It is important for all Soldiers to study the lessons of past military conflicts, even Chaplains.Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course students and cadre took a staff ride to Cowpens National Battlefield near Gaffney, South Carolina, March 19.The students were introduced to the Revolutionary War battle and how the Army Chaplain can contribute to the effort on and off the modern-day battlefield."From an overall officer's perspective it's important to understand how the battlefield comes together and what the perspective is," said Chaplain (Maj.) Brad Godding, Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course Manager. "As a Chaplain if we can understand the greater part of the battlefield and what's happening overall we can better give council to our commander's and staff on appropriate actions."The staff ride is one of many tools for Army leaders to provide the opportunity to learn about battles, but to also walk the terrain to gain an understanding of the many factors that affected decisions and outcomes."The United States Army finds that staff rides are very effective teaching tools. If we can benefit from lessons of the past which help us influence a decision potentially made in the future then the staff ride has value," said Military Historian, Dr. John Boyd. "It has value because the students are part of the lead in this task. They study tactics and weapons, they study leadership and personalities."CHBOLC Small Group Leader CH (Maj.) Tung added why this staff ride is important for Chaplains."It's really important for our future generation of the Chaplain Corps to be Chaplains of unmatched character, competence and connection -- to be able to do this here on the battlefield now and practice what they'll do in the future to advise their commanders."All students worked in two to three person groups to deliver a presentation for their platoon on one of the commanders of Cowpens. Key information briefed was use of the terrain, the leadership qualities displayed and how one would advise the commander if in the position as their chaplain. CHBOLC students also participated in role playing certain aspects of the battle.The students also received information from Boyd on the leadership and personalities of the American and British commanders, tactics, and weapons and how the battle at Cowpens fit into the larger story of the Revolutionary War.The Battle of Cowpens occurred between British and Continental forces, Jan. 17, 1781. The larger British force regulars were led by Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton. The number of British soldiers was 1050 men. The Continental soldiers and backwoods militia from South Carolina were led by Brig. Gen. Daniel Morgan. The American forces numbered 970 men…It was a decisive victory for American forces and would prove to be a key battle that led to the end the Revolutionary War.One of the CHBOLC students on the staff ride was CH (1st Lt.) Joel Taylor. His next assignment is Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. He learned some positive lessons during the staff ride."From my experience, I learned a lot about leadership today…to care for men, to look out for what their needs are and how to communicate well. For me, what that means as a Chaplain is helping people understand what God requires of them, so being there with them and helping them through the various obstacles they face," said Taylor.There are 51 students in CHBOLC Class 18-001. They graduate April 26. Some will go on to serve as Chaplains in combat units.