As CHBOLC fast approaches, I continue to prepare emotionally, mentally and spiritually. But there is one area that I have least enjoyed preparing for – Physical Preparation. Since beginning this Chaplaincy journey, I have lost around 60 pounds and pushed my body to the limit in the meantime. And to be perfectly honest, I DETEST RUNNING!
I have been asked many questions about joining the Army. The most common deal with my expectations concerning physical matters. “So, are you going to have to go to basic?” Well, yes and no. Chaplains receive a crash course in the Army for the first 4 weeks of training. It is during this time that we learn how to be in the Army. But let me tell you, this is no cake walk. I am not only a Chaplain in the US Army, I am also an officer. I have been commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant and must adhere to those standards.
“So what’s up with title?” you might be asking. APFT stands for the Army Physical Fitness Test. I must both take and pass the APFT to continue in the Army, and I must continue to take and pass the APFT for the rest of my career. The APFT consists of three parts: 2-mile run, sit-ups and push-ups. To pass, I must score a 60% in each of the areas, not 60% as a whole. Therefore, as a 27 year old male the minimum standard is as follows: 2-mile run – 17:00; sit-ups – 45; push-ups – 38. My goal is to reach 90+% in all these categories by the end of CHBOLC, and this will be a mighty task.
On Wednesday, I went and “practiced” the 2 mile run. I ran anywhere between 2.1 and 2.33 miles in about 15 minutes and 32 seconds. This comes out to a 14 min 46 sec or 13 min 25 sec two-mile run. I just hope my distances aren’t off.
I type all this to make this point: Chaplains that serve in the military are not “light weights.” We are held to officer standards and must maintain our physical ability to perform. Where the troops go, so does the Chaplain. When praying for Chaplain, remember their families and spiritual, mental and emotional strength. BUT PLEASE, don’t forget to pray for their physical strength as well.
