My role with a military circle

More often than not, my role within our circle is referred to as lay-leader. While, in essence, that role makes me the High Priestess of our circle, in no way does it imply that I am always the one teaching or the only one responsible for the happenings and care of our circle. We all provide "lessons" and we interact as a group of equals that are at different points along our various paths. Then, occasionally, I get one of those calls. You know, the ones that make you think "Ohhh crap. It's gonna be a long night." Well, I got one of those calls tonight, and it really made me stop and think about the unique position that I find myself in. The military, for those of you that are unfamiliar with it, has a certain protocol that must be followed if an individual is looking for counseling or guidance of any sort. While I have been put in charge of a "religious gathering" which makes me the churches equivalent to a pastor, and I am ordained like one, I still do not hold the same rights as one of the military chaplains. Why you might ask? Because there is no school that I can go to for a degree in Pagan Pastoral Care or anything like that. Yes, I could go through a Universal Unitarian, but that is still not the same thing. There is no specific "denomination" for me. So, while I am a High Priestess for my circle, I do not, under military rule, have the right to counsel and guide circle members should they call on me needing assistance. I can listen and offer thoughts and stories of personal experience, but I can not guide. It's an incredibly frustrating fine line to have to walk on the rare instance that I'm called to do so.
Just an interesting thought and realization for the night...

Good night readers- it's off to bed for me!