Personae non gratae (plural for: Persona non Grata - Persons not wanted )

We're off to Officers Councils tomorrow. The UK territory, due the large numbers of officers conducts three councils in successive weeks in a very attractive conference-retreat center in Swanwick. This will be my third Councils -, stuck in a hotel some 6 miles from the blessed event. Non-Officer spouses, some 100 in the UK, are not allowed to benefit from the 3 days of blessings.  

Could there not be a ‘roped-off’ section with guards and large signs for those of us clad in pink polka dots on a Canary yellow background shirt: No talking, no questions or comments permitted!? We promise to buy the shirts from SP&S, full retail price...

The army works its miracles to perform in dastardly ways – The exclusion begins at the Training College. In what could well be one of the most positive outcomes of the 700+ days spent at the college, is the potential affect on the non-officer spouse’s understanding and acceptance of the Cadet spouse’s calling and Covenant to a life of service modeled by Christ and in His name. But instead they are excluded from the weekly Sunday morning Holiness meetings. Many of the N-O-S come from non-SA backgrounds. Will there ever be a greater opportunity to teach and effect the bonding process leading to the spouse's greater understanding of the SA officers’ mission and committing to the support needed following the Ordination and Commissioning?

And why haven't the Training College moved on my recommendation, thought by some at the College a good one, to allow N-O-S to attend 'observe' select courses? And why not introduce regular fellowship gatherings where 'things Army' are bandied about? And while I'm on a roll. why aren't SA Soldiership classes conducted on campus; older children of Cadets and non-soldier spouses?

The FSAOF has long been a champion; perhaps the Army's greatest, of inclusivity. And reports and experience suggest we're making a difference! So why not add the non-officer spouse to the list of those shunned, excluded?

Love (inclusivity) begins at home!

Now I best get on with double-checking the directions to my hotel from Major Glad's conference center.

 "I'll leave the light on dear Major!"

Name on File
Single Spouse Non-Officer