Officer Develop School--Newport, RI

I reported to Officer Training Command Newport for Officer Development School (ODS) on Saturday, January 1, 2011.  It was almost one year ago that I began thinking and praying about becoming a military chaplain.  I am grateful to God for allowing this dream (and I trust it to be His dream as well!) to become a reality.

The first day or two were fairly relaxed allowing us the opportunity to get to know the rest of ODS 11030 (Echo Company).  There are 65 students in our current class, consisting of chaplains, nurses, dentists, physcial therapists, and nuclear instructors.  I am one of 19 chaplains in our class (17 Protestant, 1 Catholic, and 1 LDS).  I have been encouraged by their friendship and encouragement.  Many of us will be together at chaplain school at Ft. Jackson, SC, after our graduation from ODS at the beginning of February.

The first week of ODS was certainly challenging.  The physical demands of 18-20 hour days was certainly difficult to get used to.  I don't think I've ever been quite so tired in my life!  And as the days went on, the mental challenges began to present themselves as I was forced to acclimate more and more to a military culture.  My time, my preferences, and my thoughts are now no longer my own.  I guess I knew this would be the case, but the adjustment has been more challenging than I anticipated.  As an adult, I'm not used to being told what to eat (no sweets), how long to eat (15 minutes per meal), where to go, how to dress, etc.  When walking down the sidewalk, I can't get lost in my thoughts.  I have to be always on the alert.  If a senior officer walks or drives by, I have to be ready to salute him or her or face the consequences.  As our instructors have reminded us, the military PROTECTS democracy, it doesn't PRACTICE it!  It is my hope and desire to embrace all that I am learning here.  If I hope to minister to those serving in the military, I know I must identify with them in every way and embrace the same sacrifices that they themselves have made.  This is the heart of incarnational ministry.

I am grateful to have passed my first physical fitness test, involving sit ups, push ups, and a timed 1 1/2 mile run.  The PT test was particularly challenging in that we had our swim test and our blood drawn that morning.  I was able to do 78 sit ups (2 minutes), 57 push ups (2 minutes), and finish the run in 13:38, for an overall score of GOOD/MEDIUM".  I do hope to improve these scores in the weeks to come, especially my run time.  I was also able to pass my swim test as well as my first uniform and room inspection.  I praise God for the good health I have experienced thus far, including my foot which I injured prior to my arrival here.

A typical day at ODS begins with group PT, breakfast, classroom instruction, lunch, more classroom instruction, dinner, and then more instruction as required by our instructors.  Now that we are concluding our second week, we having more "free" time before taps (lights out), giving us more time for laundry, to complete classroom assignments, etc.  Classroom instruction has been both useful and interesting, including briefs on military pay and benefits, Navy customs and courtesies, Navy history and warfare, etc.  The information is both important and interesting.  I just wish I could stay awake in class long enough to pay attention! :)

This weekend we have three days of liberty (for MLK Day).  We are limited to the base only, but that's better than nothing.  As long as everyone behaves themselves this weekend, we can expect to have off base liberty next weekend (within 300 miles of the base).  Because I don't have a car here with me, I'm not sure whether I'll be able to actually get off base or not, but at least the option would be nice.

Currently, I'm sitting in the Liberty Center on base looking across the bay at the now decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. Maybe one day I'll have the opportunity to serve the Lord aboard a modern carrier.  What an amazing experience and privilege that would be!  Only time will tell.  Right now, graduating from ODS must be my first priority.  Only three weeks to go...