Photo By Sgt. Danielle Rodrigues | Capt. Peter Adams (right), chaplain, leads Soldiers from Companies A and C, 2nd...... read more read more
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FORT IRWIN, Calif. - As indirect fire rained from above and small arms fire popped in the distance, medics were treating the wounded and caring for the remains of those “killed” in the ongoing battle in the town of Ujen.
Running from patient to patient, speaking to each and consoling them in a manner befitting of their respective faiths, was Capt. Peter Adams, chaplain, in the middle of his first rotation at the National Training Center here.
“I expected it to be extremely fast and furious – very ‘go, go, go,’” recalled Adams, chaplain for the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “The expectation from my superiors is that I’m there, praying for the individuals as they’re coming through [the aid station].”
Adams, a native of Kenai, Alaska, said his enlisted career as a quartermaster and chemical equipment repairer helped prepare him for the NTC rotation, but ministering and counseling Soldiers in the box was another lesson.
“The most encouraging thing was that Soldiers consistently welcomed me and the unit ministry teams into their lives and we were able to conduct services, and that we were able to accomplish our mission to support, advise and lead,” said Adams.
Besides educational requirements, chaplains must be certified by a recognized faith group prior to becoming a chaplain in the Army, and must have been interviewed by a chaplain colonel, said Chaplain (Maj.) Jamison Bowman, 1st ABCT.
Chaplaincy on the battlefield works differently than it would for a civilian minister. Chaplains are often embedded with medics at an aid station so that services can be rendered as wounded troops arrive for treatment.
A battalion consisting of several different companies means hundreds of Soldiers with different faiths, and it is the responsibility of a single chaplain to provide services to each of these individuals.
“Chaplains must be able to accommodate any faith group; this allows use to ensure that all Soldiers have the ability to freely exercise their religion,” said Bowman. “This is what really sets us apart from civilian ministers.”
Adams has no regrets about leaving behind his more combat-oriented role for one as a non-combatant ministering to Soldiers.
“My faith conviction is that God will use me, in this situation, more so as a comfort and religious guide than as a warrior,” said Adams. “I fight a different battle.”
Although a Christian by practice, Adams has no problem serving troops from different spiritual backgrounds.
“One of the great things about being a Protestant is that when someone is wounded or hurt, it’s not about what my faith is, it’s about what their faith is,” said Adams. “With a Jewish soldier, I was able to pray the Shamad out of the Old Testament, and there are Muslim prayers to Allah that don’t violate my faith at all.”
Spc. Daniel Santos, an infantryman with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st ABCT, is also acting in a different role during this rotation.
As the chaplain’s assistant, Santos was able see the battle from a different angle, he said
“I got to really get to know chaplain Adams as we practiced ‘react to contact’ drills and different ways of doing ministry in the field,” said Santos, “He goes above and beyond to raise morale, and inspired me to return to Sunday services.”
Adams says that he learned to focus on the operational tempo during the rotation.
“I learned to recognize lulls in the battle for when we can minister the best, and better ways of understanding where I need to be - when I need to be there,” said Adams.
The “singing chaplain,” as Soldiers know him for his guitar playing and singing, brings enthusiasm and a constant presence to battalion Soldiers.
“Adams has an explosive energy that cannot be taught,” said Bowman. “I think the Chaplain Corps does well to include younger chaplains like Adams, who are able to bring God to Soldiers, and Soldiers to God,” said Bowman.
Besides leading religious services, Army chaplains provide advice in matters pertaining to religion, morals and morale. They provide confidential counseling for Soldiers, lead workshops and advise commanders. Chaplains also officiate at military ceremonies, funerals and memorials.
Adams has a very simple goal, he said.
“My philosophy is ‘everything for one,’” said Adams. “I would give everything I have to minister to Soldiers, and that happened out there. I do this because I believe the best way I can serve is to be out there with Soldiers.”
| Date Taken: | 10.11.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.10.2015 12:39 |
| Story ID: | 181586 |
| Location: | FORT IRWIN, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 89 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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