Chaplains
So. For two weeks, I have spent time with other chaplains in the military (active, reserve, Army, Air-force, Navy, etc). The biggest conclusion that we collectively came to is that, "I am not like them". The group seems to feel this is a bad thing. I tend to disagree.
For example, for two days we were in an intensive Suicide Prevention class called ASSIST. First off, I laugh every time I hear the name. Second, I abhor role-play in these settings. And third, unlike others, I've done several interventions for REAL. Don't get me wrong, the method they are teaching is outstanding. It's merely the instruction methods I have issue with & the false sense of accomplishment that comes with quick fixes in role-play sessions.
There are even two special rules for me when attending these classes. #1 CH Lutherson is not allowed to speak without direct permission from one of HIS supervisors and #2 CH Lutherson is not allowed to poke holes in the presentation with facts or point out logic flaws in the instructor's presentation. Good Example: Instructor is playing a guy who is going to jump off a local bridge (the set up is a "No-Win" situation -ie he will jump regardless of what I say or do). The govt' contractor in charge decides to pin me on this one in an attempt to make me look bad and my boss gives me permission to answer as he feels there is no way for m.e. to worm out of it or turn it around (remember -the set up is a "No-Win" situation & he is going to jump regardless).
GC - Smirks and then says, "Let's get started" (launches the scenario)
M.E. -"Well, go ahead and jump."
GC - Shocked silence... "Do what?"
M.E. -"The tallest bridge in the Parish is only 3m over the water -it being the end of rainy season and all. You'll only hit the the water at slightly over 12mph. You will survive that easily with little more than mild bruising. I'll jump in after, pull you out by your hair, and take you to the psych ward. Or perhaps, I'll just point all this out to you and offer to help you find a more lethal means if you step away from the ledge. Then, I'll take you to the psych ward."
GC - "Urrr... that's not the answer we were looking for"
M.E. - "Then ask better questions"
Boss - "Ok, ok. back to quiet time for you."
When I think of the other chaplains in comparison, I feel like an old stump in a field while they are fog swirling about me in the breeze. There is no logic, no facts, no grounding for what they believe/say/do. Then they criticize me for using such elements to point out where their ideas will go wrong, in analyzing why they fail, or in trying to help them do/be better next attempt.
For example, for two days we were in an intensive Suicide Prevention class called ASSIST. First off, I laugh every time I hear the name. Second, I abhor role-play in these settings. And third, unlike others, I've done several interventions for REAL. Don't get me wrong, the method they are teaching is outstanding. It's merely the instruction methods I have issue with & the false sense of accomplishment that comes with quick fixes in role-play sessions.
There are even two special rules for me when attending these classes. #1 CH Lutherson is not allowed to speak without direct permission from one of HIS supervisors and #2 CH Lutherson is not allowed to poke holes in the presentation with facts or point out logic flaws in the instructor's presentation. Good Example: Instructor is playing a guy who is going to jump off a local bridge (the set up is a "No-Win" situation -ie he will jump regardless of what I say or do). The govt' contractor in charge decides to pin me on this one in an attempt to make me look bad and my boss gives me permission to answer as he feels there is no way for m.e. to worm out of it or turn it around (remember -the set up is a "No-Win" situation & he is going to jump regardless).
GC - Smirks and then says, "Let's get started" (launches the scenario)
M.E. -"Well, go ahead and jump."
GC - Shocked silence... "Do what?"
M.E. -"The tallest bridge in the Parish is only 3m over the water -it being the end of rainy season and all. You'll only hit the the water at slightly over 12mph. You will survive that easily with little more than mild bruising. I'll jump in after, pull you out by your hair, and take you to the psych ward. Or perhaps, I'll just point all this out to you and offer to help you find a more lethal means if you step away from the ledge. Then, I'll take you to the psych ward."
GC - "Urrr... that's not the answer we were looking for"
M.E. - "Then ask better questions"
Boss - "Ok, ok. back to quiet time for you."
When I think of the other chaplains in comparison, I feel like an old stump in a field while they are fog swirling about me in the breeze. There is no logic, no facts, no grounding for what they believe/say/do. Then they criticize me for using such elements to point out where their ideas will go wrong, in analyzing why they fail, or in trying to help them do/be better next attempt.