RAF CHAPLAINCY
One aspect of reservist chaplaincy that I really enjoy is the variety. I have my full-time role of school chaplain and then, about 35 days a year I serve as an RAF chaplain. A typical year includes serving on two or three different stations – the past year has seen me at a rotary station( RAF Odiham) and at RAF Honington, home of the RAF Regiment and RAF Police. I have also been at RAF Leeming refreshing basic military skills and RAF Shawbury meeting with reservist chaplain colleagues. It’ s hard to get across how varied all of this can be – one time you are enjoying a formal mess dinner, another you are leading a training session, next it is visiting personnel out on exercise and enjoying the delights of a 24 hour ration pack … I love it all. Even the ration pack!
A particularly special aspect of reservist chaplaincy is that you find yourself alongside a huge range of colleagues whether regular or reserve: coming from many different churches and faiths, with a vast mix of experience. The gatherings of chaplains are always an enjoyable and inspiring time whether on a training course, or praying together, or enjoying a meal and drink in good company. I have learned so much from my colleagues, and continue to do so.
Rabbi Samuel, Padre Kevin and Padre Ashley at RAF Halton
Then there is the pay and pension offering – this is significant and reflects the value placed on reservist chaplains both by the RAF and the Chaplains’ Branch. Over and above that is the continuing ministerial education that is on offer – entirely free – and I have found this to be of the very best quality.
To sum up …
I mentioned before that I am a school chaplain – and, like school chaplaincy, military chaplaincy is embedded in a generally young organisation. Working with young people is something that I have always valued and, having come to faith myself as a young person, I recognise the impact that we can have on those we serve.
I can honestly say that, if I knew then in 2013 what I know now, I would wholeheartedly embrace the challenge and joy of reservist chaplaincy. I look forward to the coming years with expectation.
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