"If it Ain't Raining, it Ain't Training!"

18 Feb 09

It rained on us during morning PT today. The fact that it was in the low 30s for temperature was bad enough, and then add a light drizzle. Some drill sergeant made up the phrase that I used in my title for today ("If it ain't raining, it ain't training!"), and so our Drill Sergeants had to use it as well and let us know how they felt about the rain. Truth is, it was not that bad after all. We went on a "light" run in formation, which means all 100 of us lined up in three rows of about 30 Chaplains and ran together. You were supposed to stay in step with the person in front of you as well as to your right and/or left. If you got out of formation or out of step, someone let you know it!! The rule is you always land on your left stride to the Drill Sergeant's cadence, and you can do a quick 1/2 step to get back in step when needed. I noticed that the adrenaline and the peer pressure is enough to get me moving at a good pace!

I understand that at some Army Posts, an entire Battalion will go for a run in formation like that, which can be 500 Soldiers all running in stride and in to the beat! That's way cool. Hooah.

Nothing more today. We're starting to get some training on counseling issues, such as how to interview a conscientious objector. The Chaplain has a role in the procedure for how to deal with a Soldier who claims this status. For some it may be legitimate, but for others it is not. Should be interesting. Next week we're taking a field trip to see Fort Sumpter, where the very first battle took place in the Civil War. But more on that later...