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                         ADF TRAINING SYSTEM
 
            From the Office of the Fifth Deputy Vice-Arch Druid
 
      Seeing as the training system hasn't been formalized yet, I thought it a  good idea to submit some comments before it does so.  I like the idea of a  well trained Neo-Pagan clergy.  And as a whole, I think the circle structure  has a lot of advantages in the long run.  

      Time in grade.  This is a Navy (or services wide) term to specify how many  years a person has been a specific rank.  Two years in between 1st and 2nd  circle, and so on are a good idea.   This way, new comers become familiar with  ADF policy, ritual and "style".  For transfer people, I also would like to see them do lots of ADF ritual so that they get the gestalt of it.  

      The tracks.  I'd like to see a series of core courses that everybody has  taken by a certain circle.  People would have certain skills by the time they  make 3rd circle.  After that, for some tracks, they would have experiances  instead.  See the survival track for more details.  For details see below.   When I walk up to somebody who says they are 2nd circle, I can count upon them  to know certain things. People should be proud to be ADF clergy, but also, ADF  should also be proud to have somebody be clergy.  

      Some specific comments on the different tracks.  The different skills are  for learning while in a circle, and before progressing to the next one.  


  FIRST TRACK - Survival skills and Physical Health

  1st circle -  
      Learn how to handle a firearm.  This is the equivlent of a National Rifle  Association safety course.  Prior military service would be considered to meet  this requirement.  The course is availiable through the NRA, some police  departments and most rifle clubs.  The course should take about 25 hours total,  and should lead to a certicicate of competency.   As long as there is draft  registration, this will be waived for any male under the age of 18, and for  any male between 18 and 27 who is registared as a conscience objector.  If  women are required to registar, it will extend to them also.  For people who  legally can't be involved with firearms, this can be waived also.
      Learn how to drive a car.  Personally I like to see people learn how to  drive a car effectivly.  This is a little difficult to determine what  "effective" is but, you can still pass a state examination and  get your license.  This will be waived for those people who are legally  ineligable to get a license.  Even if you don't own a car, it is nice to know  that you can operate one in an emergency.  
      Tied into the above, is the ability to navigate through your local urban  enviroment by public transport, foot and by personal vehicle.  This is more  than driving to work and knowing where the food store is.   Repeatedly, I have  gotten lost near my destination.  When I have asked for directions, I often get  blank looks.  In one case, the street I was looking for was one street over.   The "locals" still hadn't a clue as to where it was.  If you live in the  country, learn the general layout of the largest town within a hour or so.   Also be able to use a map and compass to navigate, and know local landmarks  in the woods.
      Know where you live.  Within 30 days of moving into a new place, you  should be able to give directions to get there.  These directions should be  clear and concise.  If need be, go out and measure the milage between your  markers!!  
      Be able to cook a healthy meal for yourself and/or a small group of people.   You don't have to like to cook or do it on a regular basis, just be able to.  


  2nd circle - 
      Basic auto repair.  Know how to check your own oil, add oil if needed, and pump  your own gas.  Also know how to change a tire.  If you own a car, make sure it  has a jack and know how to use it on your specific vehicle.  
      Be financely competent.  You don't have to be rich, but your monatary  affairs should be in order.  Know how to balance a checkbook.  You wouldn't  have to be debt free, but shouldn't be on the verge of declaring bankruptcy  because you've bought all sorts of toys on your charge cards.  
      Be involved in some sort of fitness program.  This could be running,  swimming, Karate or similar, dancing, etc.  Anything that keeps you physically  active on a regular basis.
 
      In general, the first two circles of the Survial skills track would teach  skills that will/can be used on a regular and frequent basis.  For circles  three and onward, I would like to see experiances.  Before going for third  circle, spend a week at an Outward Bound type school.  The skills you learn  will not be useful on a regular basis, but the self-confidence is a wonderful  thing to develope.  
 
 
 NINTH TRACK - Drama and Liturgy
 
 1st circle - 
      Assumed minimum ritual knowledge.  Know the basic ritual outline.   See Druid's Progress number 4 for details.  If the group you are working with  isn't using the script out of DP #2 (and they shouldn't be exclusivly), know  WHY and HOW the changes were made.  
 
 
 2nd circle - 
      Have a more through knowledge of liturgical design.  Write and perform a  large group ritual.  If there are other ADF members in your area, write ritual  for the local Grove on a regular basis.  If there isn't a Grove, but there are  other members, start one and run it for a year.  If you can't run or be active  in a local Grove,  lead rituals at Pagan gatherings when possible.  Also write  ritual for publishing in Druid's Progress.  Be able to critque your own  rituals.
 
      I got part of this from Freemasonry.  Masons are required to learn certain  parts of ritual before advancing to their next degree.  To get into another  lodge, often people are tested on their knowledge of ritual.   I'm not  proposing this as a way to keep people from faking their level of advancement.   It is more in the idea of knowing that if I ask a 3rd circle to handle the  three consecrations, s/he will know what, when and how to do it without running for back issues of DP.
 
 THIRTEENTH TRACK - Interdisciplenary Studies
 
 each circle - 
      The person should make some sort of contribution to ADF.  NOT money, you  filthy minded people.  Say, a paper giving a in-depth analysis, based upon the  circle working for, upon one aspect of research.  This is similar to a  Master's thesis.  
 
 

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