US European Command Chaplain Office sponsored and conducted its 12th Annual NATO Chaplain Operation Course at the NATO School in Oberammergau from 15-19 June.
On July 12, the final day of the first tactical religious support course offered by the Joint Multinational Training Command, unit ministry teams comprised of U.S. Army and NATO chaplains and chaplain assistants participated in a live-fire exercise to address that question.
Nenad Palac, Croatian chaplain in training, gives counsel and comfort to a wounded Soldier during the live fire exercise portion of the first five-day tactical religious support course and live fire exercise offered by the Joint Multinational Training Command July 12. The weeklong course challenged the U.S. and NATO Soldiers in approximately 45 duties and tasks required of unit ministry teams during deployment.
Croatian priest, Maj. Ivan Blazevac, provides mass for Soldiers on the combat outpost during the live fire portion of the first five-day tactical religious support course and live fire exercise offered by the Joint Multinational Training Command July 12. The weeklong course challenged the U.S. and NATO chaplains and chaplain assistants in approximately 45 duties and tasks required of unit ministry teams during deployment.
From left, U.S. Army chaplain assistant Sgt. Eric Seaburg, from 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, briefs his NATO partners, Croatian Chaplain (Maj.) Ivan Blazevac and Slovakian Chaplain (2nd Lt.) Jan Magyar, on the procedures if the convoy is attacked during the live fire portion of the first five-day tactical religious support course and live fire exercise offered by the Joint Multinational Training Command July 12. The weeklong course challenged the U.S. and NATO chaplains and chaplain assistants in approximately 45 duties and tasks required of unit ministry teams during deployment.
Despite the above statements professing modesty and a reluctance to lead or assist, after meeting these two groups I was left with the decided impression that “leading” and “assisting” are exactly what our German hosts are doing these days, and doing well.
I read about the economic and natural crises in Romania this week and I couldn't help but think about a recent trip I took to the beautiful Carpathia Mountains not far from where the flooding is happening now.