Week 1 - Day 6 (Friday)

Week one is almost in the books. Today was just our second day in uniform with temperatures soaring to near 98 degrees. In the picture below you will see that we all have our trousers unbloused and our sleeves uncuffed. We were instructed to do this so as not to overheat. We also have to carry our canteens with us at all times in order to stay hydrated. This picture is of second platoon out of five. We began our day with several hours of lecture concerning sexual harassment and equal opportunity. the rest of the day was spent learning how to march as a platoon. At the end of the day we a had a marching competition with my platoon taking second place.
Tomorrow (Saturday) we are scheduled to repel off of victory tower, a 40 ft wall, so I am very excited. We have the day off until 2:40 when we have to report.

Click on the red letters below to get a preview of of what victory tower will be like:

VICTORY TOWER

Week 1 - Day 5 (Thursday)

Today I was blessed by starting my morning at 4:45 with a PT test. This was a diagnostic test to determine our beginning condition. I was required to do:
34 push-ups, I did 45
38 sit-ups, I did 39
two miles in 18:18, I did it in 15:07

So, I passed - by the skin of my teach. Hopefully, by the end of this course, I will be able to do much better.

This picture is of my friend Kirk Kay. We first met online through his blog (Chaplain Ken)
Today was our first day wearing the uniform. It was good finally to have everyone's last names to see and their rank as well. Many of the student are chaplain candidates and have not finished seminary yet, so they cannot wear the cross on their chests yet and are not called "chaplains", but are referred to by their rank. The rest of us are simply called "Chaplain" regardless of our rank.

Pictured below is myself with another "Olson". He is a candidate and therefore has no cross on his uniform. When he returns to school next year, he will then be a first lieutenant and be able to wear the cross. He is a great guy and I look forward to serving with him someday.
It is good to finally wear the uniform. It is one more step to finally feeling like I am really in the Army. It still feels like I am in a seminary class however, but hopefully soon the reality of what is ahead will really begin to set in.

Week 1 - Day 4 (Wednesday)

Today we continued administrative processing. We began at 4:15 at the school house after which I was shipped off to the dentist. After 4 1/2 hours in the dentist office, I then went to the Legal Office to do a will and power of attorney which took another four hours. Finally, we went back to the school house to prepare for tomorrow which took another couple of hours. All total, the day was filled with at least twelve hours of sitting and waiting. That is why the Army's motto is "Hurry Up And Wait".

BUT - Tomorrow begins the exciting stuff - kind of. At 4:45 tomorrow morning, I will have an evaluative PT (Physical Training) test during which I will be tested on how many sit-ups and push-ups I can do in two minutes, and also how fast I can run two miles. If I pass, and I will, then I will not have to do remedial PT in the afternoons. Hooah! I am required to do 34 push-ups, 38 sit-ups, and two miles in 18:18.

Also, tomorrow afternoon, I finally will be able to wear the Army uniform. I know that in just a couple of weeks, wearing the uniform will not seem so exciting, but for now, it is a major step in feeling and looking like I am really in the Army.

God has been really good! I am blessed to be part of the US Army, and blessed to be an Army Chaplain. Looking forward to another great day tomorrow!!!

Week 1 - Day 3 (Tuesday)

Day three has come and gone and we continue to in process. Today we began early at 4:45 with formation after which we were issued our TA-50 gear which includes our ruck sack, canteens and pouches, belt and suspenders, sleeping bag, helmet, vest, and many other items. Above is pictured Jason modeling his helmet, web belt with canteens, and suspenders. What a soldier.

After getting our gear, I had the privilege of visiting the dentist for a full check up. I will have to go back again tomorrow and have one filling repaired. I am excited!!

Pictured here is my new wardrobe. Before I leave Ft. Jackson, this closet will have many more clothes in and my bank account will have a whole lot less money in it.

I don't know about this guy. He doesn't quit look like a soldier, YET.
Tomorrow starts at 4:15 with formation, and then another exciting day of in processing. We will spend time working on our wills and power of attorneys for those who need them, and we will also spend time getting enrolled into the health care system. I am sure we will enjoy many other exciting opportunities tomorrow as well.

Thanks again for all your prayers.

Week 1 - Day 2 (Monday)

Day two is in the books. We began the day with formation at 5:30 this morning and arrived back at my room around 8:00 this evening. Tomorrows day will begin with formation at 4:45 in the morning. God is Good! I received a comment from one chaplain's wife today concerning a picture from yesterday that showed the class. She was looking for a picture of her husband in the group. I suspect that there are others doing the same, so I have enclosed a couple more pictures of our class today for those of you looking for your husband or wife.Most of our day today was spent doing exactly what you see above; listening to lecture and doing paperwork. We did however have two study breaks when we went for blood work this morning and then to the uniform store this afternoon.


I was assigned a battle buddy today. His name is Keven. The funny thing is that Keven and I already knew each other. We met about three years ago when a church he was working with brought a group of youth and adults to my church in Dayton Tn. on a mission trip. While in Dayton, Keven was sworn into the Air Force by the same retired Army Colonel that performed my oath of office this year. Keven has now switched over from Air Force to Army, and we will once again serve with each other.

Tomorrow will come early. After reporting at 4:45, I will have the privilege of visiting the dentist at 8:30. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers as I continue this journey.

Week 1 - Day 1 (Monday)

My first day is in the books and things are under way. It is still hard to believe that I am in the Army and that I am a Chaplain. Tonight I got the haircut to go with it, so it must be official.
I began my day with an incredible worship service at the chaplain school. Pictured below is a Lt. Col. who led the service. He is pictured here administering the Lord's Supper to a family. I am going to like this Chaplain. He preached a great message as well.
This picture is of our classroom. There are 133 students in the class now and it will swell to over 170 in four weeks. This is the largest chaplain class ever. Praise God!We were in class today from 3:00 until about 6:00. Today was basic orientation, paperwork, and learning about formations. Tomorrow we will start our day at 5:30. It is 11:15 now so I will call it a night. Thanks for your prayers.

I Have Arrived

I arrived today here at Ft. Jackson S.C. after having traveled about seven hours from Tennessee. I began my day today by taking my wife and children out for breakfast. I never realized just how hard it would be to say good bye. I love my family and and being away from them leaves a huge hole in my life.

Pictured above are a few shots of my new home (for the next few moths). It is a two bedroom apartment with kitchen and living room. There is a washer and dryer, four televisions, and internet access. Army life is tough. Tomorrow, another chaplain (William) will be rooming with me for the next four weeks. I don't know anything about him yet, but I am looking forward to meeting him tomorrow.

Tomorrow morning, I will attend church services at the Chaplain School here on base. The Chaplains have a service there each week called "Gen Next". It is a little more contemporary and geared to the younger soldiers. Hopefully I can get a few pictures and post them here for you tomorrow.

I will be updating this blog daily for a while so that you can get a good idea about my life here. Please feel free to leave comments, send and email, or call in the evenings. I look forward to hearing from each of you as the next twelve weeks unfolds.

PS - Don't forget care packages filled with homemade treats (or not homemade).

My address is:

U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School
CHBOLC Class 07-003
Chaplain (1LT) Mark Olson
10100 Lee Road
Fort Jackson, SC 29207-7090