Date

11-13-2025

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

David B. Roberts

Keywords

Air Force, Air National Guard, agile combat employment, military chaplaincy, ministry of presence, moral injury, spirituality, spiritual fitness, untethered operations

Disciplines

Practical Theology

Abstract

As the operational paradigm shifts from the large counter-insurgency missions of the Global War on Terror to agile combat employment characterized by untethered operations in potential locations such as the Pacific Theater, robust spiritual fitness will become increasingly more vital. Those most at risk for spiritual wounding and moral injury due to their experiences will be Airmen assigned to small, forward-deployed Mission Ready Airman (MRA) teams who must generate combat aircraft in austere locations with minimal supplies and far from support, including religious and spiritual support. This research project examines the problem of providing effective, robust point-of-care spiritual support without immediate access to chaplains, specifically among the MRA teams of the 122d Fighter Wing. The historic structure of both the Air Force and the Chaplain Corps is reviewed, as well as the specific spiritual issues and responses that can arise within a combat setting. The purpose of this thesis is to provide a starting point from which to address the shortcomings and blind spots within the current spiritual fitness training materials as they relate to the new operational reality. A new, viable training framework will be suggested, including both lectures and relevant hands-on application. By building upon their self-reported spiritual background, the participating Airmen might learn to guard their heart and soul, so they might conduct the nation’s business and return home spiritually whole and with honor.

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