Transcript MEPS CHAPLAIN MINISTRY - In Pursuit! Ministries of California

MEPS VOLUNTEER CHAPLAIN
MINISTRY
MEPS CHAPLAIN
MINISTRY
What to Know About MEPS Chaplaincy
By
Chaplain, Dr. Michael G. Marshall
Senior Chaplain, Milwaukee MEPS
International Representative, Armed Forces Baptist Missions
Commander, United States Operational Support Command
WHAT DOES “MEPS” STAND
FOR?
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MEPS stands for Military Entrance Processing
Station
Each individual processing station is a MEPS station
All MEPS stations are commanded by either a
western sector or eastern sector headquarters
Both eastern and western headquarters are
commander by USMEPCOM
HOW THE MEPS ARE ORGANIZED
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The command for the MEPS is USMEPCOM
(United States Military Entrance Processing
Command) located at Great Lakes Naval
Base, Illinois.
USMEPCOM is also the headquarters for the
Eastern Sector and Western Sector of
MEPCOM. Each sector has their own
commander answering to the commander of
USMEPCOM.
HOW TO FIND A MEPS STATION
AND INFORMATION ABOUT IT
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Access the MEPCOM website at
www.mepcom.army.mil.
Then on the page select “MEPS – Military Entrance
Processing Stations.”
This will bring up a map with all MEPS locations.
Click on the one you want.
This site will give you a commander’s biography,
picture and the address, phone number and email
information of the MEPS station.
USMEPCOM SITE
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Among the contact information found here is
a video entitled “A Day At The MEPS.” This
is worth watching to understand what goes on
in a day to process applicants.
www.mepcom.army.mil
Steps to Enlistment & Where We Send Them To…
Great Lakes, IL
Cape May. NJ
Ft. Knox, KY
Ft. Leonard Wood, MO
San Diego, CA
Parris Island, SC
Ft. Sill, OK
Ft. Benning, GA
Lackland AFB, TX
Ship
Applicants
Enlist
. . . . . . 10 Training Centers Nationwide
Administratively Process
Medically Examine
Aptitudinally Test
Ft. Jackson, SC
Serve Our
Partners
Daily Snapshot
HOTEL
OPERATIONS
TESTING
0400 APPLICANT WAKE UP
0445-0515 INITIAL BRIEF
& CHECK IN
0530 SAME DAY PROCESSOR (TESTING)
(MON & MISSION DAYS)
0415-0445 BREAKFAST
1000 SPECIAL TESTING
1500 START TIME FOR NIGHT TESTING
(MON-THURS)
MEDICAL
OPERATIONS
0600 SHIPPER/INSPECT PROCESSING
1100 SHIPPER PROJECTIONS DUE (FOR NEXT DAY)
0630 PHYSICALS BEGIN
1300 REGULAR PROJECTIONS DUE
0830 SPECIAL PHYSICALS
1600 PROCESSING CUT-OFF
1600 HOLD-OVER PROJECTIONS DUE
OATH OF ENLISTMENT CEREMONIES: EVERY HOUR
AND A HALF FROM 1030-1630 OR SPECIALS AS NEEDED
HISTORY OF THE MEPS
VOLUNTEER CHAPLAIN PROGRAM
(MVCP)
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The MEPS Volunteer Chaplain Program
started in March 2004. Chaplain Dr. Mike
Marshall was the second chaplain nationwide
to be placed into the chaplain slot at the
Milwaukee MEPS.
HISTORY OF THE MVCP CON’T
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Marshall then proposed a full coverage
concept to MEPCOM to built a chaplain team
to have chaplains on duty 5 days a week and
on call after hours and on weekends to give a
24/7/365 coverage for the MEPS personnel
and inductees.
HISTORY OF THE MVCP CON’T
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His idea was accepted. He then recruited an
additional 6 chaplains to work in this capacity.
These were all unpaid volunteers. Duty
rosters were set up and hours kept for onsite
and on call hours for reporting purposes. The
chaplain team was cited by the Inspector
General team specifically as a positive
resource adding to the organizational climate.
See next slide for copy of said letter.
HISTORY OF THE MVCP CON’T
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Since that time other MEPS stations have
taken on these chaplains in locations such as
Detroit, Denver, Harrisburg, Shreveport, Los
Angeles, and others. The Milwaukee chaplain
team has become a paradigm for chaplain
coverage among the 65 MEPS nationwide.
