10 Things I learned at RMTEX

After returning from the 'field' (ok...it was two miles from my hotel room) for four days, I now have ample time to reflect on what I've learned in RMTEX. What is RMTEX? A new drug? No! RMTEX stands for Religious Ministry Team Exercise. Essentially, it's what happens when you put twenty chaplains, twenty five RPs (Religious Program Specialists), and one Gunnery Sergeant out in the woods for four days. The result? Pain....and lots of it, exhaustion, and lots of it, team work...and lots of it....and, at times, hilarity.

So here are the top ten things I learned at RMTEX:

10. It's a bad sign when the Gunnery Sergeant is smiling....it's worse when they are whistling...if they hum to themselves...your life insurance better be paid up

9. It is possible for men to give birth....to an MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) baby

8. Two portajohns and fifty people are not a good combination

7. NEVER TAKE YOUR GAS MASK OFF IN THE GAS CHAMBER

6. It's not the heights that will kill you...it's falling from them that will

5. Changing your underwear can be the best feeling in the world (especially when you haven't done it for days)

4. Chaplains should NEVER fly a helicopter...or drive a boat.

3. NEVER TAKE YOUR GAS MASK OF IN THE GAS CHAMBER

2. Sending teams of RPS and Chaplains out into the woods to find points can lead to a lot of laughter...from the Gunnery Sergeant

and the number one thing I learned from RMTEX:

1. I didn't have near the amount of respect for soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines that I ought to have had. We went out and worked hard for four days. These men and women work hard, endure so much, and put out an incredible effort. If you see anyone in uniform serving your country, THANK THEM, for all they do and all they've been through to keep all of us safe.