In past posts concerning CISM, it was suggested that members of a CIST needed experience in an ES activity other than CISM and/or Mission Chaplain. I have thought/prayed long and hard about that concern that some members have about CISM and Chaplains. I would like you to know that I have taken that concern as constructive criticism and I am now working on my Ground Team Member rating! Thanks to those who raised the concern. I'm very thankful that you did.
Good for you Chaplain! Maybe because of your example some others will also broaden their ES Horizons. For example, we have a lot of Aircrew who are not UDF or FLM/S qualified, and a lot of both Aircrew and GT personnel who aren't qualified as Mission Staff Assistants or Mission Radio Operators. These ratings open doors of opportunity for additional mission participation, and they give you a chance to be useful when the weather is too bad to fly, or the airplane/GT vehicle is broken or otherwise occupied, etc.
Here, Here! I participated in a SAREX last month as a GBD-t, it was the first time I had worked on a Mission Staff. I have been on many missions on GT and A/C, but for the first time I saw the whole ICS system in action. Now all those ICS classes make some sense. In my unit we strongly stress cross training for all ES personnel, especially aircrew. By being multi-qualified we become a force multiplier for all our missions for America.