Training Resources

A Life Worth Living

The Army is taking a proactive approach to reduce the increase in harmful behaviors. The A Life Worth Living / Value of Life initiative is a mindset and cultural shift in preventing harmful behaviors, integrating Army values into a positive approach to prevention. It emphasizes teamwork and the value of each individual to another. The focus is on "life" and having a life that is worth living rather than simply preventing death and other harmful behaviors to life. We want to keep people from getting to that edge of choosing between life or death. Enhanced religiosity and spirituality are protective factors for individuals grappling with crisis, can enable post traumatic growth, and help build a live worth living.

As Chaplains you have a unique voice, education, and insight into the existential questions that the Value of Life seeks to address. Most of you have spent significant years reflecting on the value and meaning of life. This is an opportunity to help and facilitate Soldiers on their spiritual journey, not prescribe the journey they “should” be on.

“What does it mean to live a good life?”
“What happens when I don’t or can’t live a good life?”
“Is there a purpose to suffering?”
“Why do bad things happen to good people?”
"What do I want my obituary to say about me?"

Presentation: A Life Worth Living

Below is an easy-to-read report on moving from a response to prevention model for violence (interpersonal violence or self-harm). Please take time to read this in light of what you do as a Chaplain! You will be encouraged and inspired!

Presentation: A Life Worth Living

Training Support Package

Can be used as a BSRT Curriculum, focuses on small group facilitated discussion (6-8 pax). This is a comprehensive program that can be done over the course of a training year, during AT, and is flexible in terms of time.

The Paradigm Shift from Violence Response to Prevention

Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F)

The five domains (areas of readiness) of Holistic Health and Fitness are: Physical, Nutritional, Mental, Spirituality, and Sleep (FM 7-22). As a Chaplain, and member of the UMT, you are the subject matter expert for the spirituality domain! One way to strengthen H2F is to integrate spirituality with the other domains. For example, MAY is Mental Health awareness month, it is an ideal time to highlight the connection of spirituality with good mental health. Below are two great guides from the Christian (ecumenical) tradition that can serve as a Bible Study book, help develop training or assist in sermon development.

Financial Literacy

As many of you know Financial Problems continue to plague the Soldiers and Families of the Army Reserve. Financial issues are a great source of stress, often are a contributing factor in suicidal ideations, and seriously impact readiness and wear down resiliency. As a facilitator for Soldier care below are resources you can provide to Soldiers who are struggling financially. Help is available, all you need to do is point Soldiers and Families in the right direction. You can also serve as an advisor to your commander. If you begin to see trends in your counseling and unit circulation that finances are an issue, encourage your Commander to host Financial Literacy training at some point during the year. Certified trainers are available and can come to the unit to support.

*Additional Training and Curriculums can be Accessed on the USARC Chaplain Directorate HUB: HERE (CAC and AR-Net Access is Required to Access this Content)