Chaplains train at 2011 WAREX

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class True Thao | Maj. Valiant D. Lyte gives the other chaplains a tour of the medical facilities at Contingency Operating Location Freedom during the 2011 Warrior Exercise held here. The 2011 WAREX is one of several major exercises conducted by the U.S. Army Reserve. Lyte is the chaplain for the 345th Combat Support Hospital based out of Jacksonville, Fla.  

FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, UNITED STATES

08.12.2011

Courtesy Story

84th Training Command

By Sgt. Donna Hickman

FORT MCCOY, Wis. - U.S. Army 1st Lt. James Byler and Spc. Christopher Grider, members of the 489th Engineer Battalion of Little Rock, Ark., are participating in the 2011 Warrior Exercise to prepare for possible deployment. But, as an Army chaplain and a chaplain’s assistant, Byler and Grider must train for their unique tasks just a little differently than the rest of their engineer comrades.

While working as a chaplain in theater may seem comparatively easy, it demands much time and responsibility. “I try to stay in contact with as many soldiers as I possibly can. My soldiers know anything they say to me or my assistant is confidential,” says Byler, from Harrison, Ark.

Byler was a tuba player for the 95th Army Reserve Band from 1992-93 and has been a chaplain for only six months. His 21-year-old assistant, Grider, has never before deployed. They meet with other Army chaplains and chaplains in training who are participating in WAREX 78-11-01 to discuss the decisions, procedures, and contingency plans chaplains may have to make in a war zone, Byler and Grider listen intently within the tent used for a chapel.

Maj. Valiant Lyte, Sr., of Company B, 345th Combat Support Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla., facilitates the meeting. Lyte instructs them on the actions chaplains need to take as soon as they place “boots on ground.”

Lyte also describes what happens should a mass casualty occur and the appropriate reaction. This training day they enter the medical facilities. Lyte stresses the necessity of being prepared to offer first rights, assist with ER, and supporting the medics taking care of wounded soldiers.

American soldiers are not the only ones the chaplains must consider. There are friendly as well as enemy forces to serve in combat. Lyte explains that chaplains are to ensure prayer rugs and miniature Qurans are available for wounded Muslims. Likewise, the Torah and the Yamaka must be present for Jewish patients to use.

Grider, from Rison, Ark., knows the gravity of what they could face. He says his biggest concern about a possible upcoming deployment is “being new” with “no deployment experience.”

Chaplains and their assistants’ responsibilities are 24/7. Therefore, stealing sleep at various times is justified. Byler says his biggest challenge so far has been to refrain from internalizing the emotional pain of his soldiers. The issues his soldiers face are usually about family and finances as well as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Of course, suicide is a major issue. Byler says, “We are proactive in suicide prevention. When we hear talk about it, we take it seriously.”

Nevertheless, Byler remains jovial. He says he immerses himself in “the Word” to sustain strength. Furthermore, he says the chaplains support each other by listening to one another.

Grider enjoys being a chaplain’s assistant. He likes that he gets to know a little about many jobs in the Army. What’s more, he recognizes the importance of their job. Grider says he feels as if their two-man team really helps others. At WAREX 78-11-01, he and Byler will become better prepared to confidently serve and protect soldiers’ hearts and minds in and out of the battlefield.

• Date Taken: 08.12.2011
• Date Posted: 08.14.2011 18:48
• Story ID: 75336
• Location: FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, US