry provides numerous opportunities. It has been my observations that people often reject the conviction of the Holy Spirit until they are confronted with an experience that is beyond their personal control. Combat often causes the service member to come to terms with his/her own immortality. Consequently, ministry of presence and chaplain availability during combat operations often results in communications and discussions about eternal matters with the troops .
Colonel Dave Peterson
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