CHBOLC Advice, Tips, Manual?

Hey Ben, first, don't be overly concerned. With prior service, you'll be more than ready for the course. In fact, you may find yourself helping many others who have only recently started to wear the uniform.

SEQUENCE: There are four phases: CIMT (Chaplain Initial Military Training), then Phases 1-3 respectively. In CIMT, they will try to give you a basic-training-like experience ... only not really. A few NCOs will relish their chance to put you at parade rest (this is a TRADOC environment). Just keep your head down and humbly mention your prior service when it's appropriate. This phase is about basic soldiering stuff, basic army stuff; you could teach 95% of the material in the classes. Be helpful to those who are new, respectful with the instructors, and humble with everyone. That will go a long way. PHASE 1 - There is more "fun stuff" in this phase (obstacle courses, LRC, IMTs, etc) Enjoy it. DO NOT COMPLAIN! I'll find you, and slap you. PHASES 2-3 - There will be more and more writing as well as more and more classroom time (death by PPT) during these phases. Take all the notes you can. Drink coffee! Develop a system to retain, file, and catalog the information you receive. Some stuff is useless, but some is really informative and you'll need to keep it in your kit bag. Advice, I'd say plan to bring a laptop (or tablet, etc) to keep electronic notes if possible. But also be prepared to receive lots of hard copy notes and study aids. Use the scanner in the CHBOLC library!!! It has a scan to email function and you can send that junk strait to your inbox.

OTHER TIPS: On attitude, take the posture of a learner. Learn from other pastors, chaplains, etc. Learn about other denominational distinctives and faith groups. I'm a conservative Baptist, but I made friends from a variety of backgrounds while learning a bit more about them. It's okay to be a little ignorant, just don't stay there. Don't be combative if you do debate theology. You won't win any friends that way, just arguments. Secondly, be a thermostat, not a thermometer. When and if people get pissy and tired, refuse to stoop to that level. Find something to be thankful for, and say it. Find that motivation you need to get through and share it. Whatever you do, don't join the complainers. At times it will be very hot, very boring, very basic, very frustrating, etc. Drive on. It's too easy.

FINAL WORD: Keep yourself from sin. I found a like-minded brother who became a lifetime friend. We kept each other accountable, prayed for each other, shared meals, etc. Do what it takes to maintain your spiritual disciplines; you'll be pretty busy at times. And enjoy it. If you have any other specific questions or needs, feel free to contact me.

First, congratulations! Are you going on active duty, reserve or national guard? The course is really not that difficult. When I went through it, it had four separate phases. I split mine up into two parts because I was a chaplain candidate to begin with. Anyway, the first few weeks is basic officer indoctrination. Then there is a two week Army writing course. You will have a field training exercise. That may be the most physically challenging. But it was also fun in my experience. You will PT (physical training) every weekday. We started our day at 0530 for an hour of calisthenics and running. You will have staff meetings to learn how a staff meeting is conducted and your role as a chaplain in the meetings. Good luck!

How did it go for you? I'm looking forward to going and getting that knocked out! I've heard nothing but great things about CHBOLC.