OBI typically enters a nation only after solicitation by, and upon the invitation of, senior foreign military or governmental officials. This method of entry facilitates meeting our goal to “train-the-trainers,” that is, afford military leaders access to OBI-sponsored subject-matter experts so that they, in turn, might train indigenous personnel in matters of interest. Militaries, the world over, yearn to learn more about topics such as crisis intervention, trauma, combat stress, substance abuse, suicide prevention and effective interpersonal counseling. OBI meets those needs. A vital component of these training and education programs focuses on spiritual development. As OBI addresses issues affecting the mind (training and educational programs) and the body (medical programs), it also provides remedy to crises of the human spirit through the avenue of chaplaincy program development. While appropriate spiritual response to crises is often situation-dependent, OBI holds the view that nations have an obligation to meet the unique spiritual needs of their armed forces. Toward that end, OBI encourages the development of chaplaincies for the military and provides training and tailored curriculum. The proper form and content of such chaplaincies would be established by appropriate military and/or governmental authorities. Again, OBI’s desire is to meet needs, holistically, by addressing issues of the body, mind and spirit.
