Posted on Feb 25, 2014
Do you address a Chaplain as "Sir", respective rank, or by "Chaplain (last name)"?
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A few people in my unit have been chastised for calling our Chaplain as "sir", instead of "Chaplain". They were told that as per the regulation (they don't say which one) a Chaplain is only to be addressed as "Chaplain". <BR><BR>I have looked through AR 600-25 and there is nothing in that regulation, except that you call an officer by either his/her rank and last name, or "Sir". I can't even find where it says that you are allowed to address him/her as "Chaplain". I know that it is done, but I can't find where it is okay by regulation. <BR><BR>Could someone please help me out with this? <BR><BR>Thank you in advance!
Chaplain
Customs and Courtesies
AR 600-25
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 54
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The Chaplain is a commissioned officer so yes they should be saluted and called sir! Some like to be called Chaplain, some want first name basis, others don't care! but they are commissioned in the US military as an officer.
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CPT Will Adkins
According to AR 600-20 states the following. So, while 'sir' may be permissible, a first name or rank is not.
All chaplains are addressed as “Chaplain,” regardless of military grade or professional title. When a chaplain is addressed in writing, grade is indicated in parentheses, for example, Chaplain (Major) John F. Doe.
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN30132-AR_600-20-001-WEB-2.pdf
All chaplains are addressed as “Chaplain,” regardless of military grade or professional title. When a chaplain is addressed in writing, grade is indicated in parentheses, for example, Chaplain (Major) John F. Doe.
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN30132-AR_600-20-001-WEB-2.pdf
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SGT Daniel Petitt
I would always use sir until we got to know each other & then it was usually Chaplin so & so
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Upon first meeting them I refer to them as "Chaplain." Once aquainted with them I've always referred to them affectionately as "Chaps" or "Padre" and have never had one respond other than positively. YMMV.
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AR 600-20 1-6 d. A few people in your unit are reading a bit too far into this section.<br><br>Sir, or ma'am when it would be appropriate to address any other officer as sir or ma'am; chaplain when it would otherwise be appropriate to address them by military title.<br><br><br>
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