I am happy to be writing this post. I have completed the CIMT phase of CHBOLC. We start Phase I on tuesday morning @ ODarkThirty. CIMT was filled with challenges consisting of Warrior Tasks, and Drills. First Aid, Drill and Ceremony, NBC Chamber, Victory Tower, PT twice a day (to continue on in this catagory) Day and Night Land Navigation, Communications, Topography, MRE's, Day and Night Infiltration Course, as well as many papers and assignments, to include, a field preaching exercise, visiting 5 Chapel Services of different faith groups, all with very little sleep.
I am beyond thankful for our Small Group Leader, who happens to be a Ranger as well. Ch. Winton has been a wealth of backbone, grit and leadership. I am happy that he (as well as all the highly trained and proficient Cadre) is the man leading us and helping mold us into Chaplains in the United States Army. At this point, I am looking at starting Phase I after Columbus Day. I am looking forward to the continued training. I have a feeling they are going to amp up the PT and really pour it on us now that we are allowed to wear our Berets, thus making us Army Soldiers.
I am very pleased to be apart of 4th Platoon (Our Motto is Screaming Eagles) from the 101st. Our class motto is: Sword and Spirit, after the Word of God (Sword) and the (Holy) Spirit.
I have made many friends, and all the Chaplains, regardless of faith group, have bonded together to work for God and Country. It has been a blessing to work with men and women who have, and continue to give their all, in long hours of training, hard academic classes, and the hardship of being separated from loved ones.
Speaking of which, Lauren and I have been apart for a month now. I can't say this is getting any easier, but I know the Lord is working mightily in our hearts, healing, shaping, molding and preparing us for the ministry He has for us in the Army. It is a blessing to be able to support soldiers who ARE Christians, through Christian means as well as to be able to help counsel and advice all through their hardships and regardless of their relationship with the Holy.
I am excited to start Phase I and have been encouraged by the friends I have made thus far. All of us going to Carson have bonded fairly well and we all look forward to working with one another. That is a tremendous blessing from the Lord.
I am so thankful for my peers and the leadership. The leadership are preparing us to enter the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and minister successfully in the heat of horrible circumstance. My peers are accepting this challenge as we learn and grow together.
Onward, and Upward as we Enter Phase I.
Thanks for Reading.
IHS
CH (1LT) Stephens
