Chaplain Candidates Get 'Shock' Training

Chaplain candidates are exposed to the type of treatment hostages could receive during a simulated terrorist attack staged by 610th Security Forces Squadron personnel, from NAS Fort Worth JRB. The training is intended to give the candidates a better understanding of what members of the armed forces could face in the field. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt Chris Bolen)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Chaplain Candidates Get 'Shock' Training

Chaplain candidates line up outside their bus during a simulated terrorist attack staged by 610th Security Forces Squadron personnel, from NAS Fort Worth JRB. The simulation was conducted on the grounds of the Army’s Fort Wolters just outside of Mineral Wells, Texas. The candidates spent two days at the base for training and briefings related to various aspects of military operations. The training is intended to give the candidates a better understanding of what members of the armed forces face in day to day operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt Chris Bolen)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Chaplain Candidates Get 'Shock' Training

Chaplain (Maj.) Michael Seaman fields questions from Chaplain candidates following a mock terrorist attack during a training segment for the 2011 Chaplain candidate class at Fort Wolters, Army base. The candidates, on a compressed month long schedule with stops at five Air Force bases, spent two days at the base for training and briefings as part of their candidate training in conjunction with training at the 301st Fighter Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt Chris Bolen)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Chaplain Candidates Get 'Shock' Training

Chaplain candidates spent time visiting 301st Fighter Wing, people and learning about the mission during the 2011 Chaplain Candidacy Program Visit. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt Chris Bolen)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Chaplain Candidates pay jarring, educational visit to 301st

Published Aug. 12, 2011
By SSgt Christopher Bolen
301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

NAS FT WORTH JRB, TEXAS -- The most recent group of Air Force Chaplain candidates arrived at NAS Fort Worth JRB for a component of their orientation training to be conducted at the 301st Fighter Wing.

"The candidates are on a compressed thirty-five day working tour intended to subject them to a surge-type environment, like in the field," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Steve Nicolai, Chaplain candidate program manager. "This program is the sole Chaplain program for the Air Force."

"The candidates, who are actual seminary students, are on a working tour of five military bases and seven different commands with the 301st FW stop being the fourth of five," he said.

"Here in Fort Worth they see all three components; active, reserve and guard," notes Nicolai. "They also see the different missions of the joint services: Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines and Air Force."

"On a strategic level they see the different capabilities and missions of the Air Force and military at large and how their ministry will differ or vary depending on the mission of the base," he said. "While here they travel to Fort Wolters for some down-range experience to help them identify with the individuals they are going to be ministering to."

"Of course at NAS FTW JRB they see a joint world in a reserve setting and see the total force integration that is occurring here," said Nicolai. "It is a good model and experience to see how the reserves are used in the joint setting."

"For the Chaplain's candidates it is an opportunity for them to see if they feel that this type of ministry is their calling and to experience the military environment they will have a ministry in." Nicolai said. "Of course on our side it is also a chance for us to see if they have the potential for success and if they have suitable skill sets to do ministry in this environment."

"Because of its central location at a joint reserve base there is exposure to the other branches, the National Guard, and the reality of working with the other branches of the military services," said Chaplain (Maj.) Mark McDaniel, 301st FW Chaplain. "They are exposed to a reserve unit mission at a great wing, the 301st Fighter Wing."

"Plus there's its proximity to Patriot Defender, Fort Wolters where they can come out and be exposed to military training," said McDaniel. "With two days out at Fort Wolters the candidates have the opportunity to go through Patriot Defender to give them an orientation for pre-deployment preparation."

Their time at Fort Wolters was spent attending classes on basic land navigation, counter insurgency, improvised explosive devices, triage ministry, post traumatic stress, and combat casualty ministry.

"This year they are going to a number of bases but next year they will be assigned to a permanent active duty base where they will get more tactical exposure so this year is more of a strategic operational preview that orients them to the overall mission of the Air Force and other service components as well."

"The visit here at JRB is critical because it's the joint exposure they receive since this is the future trend of the Air Force and the military in general," said McDaniel. "It seems the gravity is pulling the services to joint basing."

Chaplain (Maj.) Michael Seaman, Officer in Charge of training for the Chaplains said, "exposure to the varied environments on this tour should help the candidates get their tool box ready."

"We are counting on these candidates to provide good pastoral care in the Air Force," said Major Seaman.