Commentary - The Chaplain Corps is a resource for spiritual & mental readiness Published March 15, 2011 By Chaplain (Capt.) James Galyon NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Military members are tasked with demanding work schedules, traveling downrange to confront matters of life-and-death and spending a great deal of time separated from their loved ones. For those who are unprepared, dealing with these circumstances can be terribly overwhelming. This is why the Air Force expects its personnel not only to be technically and physically ready to accomplish the mission, but also mentally and spiritually ready. According to Air Force Instruction 36-2618, the Enlisted Force Structure, particular issues such as low quality of life, high levels of stress and marital problems can detract from mental readiness. These issues can prevent individuals from focusing on the mission, diminish motivation, erode a positive attitude and reduce quality of work, all of which negatively impact mission accomplishment. It is the duty of all Airmen to take positive steps to resolve these readiness issues in a responsible manner. Airmen also must be alert for signs of substance abuse, depression, suicide and post-combat stress, both in themselves and others. For each of these areas, Airmen should seek assistance, as needed, through their chain of command, chaplain or other appropriate referral agency. Closely related to mental readiness is the issue of spiritual readiness. The Air Force defines spiritual readiness as the development of those personal qualities needed to help a person through times of stress, hardship and tragedy. According to the spiritual readiness AFI, spiritual readiness may or may not include religious activities. Though religion and spirituality are terms which people often use interchangeably, there is a distinction between the two. Spirituality, in its narrowest sense, is associated closely with the subjective elements of transcendent reality and belief-systems. Spirituality always exists within religious belief-systems, but it may also exist apart from them. Spiritual issues include the meaning of life, human nature, faith, hope, love, forgiveness, understanding and the after-life. Psychological health is related intimately with spirituality because these elements of belief generally affect how well one copes with stress, hardship and tragedy. All Chaplains serving in the Air Force have, at minimum, a master's degree focusing on spiritual issues and are expert resources to assist Airmen in fulfilling their responsibilities to be spiritually ready. Members of the Chaplain Corps always stand ready to provide care to Airmen and their families with absolute privileged communication. To speak to a chaplain during duty hours, contact the Nellis Chapel at 652-2950. To speak to the duty chaplain after duty hours, contact the command post at 652-2446.
