Publication:Navy Annual 2005/Navy Chaplains Training as Well as Praying!
BY CHAPLAIN GARY LOCKE, RAN
The Australian Defence Force Chaplains' College located at Latchford Barracks, Bonegilla, was officially opened in November 2003. The College's vision is to be the centre of excellence for the training and education of military chaplains.
However, before chaplains attend the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Chaplains' College, they, like all Navy officers, must complete the New Entry Officers Course (NEOC). This can come as something of surprise to chaplains who may be twice age of most NEOCs.
Three chaplains have completed NEOC, Chaplains Barry Porter, Russell smith and John Marshall. Chaplains Christie Seniri and Darren Hinde are currently undergoing NEOC. Their reflections on NEOC make interesting reading. The issues they faced included making the transition from being the head of a volunteer organisation to a member of a squad and being ordered to march around; being an older mature person with children the same age or similar to NEOC midshipmen; working, eating, and interacting alongside these young people in such a structured setting; discovering fitness levels they never thought possible, and being extremely grateful for the support of Physical training instructors and HMAS Creswell staff to make that transition.
Russell smith said, "Coming into the Navy as a mature professional was a wrench from my former life. Living my life to someone else's timetable was the biggest adjustment and the greatest challenge. Debate will and should continue about whether to send mature officers on NEOC for 22 weeks. Personally I have never forgotten the fun, the camaraderie, and the life-changing experience that is NEOC."
Following NEOC, chaplains must complete the Chaplains Division One Course at the ADF Chaplains' College.
The four-week Division One course is a transition course from civilian to military ministry. The military is not just a different church community or parish. It is a different culture with its own rules, language and lifestyle, which creates a unique environment in which to minister.
The chaplains are trained in pastoral care, providing pastoral and ethical advice, planning and delivering chaplaincy services and conducting and facilitating religious observances and practices. Following the course a task book must be completed within twelve months. A Diploma of Public safety (Defence Chaplaincy) is then awarded.
Along with the specific chaplains training at the College, Navy chaplains must also complete the Junior Officer leadership Course (JOlC), the Asist suicide intervention course, CMs (Critical incident Management), and other staff and specific skill courses in order to advance as chaplains.
The training continuum for chaplains is comprehensive and prepares them for the very demanding world of military operations, where their services are just a phone call away.
