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Chaplain candidates keep the faith during intense Air Force experience

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shane Ellis
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
CHARLESTON, S.C. --  Thirty chaplain candidates, participating in the Air Force Chaplain Candidate Intensive Internship Program, arrived here July 24.

Charleston AFB was the second stop for the candidates. They are touring five bases in four and a half weeks.

The CCIIP tour is structured to give the candidates an in-depth overview of Air Force chaplains and how they serve in the context of ministry to the military.

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Steve Nicolai, Chaplain Candidate Intensive Internship Program director for Air Force Reserve Command, leads the program. Assisting Chaplain Nicolai with the program are three additional chaplains and five chaplain assistants with AFRC.

The eight-day Charleston tour is a combined effort by Chaplain Nicolai and his staff working with the 315th Airlift Wing Chaplains Office and Public Affairs Office.

"The multi-level exposure the candidates receive during the tour is unparalleled," said Chaplain Nicolai. "The tour challenges motivation, and we want our chaplain candidates excited about the day-to-day diversity of Air Force service. The ultimate goal of the program is to reappoint chaplains in to the Air Force chaplain service upon graduation from seminary."

Prior to their tour, the chaplain candidates completed the five-week Commissioned Officer Training program at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., were they learned Air Force customs and courtesies and Air Force history.

After completing COT, the candidates completed two weeks training at the Air Force Chaplain Corps College at Fort Jackson, S.C. During their two weeks of training at the college, the candidates experienced what it is like to be an Air Force chaplain. They reviewed Air Force expectations, deployment opportunities, unit ministry and other Air Force obligations.

"The candidates are mentored by field grade officers while at the college," said Chaplain (Maj.) Jason Peters, the Basic Chaplain Course director with the Air Force Chaplain Corps College. "Their mentors give them guidance, answer questions, and help lay the foundation for them to become an Air Force chaplain."

While visiting Charleston, the candidates were briefed by top leaders from the 315th AW, witnessed a demonstration of a military working dog, completed casualty ramp ceremony training on a C-17 Globemaster III, visited the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, and experienced local historical churches.

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Carl Yost and Chaplain (Maj.) John M. Painter with the 315th AW interacted daily with the candidates during the Charleston tour. They shared their experiences of chaplain life on base and while deployed. Both made it their mission to fan the flame within each candidate and ignite the fire they will need to meet the demands of today's Air Force chaplains.

"It's all about the exposure the candidates get while on the tour," said Chaplain Yost. "I love the opportunity to share with them the dynamics of being an Air Force chaplain and how my 25 years of experience relates to the Air Force mission today."

After the tour, the chaplain candidates will continue to pursue their seminary education with the hopes of eventually becoming Air Force chaplains.

The next phase in their lives is critical for their overall mental and spiritual development to become an Air Force chaplain, said Chaplain Painter.

"Most events involving an Air Force chaplain are significant rituals in the life of the base community: weddings, critical illness, funeral/memorial services, etc.," he said. "We can't re-do an individual's last days, wedding or funeral, so we must prepare well in advance. We only have one chance to do it right. We have to be ready, always."

Chaplain Nicolai said the program continues to grow, and the tour is packed with meaning, wisdom and hope.

"It's really a dynamic program," said Chaplain Nicolai. "We have a great opportunity to help mold and mentor the character and core values of their professional and military lives. We may even help develop the future leader of the Air Force Chaplain Corps."

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