Friday, March 20, 2009

The General Staff

a Biblical thought...
"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD ? And who is the Rock except our God? (2 Sam 22:31-32)

a Book thought...
You do not become a soldier to be anonymous. You do not become a disciple to have an easy life, and soldiership should only begin if the conversion experience is real and if the person concerned is empowered by the Holy Spirit’s indwelling. (p37)
a Dave thought...
At our DYS conference last week John Cleary shared with some of us over coffee the concept and brilliance of The General Staff.

The General Staff was a full-time body at the head of the Prussian and later, German Army, responsible for the continuous study of all aspects of war, and for drawing up and reviewing plans for mobilization or campaign. It existed unofficially from 1806, and was formally established by law in 1814, the first General Staff in existence.

The General Staff was distinguished by the formal selection of its officers by intelligence and proven merit rather than patronage or wealth, and the exhaustive and rigorously structured training which staff officers undertook. This training was designed not only to weed out the less motivated or able candidates, but also to produce a body of professional military experts with common methods and outlook, and an almost monastic dedication to their profession.

John Cleary went on to describe that many Military Units over the years have had an advantage at war because of the recruitment and use of this strategic group. We then discussed if The Salvation Army would benefit from such a body and if we should look at establishing such a body in every territory. Personally I think if there are any structural modifications or additions that empower our officers to use their unique gifts to help us be more strategic, then lets give it a go.

Just a thought.

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