SWAB ONLY SESSIONS– SWAB ONLY SESSIONS– FACILITATORS INSTRUCTIONSFACILITATORS INSTRUCTIONS

The SWABS, CHIEFS and the CADRE will have this handout: FIVE GOLDEN RULES FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN THE CHAIN OF COMMAND.

Session 1:Facilitator: Chaplains OnlyThis session will explain the communication structure, Chain of Command, and procedures for SOS sessions.

Session 2:Facilitator: Company Chief or Officer – Chaplain will sit in periodicallyThe Group you will facilitate will consist of your company of Swabs. Your time frame is 80 minutes.1. Begin by introducing your self. Ask all participants to introduce themselves.2. Then, from the materials in this package, briefly explain that

a) This exercise is unique to the military ways of solving problems.b) Review the Golden Rules and the Sign Posts handout, very, very, briefly.c) CONCLUDE WITH THE IDEA:

REAL COMMUNICATION REQUIRES TWO ELEMENTS:A CLEAR RATIONAL FACT-BASED PRESENTATIONOF AN ISSUE AND A GENUINE LISTENER. THIS MAKES THE CHAIN OF COMMAND WORK.

3. Next, establish guidelines about sharing within the group. Set your own guidelines including what types of information you will be forwarding back to the chaplains for inclusion in a report to the Chain of Command. Remind them that this isn’t a time to ‘trash’ a cadre. Rather, this is a time to discuss issues that are pressing to swabs.

4. Then, begin the discussion by allowing the Swabs to present an issue, which swabs see as needing the attention of the Chain of Command.

Use any obstacles to the discussion, as a moment to teach two important lessons: how Junior Personnel present material, and how Senior Personnel receive materials in order to make Command Decisions.5. Use opportunities to ‘teach’ swabs about the process of communication (i.e. Why is ‘eyes in the boat’ an important leadership concept?).

6. Allow swabs to ‘vent’ and then begin to guide their discussion asking for suggestions and ideas.7. Conclude the time with your thoughts on these two considerations:

A. THE CHAIN OF COMMAND FUNCTIONS BEST WHEN THERE IS HONEST, FRANK, REASONABLE CONVERSATION. POOR COMMUNICATION IS THE MOST PROFOUND SIGN THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THOSE WHO NEED TO BE WORKING AND ACTING AS A TEAM FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE MISSION.

B. COMMUNICATION REQUIRES THAT COURAGE TRIUMPHS OVER FEAR, TRUTH OVER FALSEHOOD, AND HONOR/DEVOTION TO DUTY OVER SELF-SERVING COMPROMISE FOR THE SAKE OF PERSONAL AND FALSE ADMIRATION. "COMMAND DECISION MAKING," AND "HOLDING OTHERS ACCOUNTABLE,"IS PERHAPS THE SINGULAR SOURCE OF MORAL CHALLENGE FOR EVERY AUTHORITY.

8. Dismiss the group at the designated time. Please complete the DEBRIEF FORM within 24 hours and return it to the Chaplains office in Leamy Hall.

Session 3:Facilitator: Company Chief or Officer – Chaplain will sit in periodically

Company Chief asks again for discussion on how Swab summer is going and for swabs to raise issues. Chiefs use issues to solicit ideas and illustrate leadership and communication principles. This week is a good time to do a role-play scenario. Use one of the issues within the company to show how good communication works when approached through the chain of command. Complete a DEBRIEF FORM.

Session 4:*Facilitator: One or two Cadre (From ANOTHER Company) selected by Company Chief – Chaplain will sit in periodicallyCadre lead discussion involving any issues still current in Swab Summer. This session has traditionally included specific questions for the Cadre. Questions are good if they can be connected to leadership and communication. Role play scenarios are good here. Cadre are welcome to share examples of good and bad communication. Cadre are asked to lead a discussion and not guide Swabs in their answers. This week is about encouraging Swabs to speak up and use good communication skills. Complete a DEBRIEF FORM.

Session 5:*Facilitator: One or two Cadre (From SAME Company) selected by Company Chief – Chaplain will sit in periodicallyFurther discussion and scenario role plays are shared during this session. Due to the timing on this week most of the discussions and questions shift towards the Fall and what Swabs can expect during the school year. Complete a DEBRIEF FORM.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP!!!!

* Company Chiefs and/or Officers are asked to attend the final two sessions to assist with questions or discussion as needed.