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AR 165-1 states that chaplains are not allowed to handle weapons in combat or in training. Does seeing a Chaplain handling a weapon cause you to lose respect or gain respect? What are your thoughts?
Army Regulations
Weapons
Chaplain
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 24
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CH (MAJ) (Join to see) Here is a great commentary on the subject.
http://senseofevents.blogspot.com/2003/04/chaplains-bearing-arms-in-combat-is-it.html
http://senseofevents.blogspot.com/2003/04/chaplains-bearing-arms-in-combat-is-it.html
Sense of Events: Chaplains bearing arms in combat - is it ever permissible?
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When I was in Iraq, the chapel was hit and the Chaplain's office was completely destroyed by rocket fire. The only ones that seem to respect the Chaplain's non-combatant status is the U.S.
That being said, if anyone should have faith or belief in their convictions that'll be protected or a higher power's plan will prevail , it's a Chaplain.
That being said, if anyone should have faith or belief in their convictions that'll be protected or a higher power's plan will prevail , it's a Chaplain.
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I can't help but think of Chaplain Steve Hommel in Operation Iraqi Freedom during the invasion at the Battle of Moe, Larry and Curly.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/891923/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/891923/posts
Later, much later, Lt Col Stephen Twitty, the commander of the 3rd Battalion 15th Infantry, would look at the map of Baghdad. "Objectives Curly, Larry and Moe - named 'em after the Three Stooges. Those three intersections will go down in history. They were three hellacious battles."
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The reg is the reg.
Honestly though, the weapon thing is just transparent. We never notice they aren't handling a weapon. If they were handling a weapon, we would never notice, because everyone else is handling a weapon.
My Boot Camp chaplain was a former Marine (keep in mind Marine Chaplains are actually USN Chaplain Corps).
There's a retired chaplain out here at Quantico (Town, not Base) who is a auxiliary PD Officer, and carries a sidearm.
Basically, the sidearm issue is only an issue if we make it one.
Honestly though, the weapon thing is just transparent. We never notice they aren't handling a weapon. If they were handling a weapon, we would never notice, because everyone else is handling a weapon.
My Boot Camp chaplain was a former Marine (keep in mind Marine Chaplains are actually USN Chaplain Corps).
There's a retired chaplain out here at Quantico (Town, not Base) who is a auxiliary PD Officer, and carries a sidearm.
Basically, the sidearm issue is only an issue if we make it one.
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If you are out on a mission -- especially if you are dismounted -- you need to be able to engage the enemy, in my opinion. I get it...if the Chaplain is engaging the enemy, then something big must be going on enemy-wise, but having an unarmed service member dismounted with you could create some tactical liabilities.
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During OIF, I would have wanted to have our unit's Chaplain carrying a weapon. I can't recall whether he ever did, actually. He was a really good person overall.
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LTC (Join to see)
Have you heard the story of Chaplain Steve Hommel in OIF during the invasion at the Battle of Moe, Larry and Curly?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/891923/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/891923/posts
Later, much later, Lt Col Stephen Twitty, the commander of the 3rd Battalion 15th Infantry, would look at the map of Baghdad. "Objectives Curly, Larry and Moe - named 'em after the Three Stooges. Those three intersections will go down in history. They were three hellacious battles."
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They have every right to shoot on their own time, with their own weapon. I have know clergy who like to hunt and fish. Nothing wrong with that.
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CH (MAJ) (Join to see)
Indeed… And hunting and fishing can be a great way to spend time with Soldiers!
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I think I like what the reg says about chaplains and weapons, CH (MAJ) (Join to see). I think as non-combatants they should leave the weapons to the combatants and do their thing, which should have nothing to do with weapons. It doesn't necessarily cause me to lose respect for them, but I think it does diminish or detract from their mission in life.
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CH (MAJ) (Join to see)
Chief, thank you for your point of view. I'm currently attending the captain career course at Fort Jackson and this topic was a point of contention today. I've been in heavy combat myself, and was very comforted by the fact that I was surrounded by great war fighters. It also helps to have a top-notch chaplain assistant at your side!
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LTC Paul Labrador
Well, technically I'm a non-combatant too....but I'm issued a weapon in order to protect myself and my patients if SHTF (and for most non-68W medical folks, if we have to engage with our personal wepaons, it's hit the fan pretty hard). IMHO, when it comes down to it, I'm not going to deny someone the right or ability to defend themselves if they want to.
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