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SPIRITUAL FITNESS IS NOT NECESSARILY ABOUT RELIGION. Your personal beliefs and values may include religion but they may not.Spiritual fitness develops the personal qualities needed to sustain a Soldier in times of danger, hardship and tragedyThe Army expects you to live by Army values, which are the moral foundations of good citizenship and character Spiritual qualities form the basis of character, decision-making and INTEGRITY (FM 1-05, paragraph 1-14)Chaplains are NON-DENOMINATIONAL and highly experienced counselorsSpiritual (Strength of Character) - Mar What is Spiritual Fitness?Leader: Read and discuss these expectations with your Soldiers

Spiritual fitness is strengthening a set of beliefs, principles or values that sustain a person beyond the support of Family and friends.socially, culturally and legally acceptableengage in activities that strengthen character and valuesstrengthen inner-self to build confidenceThink about your behavior and attitude and its effect on othersmaintain a positive attitude toward self and others seek out a community that provides support and guidanceSpiritual (Strength of Character) - Mar Components of Spiritual FitnessLeader: Discuss these expectations with your Soldiers

Spiritual (Strength of Character) - Mar Unhealthy Spiritual Fitness BehaviorsLeader: Review unhealthy behaviors with your Soldiers A Soldier with unhealthy behaviors:has little or no interest in anything positivemakes no future plans and becomes isolatedhesitates to actmakes poor decisionsis defensive and/or judgmental may strike out at those who are differentfeels lost and/or hopelesshas conflicting values lives in fear and anxiety

You are SSG Murphy. You are currently deployed in Afghanistan. A Soldier in your Platoon, PFC Kelly, was involved in a vehicle rollover caused by an IED. PFC Kelly was medically evacuated in serious condition. The status of the Soldier is unknown. The platoon was notified and morale is low. Youre about to go out on a combat patrol in the same area of operation and you notice that your squad is grief stricken due to what happened to PFC Kelly. Spiritual (Strength of Character) - Mar Unhealthy Spiritual Fitness ScenarioLeader: Read the following scenario

Page 5Spiritual (Strength of Character) - Mar Scenario The ProblemLeader: Discuss some things that you might do in this situation to help the squad.

Bottom Line Up Front: Spiritual fitness is anything in your life that guides you to do good. The definition of spirituality is broad and may vary depending on who you ask. Beliefs can shape your actions and become a source of comfort and strength.

Every Soldier has an array of abilities that they bring to the table. Some Soldiers strengths are others weaknesses. Effective leaders build upon Soldiers weaknesses by pairing them with Soldiers who are stronger in specific areas (ie. Leadership).

Research has identified 24 Character strengths that are universal across time and cultures. Knowing and using character strengths and the character strengths of others can maximize our ability to handle adversity and make up for weaknesses.

Soldiers and Leaders can identify their top character strengths by taking the VIA Survey of Character Strengths survey at:www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu

Curiosity and interest in the worldLove of learningJudgment, critical thinking, and open-mindednessCreativity, ingenuity, and originalityPerspective (wisdom)Bravery and valorIndustry, diligence, and perseveranceHonesty, authenticity, and genuinenessZest, enthusiasm, and energyHumor and playfulnessSpirituality, sense of purpose, and faith

Page 6Spiritual (Strength of Character) - Mar Scenario Strength of CharacterLeader: Discuss the character strengths below then discuss which strengths would be needed to help SSG Murphys Squad perform well on the mission.Capacity to love and be lovedKindness and generositySocial intelligenceCitizenship, teamwork, and loyaltyFairness, equity, and justiceLeadershipForgiveness and mercyModesty and humilityCaution, prudence, and discretionSelf-control and self-regulationAppreciation of beauty and excellenceGratitudeHope, optimism, future-mindedness

24 Character Strengths

Of the character strengths, signature strengths are who you are when you are at your best. When you use these strengths you feel:

True to oneself: A person with a top Character Strength of Bravery and valor feels he or she is being himself or herself when he or she acts bravely.Energized: After using your Character Strengths you feel energized and ready for more rather than depleted. If your top Character Strength is Love of learning, you feel energized by attending a complex lecture; if it is not your top Character Strength you might feel tired or depleted.Motivation to use: We dont need to be reminded to use a top Character Strength. Someone with a top Character Strength of Humor and playfulness has humor and playfulness flow out of them; they dont need to be reminded to be funny or playful. No one has to tell Chris Rock to be funny; no one had to remind Mother Teresa to show compassion.

Spiritual (Strength of Character) - Mar Scenario Strength of CharacterLeader: Have Soldiers identify the strengths they see in each other and/or have them name a great leader and identify the strengths the leader has.

Spiritual (Strength of Character) - Mar Strength of CharacterStrengths of character are essential for resilience. You can be a moreeffective Soldier by identifying your character strengths and pulling from them to overcome challenges because knowing your character strengths and the character strengths of others adds value to knowledge of skills and talents.

Faith in ones character strengths, talents, and abilities, and how to use them will help Soldiers overcome challenges and meet their goals

Hunt the good stuff: Positive people think positively. Focusing on positive experiences leads to an optimistic way of thinking. Encourage your Soldiers to share a positive experience that they have had since last drill. (Open discussion)

How could the Soldiers of the squad help each other in this situation?Draw upon personal strengths to motivate each other.Showing each other support and being aware that people cope differently.How could SSG Murphy help the squad in this situation?Take the time and talk it throughSupport the squad according to his signature strengths.Remember ACE * (any stressful situation can lead to suicidal behavior)Ask what you can do to assist the Soldier in succeeding.Care enough to listen and provide support.Escort the Soldier to resources or be one yourself as a positive influence.

DO YOU HAVE AN ACE CARD?*The ACE process guides us to assist the Soldier. Have the courage to act on behalf of a fellow Soldier. Never assume that everything is good to go until you have checked.

Spiritual (Strength of Character) - Mar Scenario Battle Buddy AidLeader: Ask about responsibility of Battle Buddies and how they can assist in the situation and review ACE

Spiritual (Strength of Character) - Mar Healthy Spiritual Fitness BehaviorsLeader: Ask your Soldiers to think of good spiritual fitness habits A Soldier who exhibits healthy spiritual behavior:has strong network of Family and friendsadapts to situations and has a clear direction of what is right and what is wrongplans for the future and helps otherstakes time to think about direction in lifethinks about how their actions affect othershas RESPECT for othersworks to achieve objectives and goalslistens to and watches out for their Battle Buddyhas self-esteem

Spiritual (Strength of Character) - Mar Available ResourcesLeader: Reviews available resources and remind Soldiers that seeking them is not a sign of weakness but part of fitnessNYARNG Family Programs Office, (877)715-7817 or www.dmna.state.ny.us/familyDirector of Psychological Health (DPH), (518)396-8993Military Family Life Consultant (MFLC), (518)925-4302Military OneSource (NYARNG Representative), (518)265-2901Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), (518)786-4734State Chaplains Office, (518)461-2527Military OneSource, (800)342-9647 or www.militaryonesource.com Vets4Warriors peer support line, (855)838-8255 / (855)VET-TALK, http://www.vets4warriors.com/Veterans Crisis Line, (800)273-8255 / (800)273-TALK