HISTORY OF THE MVCP CON’T
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As a result of this service the 347th Air Force
Recruiting Squadron has used chaplain
Marshall to cover their chaplain needs as well.
The squadron covers a large area of Illinois,
Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of
Michigan.
THE LEGAL BASIS FOR THE
PROGRAM
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Army regulation 165-1 provides for volunteer
work in the MEPS for religious purposes.
A volunteer does not have to belong to any
NFE (Non Federal Entity) first to do such
work for the MEPS on a volunteer basis.
MISSION OF THE CHAPLAIN
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Provide direct ministry to the USMEPCOM
personnel and families
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Provide ministry support to applicants during
processing in MEPS facilities
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Enhance the Wellness and Readiness
program
SUPPORT MINISTRY
Ministry of Presence- Available on-site or telephonically
when needs arise
Crisis Ministry - Response to assaults, suicide
(actual or attempted), shootings, or injury.
Healthcare Ministry- Support for situations involving
illness, hospitalization, or drug abuse treatment
Family Ministry - Available for religious counseling and guidance,
and a resource for referrals
Military Counseling- Provide guidance to military personnel on
conduct and its affect on career
SUPPORT MINISTRY CON’T
Disciplinary Ministry- Provide direct ministry
to service member in situations of
disciplinary action, including visits to
confinement facilities. Provide additional
support to family members.
Supplemental Ministry- Provide referrals of
clergy, religious groups and supporting
agencies for other military personnel
(recruiters, liaisons and support staff).
HOW TO BECOME A MEPS
CHAPLAIN
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Anyone who is clergy can approach the
MEPS commander about becoming a MEPS
chaplain.
This is not advised however, since many
MEPS commanders are not aware they can
have chaplains that are volunteer in nature.
WHAT HAS WORKED FOR US
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We have been successful by issuing a letter from the
Milwaukee MEPS Chaplain for the prospective
MEPS chaplain to the respective MEPS commander.
This letter includes an introduction to the MEPS
Volunteer Chaplain Program and information
concerning the prospective chaplain along with the
chaplain’s biography. This then is approved by the
Milwaukee MEPS commander to be emailed and/or
mailed to the other commander.
WHAT HAS WORKED FOR US con’t.
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The prospective applicant then should wait 710 days and call the MEPS station to see if he
can arrange an appointment to meet the
commander.
The commander will either take you on board
or tell you he doesn’t need a chaplain.
He may first want to contact the Milwaukee
commander or MEPCOM for clarification
concerning the program.
WHAT HAS WORKED FOR US con’t.
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If the commander is interested, give him a
realistic amount of time you can volunteer
each week and your availability per
telephone. That should be a 24/7 availability
per phone.
CHAPLAIN AS STAFF OFFICER
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In the military the chaplain is a staff officer
and present at commanders staff meetings.
This may or may not be extended to you as a
MEPS chaplain. If it is, then participate in the
meeting.
CHAPLAIN UNIFORM WEAR AT
THE MEPS
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The commander determines what he may or
may not want a chaplain to wear while
ministering at the MEPS. Some chaplains may
belong to civilian organizations as the
USOSC (United States Operational Support
Command). The commander may allow
uniform wear of this type.
CHAPLAIN UNIFORM WEAR AT
THE MEPS CON’T
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The uniform should always conform to the
uniform standards set by the organization it
represents in a proper fashion. This includes
appropriate awards, ribbons and unit patches.
Chaplains should avoid wearing any active
duty military patches or unit markings unless
specifically designated by the MEPS
commander.
CHAPLAIN UNIFORM WEAR AT
THE MEPS CON’T
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Improper unit patch wear could result in
dismissal from the MEPS chaplaincy or your
sponsoring organization.
TRAINING DAYS
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MEPS station periodically have training days
either monthly or quarterly. They usually
occur on Fridays or Mondays. If you are
invited to these you may be asked to take part
by addressing the troops or teaching a lesson
on how to reduce stress or some such subject.
COMMANDER’S CALL
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The Air Force commanders have a
commander’s call. This is when the
commander may arrange training, instruction
or days of recognition. If invited you may be
asked to briefly address the troops on some
subject.
