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Intangible support

Clergy, medics work together

Medical personnel, chaplains and their assistants trained together in treating injured soldiers during a medevac familiarization exercise. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

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A cyclone of dust encircled a chaplain, his assistant and two medics as they moved a litter toward a powered up Black Hawk helicopter.

Communication proved difficult over the roar. The coordination, however, between the clergy and the medics in loading the soldier unto the aircraft headed for a medical facility, proved unsurpassed.

"They're doing alright," yelled Sgt. Andre Gonzalez, a medic with 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, over the sound and fury of the Black Hawk.

"They learn very well."

Moments later, the helicopter lifted off, leaving only dust to settle.

CH (Capt.) Kris McCarley, 7th ID, checks on Spc. Melissa Vitela, 2nd Brigade, 2nd ID, during training between Unit Ministry Teams and medical personnel. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson
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Last Thursday, brigade chaplains and their assistants (known as Unit Ministry Teams) assigned to the 7th Infantry Division, partnered with medical personnel from 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, to participate in a one-day medical evacuation familiarization training exercise designed to familiarize them with how to help combat medics.

Lt. Col. Jimmy Nichols commands the 7th Division's Unit Ministry Teams, or UMTs.

"We provide for the well-being of the soldiers; their faith does not matter," explained CH (Maj.) Pinkie Fischer before the training began.

"Our role on the battlefield has expanded.  Besides bearing witness, we facilitate key leader engagements and assistance to medics working with the wounded."

The 7th ID's chaplains also play a role as soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord participate in Pacific Pathways 2016.

"There has been an emphasis on humanitarian missions and interoperability between different countries' militaries," explained CH (Capt.) Kris McCarley.

"With the mission of sustained readiness, our training dovetails nicely with Pacific Pathways."  

After a briefing, the 40 soldiers involved with the training separated into four groups that rotated every 20 minutes from a front line ambulance (FLA) and medical evacuation vehicle (MEV) to the Black Hawk and a communications center.

The training scenario was direct.

American and South Korean forces had engaged North Korean troops.  Medics had been overwhelmed with wounded soldiers and needed help; chaplains and their assistants were called upon.  

The training intensified.

At every training station, ministerial and medical soldiers worked together to stabilize, care for, and prepare the simulated wounded soldiers for airlift.

The Black Hawk from the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade touched down again, bringing with it another gritty storm.

"We provide a sense of intangible support to the wounded, and we can also be a great help to the medics," said CH (Capt.) Dan Herring, as he prepared to pick up a litter.

"This training is great hands-on training for us and the medics."

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