This may not be the most original of thoughts, but it occurred to me as I was mulling things over this morning that we as an organization are in a uniquely advantageous position to serve fellow Vets/Service Members in ways that the existing available resources are unlikely to be able to provide. We have qualities of fluidity and nimbleness that allow for rapid adaptation to a "dynamic front"; whereas more traditional entities, the VA for instance, is weighed down by it's own bureaucracy, and becomes more of a "fixed point". In particular, we are in a singular position to reach families as opposed to the VA. It has been my experience that the majority of Military/Veteran spouses are very unlikely to approach "official" resource providers if the Service Member/Vet is unwilling to do so, and, a far as I am aware, the "official" resources have no intentions to address this issue. In fact, if I am correct in my understanding of the matter, their own regs PREVENT them from doing so. We have no such onerous to simply stand idle.

However, I also see a potential weakness. In much the same way that a combined arms attack will live or die on the integrity of lines of communication, so to does the potential of our mission. We would do well, I think, if we were to consider ourselves as complimenting the "fixed points" rather than supplanting them. Maintaining an affable relationship with "official channels" will enable us to provide a greater quality of service.

I also think that it is equally important, perhaps crucially so, that we be aware of each others areas of expertise. If I, for example, in the facilitation of a 12-step group were to encounter a person on the verge of eviction due to poor financial management skills, I would be (at present) at something of a loss as to whom they could be referred for coaching in this area. Over time, this information will become known to me naturally; but, in the 12-step community the odds that I will never see this person again are fairly high-it is just the nature of the beast. It would be very helpful if we were to compile some sort of list of "contact persons according to coaching expertise", or something along those lines.

I could go on and on with correlations between Combined Arms and Dryhootch, but I think this is enough for now. I would love to hear any feedback.

BR,
Chappy