THE NEW MEXICO STATE GUARD CHAPLAIN SCHOOL

The week of AUG 23rd, the NMSG CHC will host five days of UMT training at the Belen Armory. In addition to New Mexico soldiers, this combined OBC-AOC program will include military personnel from other states and will focus on "Strong Ministry, Strong Families." For further information regarding reading and assignment requirements, advanced course preparation and graduation standards, please contact CH (LTC) Garfield Jones (NMSG CHC S-1 and Dean of the School) at: joneslcdr@aol.com

Courses will include "Family Readiness and Support, " ESGR, FEMA training, Chaplaincy services n garrison and in the field, State military history, Military protocol, Suicide Prevention, Military Funerals, Weddings in the Military, Military Chaplaincy History, Basic Medic Techniques, Counseling and Ethics, Duties of the Chaplain and UMT, COPS (Community Outreach Program), Public Affairs Overview, "Strong Ministry..Strong Families," Effective Preaching and teaching to Service Members, "leadership, Ethics and Honor" and more. Core texts will include: "US Army Officers' Guide, "Chaplain Fighting the Bullets," "Robert E Lee on LEADERSHIP", "Service Etiquette Guide" (West Point Edition), AR-165-1 for Chaplains, FEMA texts, instructor notes for various classes, video instruction of diverse types. The classes are expressly designed for ministry training, with the theme "Strong ministry, strong families." Any soldier having an interest in serving as a Chaplain or Chaplain Assistant, would profit in the course work. A great deal of reading, research and writing is involved, and each day will be full. We'll have devotions each morning and evening together, with personal sharing time. There will also be PT time. Completion of the course will allow for proper UMT certification, and for FEMA certification. CH (LTC) Garfield Jones serves as Dean of the School. He may be contacted at: joneslcdr@aol.com

The UMT (Unit Ministry Teams) are comprised of both Enlisted soldiers and Officers. We work in tandem, to effectively minister to state and federal soldiers, families, veterans, and civilians. Requirements to serve as a chaplain include the following in the soldiers 201 file:

Ordination
Endorsement
MDiv (Master of Divinity degree, or it's equal)
Copies of all transcripts (college and seminary)
Statement of Intent to serve
Three years experience in ministry
Senior Chaplain Interview
Copies of DD-214 or other records of military service
Law Enforcement check

For those who desire to answer the call, to serve either as a Chaplain or as a Chaplain Assistant, please contact CH (LTC) Tony Fox (NMSG Deputy Chief of Chaplains). He may be contacted directly at (904) 655-9558 or at: coralridgepastor@yahoo.com.

At Ft. Sam Houston, the words are seen daily by soldiers, "You only have one chance...to make a first great impression." The New Mexico State Guard is now "the tip of the spear" in state military. In the upcoming SGAUS meeting in OCT, state military personnel from across the Nation will visit New Mexico, and view our military program. Led by COL Shull, this team has indeed, "One chance to make a first great impression." In doing so, we will inspire, teach, learn and interchange ideas with other state military entities. What a GREAT opportunity to impact our Nation, in a sterling, good and positive way! God bless you all!

LTC Jeff Burnsed