On 9 December 2009 from 1300 to 1500 hours, the Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE) will hold its monthly video teleconference (VTC) entitled “The Ministry Team: Challenges, Coping Strategies, and Resource Support.”

Military Chaplains serve as confidants, spiritual guides, and counselors to members of the armed forces. During times of war and peace, they are sources of comfort, inspiration and encouragement.

Yet, where do they go for help? As Military Chaplains and their staff face multiple deployments and an increasing number of service members to help, they are feeling strained themselves.

This forum will discuss the psychological challenges faced by the Ministry Team and describe various coping strategies to reduce psychological stressors and prevent compassion fatigue. Resources that can be utilized will also be discussed. Chaplains from the various services based domestically and deployed overseas will share their experiences and insights during this unique discussion.

All Military Chaplains, Chaplain Assistants, Religious Program Specialists, health care providers, subject matter experts and anyone else interested in the psychological health of service members is invited to join the discussion.

To register for this event or for more information send an email to: dcoe.globalvtc@tma.osd.mil.