PRAYING AT PUBLIC EVENTS
This area has been a problem among Bible
believers in the military chaplaincy. This was
seen recently in the case of the Navy
chaplain who was disciplined for the
problem. “Jesus name” usually is
discouraged from use and a generic name
used for deity or God. This clashes with
Biblical mandates for Bible believing people.
HOW TO PRAY AT PUBLIC
EVENTS WITHOUT COMPROMISE
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Chaplain Mike Marshall, Milwaukee MEPS chaplain, has
used a prayer form concept for a number of years with
Army, Air Force Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Joint
Services events. He has had no problems or repercussions
praying in Jesus name when done this way. He has actually
been commended by commanders for thinking of a way to
pray but not excluding others in the audience. It does not
exclude others from other faiths to pray, but encourages
them to do so while he prays the way he is commanded to
pray. The next slide features a sample prayer using this
technique.
HOW TO PRAY AT PUBLIC
EVENTS WITHOUT COMPROMISE
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This method does not exclude others from
other faiths to pray, but encourages them to do
so while the chaplain prays the way he is
commanded to pray. The next slide features a
sample prayer using this technique.
HOW TO PRAY AT PUBLIC
EVENTS WITHOUT COMPROMISE
Sample introduction, remarks and prayer:
Today we have here people from many different faith
groups and religions. Since I have been asked today
lead in prayer, I ask you to pray in the way your faith
group prays silently or in a subdued manner while I
lead in prayer the way my faith group prays.
Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In Jesus name, Amen.
COUNSELING WITH INDUCTEES
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Legally MEPS chaplains are not allowed to
encourage or discourage inductees to join or
abort their intent to join the military. You may
help them explore their options but the choice
must be theirs or legal ramifications can result
with the command for your actions.
COUNSELING WITH PERSONNEL
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Be careful not to get caught in between personnel
and the commander. You may listen to any
complaints, etc. but be careful about your answer
that could wrongly quoted by the said personnel
such as: “The chaplain agreed with me that the
commander is out of line,” could be used against
you when you never meant it that way. Others
usually hear what they want to hear so make it clear
what you mean. It is best to listen and not comment
substantially.
THE BIBLE AND GOSPEL TRACTS
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Your commander may allow you to pass out
Bibles and literature. Remember you cannot
force or coerce any applicant to take a bible or
literature or to converse with you.
THE BIBLE AND GOSPEL TRACTS
CON’T
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In the view of the MEPS mission, applicants
are not there for purposes of evangelism.
Evangelistic opportunities will present
themselves often. This then can be done in the
proper time and setting with the applicant’s
permission.
THE BIBLE AND GOSPEL TRACTS
CON’T
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The inductees are there for the MEPS
mission, be inducted into the U.S. Armed
Services. Stay out of the way so MEPS
personnel can do their job. Work around the
MEPS task and mission. Be flexible.
THE BIBLE AND GOSPEL TRACTS
CON’T
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Remember where you are. This is not your
church and you don’t command this place, the
commander does.
Pray and the Lord will open the opportunities
for soul winning if you remain alert to the
situation.
THE BIBLE AND GOSPEL TRACTS
CON’T
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Gideon’s personnel have been in many of the MEPS
for years. They are permitted to pass out Bibles only.
Gideon’s are not allowed to pass out any literature
such as tracts and are not allowed to counsel with
military personnel as does the chaplain.
Gideon’s sometimes are turf conscious and may
resent the fact you can do things they are not allowed
to do here.
In some cases they are made reportable to the MEPS
chaplain depending upon the commander.
THE BIBLE AND GOSPELTRACTS
CON’T
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Ordinarily Gideons hand out a pocket version
of the NKJV in desert camo. They no longer
print the pocket version in KJV.
They do however print a KJV in a whole
Bible that is hardbound similar to ones found
in motel/hotel rooms.
Sometimes they will supply you with the
whole Bible or even the NKJV pocket
versions if you choose.
THE BIBLE AND GOSPEL TRACTS
CON’T
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Bibles will be hard to keep stocked so use
people like Bearing Precious Seed and other
organizations to obtain Bibles for the troops.
Avoid gospel tracts on issues like Christmas
Trees, rock music and other such things. You
have one shot to reach them so keep it on
salvation. Use your head. This is not a church.
SWEARING IN CEREMONY
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A swearing in ceremony is a very solemn event.
Parents and friends are invited to join the applicant
in a special room set aside for that purpose.
