This document provides instructions for five weekly SWAB ONLY SESSIONS focused on effective communication within the chain of command. Each session is facilitated by a different leader and allows swabs to discuss issues, while illustrating principles of leadership and communication. The sessions begin with an explanation of the communication structure and procedures. Subsequent sessions involve discussing current issues, role-playing scenarios, and shifting discussion towards expectations for the upcoming school year. Throughout, the goals are to encourage honest and respectful dialogue between ranks and teach skills for clear and rational presentation of issues from junior to senior personnel.

1. SWAB ONLY SESSIONS– FACILITATORS INSTRUCTIONS
The SWABS, CHIEFS and the CADRE will have this handout: FIVE GOLDEN RULES FOR EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATION IN THE CHAIN OF COMMAND.
Session 1:
Facilitator: Chaplains Only
This session will explain the communication structure, Chain of Command, and procedures for SOS
sessions.
Session 2:
Facilitator: Company Chief or Officer – Chaplain will sit in periodically
The Group you will facilitate will consist of your company of Swabs. Your time frame is 80 minutes.
1. Begin by introducing your self. Ask all participants to introduce themselves.
2. Then, from the materials in this package, briefly explain that
a) This exercise is unique to the military ways of solving problems.
b) Review the Golden Rules and the Sign Posts handout, very, very, briefly.
c) CONCLUDE WITH THE IDEA:
REAL COMMUNICATION REQUIRES TWO ELEMENTS:
A CLEAR RATIONAL FACT-BASED PRESENTATION
OF AN ISSUE AND A GENUINE LISTENER. THIS MAKES
THE CHAIN OF COMMAND WORK.
3. Next, establish guidelines about sharing within the group. Set your own guidelines including what types
of information you will be forwarding back to the chaplains for inclusion in a report to the Chain of
Command. Remind them that this isn’t a time to ‘trash’ a cadre. Rather, this is a time to discuss issues
that are pressing to swabs.
4. Then, begin the discussion by allowing the Swabs to present an issue, which swabs see as needing
the attention of the Chain of Command.
Use any obstacles to the discussion, as a moment to teach two important lessons: how Junior
Personnel present material, and how Senior Personnel receive materials in order to make Command
Decisions.
5. Use opportunities to ‘teach’ swabs about the process of communication (i.e. Why is ‘eyes in the
boat’ an important leadership concept?).
6. Allow swabs to ‘vent’ and then begin to guide their discussion asking for suggestions and ideas.
7. Conclude the time with your thoughts on these two considerations:
A. THE CHAIN OF COMMAND FUNCTIONS BEST WHEN THERE IS HONEST, FRANK,
REASONABLE CONVERSATION. POOR COMMUNICATION IS THE MOST PROFOUND
SIGN THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THOSE WHO NEED TO BE WORKING AND
ACTING AS A TEAM FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE MISSION.
B. COMMUNICATION REQUIRES THAT COURAGE TRIUMPHS OVER FEAR, TRUTH OVER
FALSEHOOD, AND HONOR/DEVOTION TO DUTY OVER SELF-SERVING COMPROMISE
FOR THE SAKE OF PERSONAL AND FALSE ADMIRATION. "COMMAND DECISION
MAKING," AND "HOLDING OTHERS ACCOUNTABLE,"IS PERHAPS THE SINGULAR
SOURCE OF MORAL CHALLENGE FOR EVERY AUTHORITY.
8. Dismiss the group at the designated time. Please complete the DEBRIEF FORM within 24 hours and
return it to the Chaplains office in Leamy Hall.

2. Session 3:
Facilitator: Company Chief or Officer – Chaplain will sit in periodically
Company Chief asks again for discussion on how Swab summer is going and for swabs to raise issues.
Chiefs use issues to solicit ideas and illustrate leadership and communication principles. This week is a
good time to do a role-play scenario. Use one of the issues within the company to show how good
communication works when approached through the chain of command. Complete a DEBRIEF FORM.
Session 4:
*Facilitator: One or two Cadre (From ANOTHER Company) selected by Company Chief – Chaplain
will sit in periodically
Cadre lead discussion involving any issues still current in Swab Summer. This session has traditionally
included specific questions for the Cadre. Questions are good if they can be connected to leadership and
communication. Role play scenarios are good here. Cadre are welcome to share examples of good and
bad communication. Cadre are asked to lead a discussion and not guide Swabs in their answers. This
week is about encouraging Swabs to speak up and use good communication skills. Complete a DEBRIEF
FORM.
Session 5:
*Facilitator: One or two Cadre (From SAME Company) selected by Company Chief – Chaplain will
sit in periodically
Further discussion and scenario role plays are shared during this session. Due to the timing on this week
most of the discussions and questions shift towards the Fall and what Swabs can expect during the school
year. Complete a DEBRIEF FORM.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP!!!!
* Company Chiefs and/or Officers are asked to attend the final two sessions to assist with questions or discussion
as needed.