Chaplain

CH (CPT) Thomas Robinson leading a Good Friday service during an Engineering BOLC FTX

Chaplain Ministry

Army chaplains have two primary roles: professional military religious leader and professional military religious staff advisor. Their duties are prescribed by law, DOD policy, ARs, religious requirements, and Army mission.

AR 165-1, para 3-1b.

All Chaplains provide for the nurture and practice of religious beliefs, traditions, and customs in a pluralistic environment to strengthen the religious lives of Soldiers and their Families. Chaplains conduct the religious programs and activities

AR 165-1, para 3-2a.

Chaplains fulfill two roles in the military. Our primary role is to be a religious leader without neglecting our role as a military religious staff advisor. We work to balance between the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses of the U.S. Constitution so that Commanders are informed and Soldiers’ rights are upheld.

At the end of the day, we MUST remember our role as a Servant Leader and Spiritual Guide to those around us regardless of rank or position.

Chaplain as CLERGY

Chaplain as STAFF

A Word from the Wise

The following are insights from various Chaplains on establishing yourself as Chaplain. Much of this advice comes from seasoned Chaplains who share their hard earned experience.

Chaplain F.A.Q.s
Do all Chaplains believe in Pluralism/Universalism?

Not typically. Chaplains are endorsed by a recognized endorser/denomination and expected to fulfill their role as clergy as outlined by their endorser. A Chaplain provides ministry from their faith tradition and does not perform religious services of another faith group (i.e. a Christian Chaplain will not conduct a Jewish or Muslim service). There are those Chaplains who are ordained with an endorser that is more universalist in nature but that is not the norm.

Are Chaplains Allowed to Pray According to their Faith Tradition? (e.g. can they pray in Jesus’ name?)

Yes. Chaplains pray, lead services, and teach religious studies according to their faith tradition for those voluntarily attending their religious function. They have the freedom to preach and teach in the way they see fit.

However, in a PUBLIC setting where Chaplains are praying (i.e. invocations), they are encouraged to use non-sectarian prayers so as not to offend those who do not follow the Chaplain’s faith tradition. Typically, in a public prayer, Service Members are required to attend regardless of their faith tradition. It is therefore a way we honor all those in attendance.

As an example, a Pastafarian Chaplain (there are no known Pastafarian Chaplains that I know of yet) should would NOT end his/her public invocation “in the name of the great Pasta Masta, RAmen,” as this would be highly offensive to those who are not Pastafarians.