They will be allowed to take pictures
The room will usually be one with red carpet the
military logos for each service on the wall and the
American and service branch flags. The Army flag
will contain a plethora of battle ribbons on its staff.
CELL PHONES ON THE MEPS
FLOOR
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Cell phones are not usually allowed when you
are on the MEPS floor. This is for security
reasons and for purposes to protect
information and/or test answers from being
exchanged electronically. If you cell phone
rings or you need to make a call go outside or
to an acceptable location inside the building.
MINISTRY OF PRESENCE
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While at the MEPS practice a ministry of
presence. Move around and visit the different
branch offices letting them know who you
are.
Stay out of the way while work is going on
but you can converse with personnel when
they are able.
Try to touch bases with everyone that you can
where practical.
CAUTIONS
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Never lead people to believe or imply that you
are Department of Defense personnel.
Always be forthright letting them know you
are a MEPS volunteer chaplain.
You do however, provide a service for the
Department of Defense by volunteering your
services at your respective MEPS station.
SUGGESTED MEPS TEAM
MINISTRY SCHEDULING
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During the on site duty day the chaplain is
responsible for that day from 0800 to the next day at
0800 (24 hours). He may serve 4 hours on site
during that time. He then has 4 onsite hours and 20
on call (standby) hours. Each chaplain should do
duty weekends being on call. That is a 48 hour on
call (standby) period and would be reported as
such.
TEAM MINISTRY HOURLY
REPORTS
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For reporting purposes the totals may look like the example
below:
144 onsite hours annually
1346 on call (Weekends and weekdays) hours annually
_____________________________________________
TOTAL: 1,490 combined onsite and on call hours
MILITARY CHAPLAINS
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Military chaplains from nearby bases may
provide coverage for the local MEPS making
it unnecessary for you to minister there.
Chaplains can be very “turf conscious” about
volunteer chaplains for a number of reasons.
Some reason are valid.
Any time they question your ministry there
make it plain you are not there to replace them
but to “supplement” their coverage only.
MILITARY CHAPLAINS CON’T
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Sometimes civilian chaplains are employed as
“contract chaplains.”
The military chaplain may feel threatened by
this.
Inform them you are not a contract chaplain
but there to supplement only.
RANK STRUCTURE OF THE ARMED
SERVICES
by Rod Powers, About.com
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Three terms are important when discussing
authority and responsibility in the military:
rank, rate, and grade. A military member's
"rank" determines their status and authority in
comparison to other military members. The
Navy/Coast Guard calls it "rate," for enlisted
sailors. The other services refer to it as "rank."
RANK STRUCTURE CON’T
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Grade" is used for personnel and pay functions.
Military personnel across the services receive the
same base pay, based on their rank and time-inservice. But as the "ranks" are named differently in
different services, so save confusion, "grade" is used.
For example, the lowest enlisted rank in the Air
Force is called "Airman Basic." That person is in the
grade of E-1, and receives the same basic pay as an
E-1 in the Army, who has the "rank" of "Private." An
E-2 in the Air Force is termed "Airman."
RANK STRUCTURE CON’T
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He/she is in the same pay grade as an E-2 in
the Marine Corps, which is a "Private First
Class." The "E-2" indicates they are one step
above the lowest enlisted rank (E-1 is lowest,
E-2 is next, E-3, E-4, etc., all the way up to E9), no matter what their "rank" is called by
their respective branch of service.
RANK STRUCTURE CON’T
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There are three general categories of
rank/rate: Enlisted personnel, Warrant
Officers, and Commissioned Officers.
RANK STRUCTURE CON’T
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All commissioned officers "out-rank" all
warrant officers and enlisted members. All
warrant officers "outrank" all enlisted
members.
RANK STRUCTURE CON’T
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In other words, a brand new commissioned
officer in the grade of O-1, would "out-rank"
a grisly old Army Sergeant Major, in the grade
of E-9 (however, any 2nd lieutenant stupid
enough to unnecessarily "pull rank" on such
would quickly find him/herself having a talk
with his/her own boss).
RANK STRUCTURE CON’T
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To view the rank structure insignias please
visit the site at usmilitary.about.com and
download the charts for your files.
HOW TO ADDRESS ENLISTED
PERSONNEL
HOW TO ADDRESS WARRANT
OFFICERS
HOW TO ADDRESS OFFICERS