SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member 64141 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A few people in my unit have been chastised for calling our Chaplain as &quot;sir&quot;, instead of &quot;Chaplain&quot;. They were told that as per the regulation (they don&#39;t say which one) a Chaplain is only to be addressed as &quot;Chaplain&quot;. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;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 &quot;Sir&quot;. I can&#39;t even find where it says that you are allowed to&amp;nbsp;address him/her as &quot;Chaplain&quot;. I know that it&amp;nbsp;is&amp;nbsp;done, but I can&#39;t find&amp;nbsp;where it is okay by regulation. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Could someone please help me out with this? &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Thank you in advance! &amp;nbsp; Do you address a Chaplain as "Sir", respective rank, or by "Chaplain (last name)"? 2014-02-25T11:52:23-05:00 SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member 64141 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A few people in my unit have been chastised for calling our Chaplain as &quot;sir&quot;, instead of &quot;Chaplain&quot;. They were told that as per the regulation (they don&#39;t say which one) a Chaplain is only to be addressed as &quot;Chaplain&quot;. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;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 &quot;Sir&quot;. I can&#39;t even find where it says that you are allowed to&amp;nbsp;address him/her as &quot;Chaplain&quot;. I know that it&amp;nbsp;is&amp;nbsp;done, but I can&#39;t find&amp;nbsp;where it is okay by regulation. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Could someone please help me out with this? &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Thank you in advance! &amp;nbsp; Do you address a Chaplain as "Sir", respective rank, or by "Chaplain (last name)"? 2014-02-25T11:52:23-05:00 2014-02-25T11:52:23-05:00 SSG Matthew Thomas 64142 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My last Chaplain Wanted us to call him HOOT. Response by SSG Matthew Thomas made Feb 25 at 2014 11:54 AM 2014-02-25T11:54:24-05:00 2014-02-25T11:54:24-05:00 SFC Stephen P. 64158 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>AR 600-20 1-6 d. A few people in your unit are reading a bit too far into this section.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Sir, or ma&#39;am when it would be appropriate to address any other officer as sir or ma&#39;am; chaplain when it would otherwise be appropriate to address them by military title.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; Response by SFC Stephen P. made Feb 25 at 2014 12:23 PM 2014-02-25T12:23:33-05:00 2014-02-25T12:23:33-05:00 LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® 64162 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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. Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Feb 25 at 2014 12:29 PM 2014-02-25T12:29:29-05:00 2014-02-25T12:29:29-05:00 Maj Chris Nelson 64175 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Doctor is much the same as Chaplain.&amp;nbsp; They are both Commissioned Officers.&amp;nbsp; Sir/Ma&#39;am is appropriate, by rank is apprpriate, and as the individual or circumstance presents....Doctor or Chaplain.&amp;nbsp; Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 25 at 2014 12:40 PM 2014-02-25T12:40:44-05:00 2014-02-25T12:40:44-05:00 GySgt Private RallyPoint Member 64185 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In a professional setting it's Sir or Ma'am no matter what with the title of Chaplain but in a religious setting I've seen most Chaplains allow to be called by other religious titles depending on religion and denomination.  It's good practice to ask before use in the religious setting. Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 12:57 PM 2014-02-25T12:57:40-05:00 2014-02-25T12:57:40-05:00 Col Private RallyPoint Member 64227 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There is no "hard and fast" requirement that I am aware of "per the regulation;" others have captured very well my understanding of courtesies afforded a Chaplain, so far SFC Pate, Maj Nelson, and MAJ Chang have addressed all of the norms and the nuances as I understand them. Now that we've heard a variety of service, branch, career field, and professional perspectives, it would be great to actually hear from members of the Chaplain Corps; so, to our outstanding RP Chaplains... what are your thoughts on SPC Needham's original question? Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 2:05 PM 2014-02-25T14:05:44-05:00 2014-02-25T14:05:44-05:00 SFC Mike Olson 64406 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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. Response by SFC Mike Olson made Feb 25 at 2014 5:06 PM 2014-02-25T17:06:05-05:00 2014-02-25T17:06:05-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 64430 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>An officer is an Officer so yes, you address them by Sir/Ma'am or by the rank. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 5:32 PM 2014-02-25T17:32:32-05:00 2014-02-25T17:32:32-05:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 64578 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>All of my Chaplains I have addressed as either Chaplain or Sir. I have not had any complaints except for one, he was a Bengals fan and I am Steelers fan, so when his team lost, I was to address him as SIR CHAPLAIN "Last Name" SIR! Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 8:46 PM 2014-02-25T20:46:16-05:00 2014-02-25T20:46:16-05:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 64734 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I've always respectfully addressed my chaplains as sir. <br> Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 11:38 PM 2014-02-25T23:38:28-05:00 2014-02-25T23:38:28-05:00 CW2 Geoff Lachance 64908 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I've used both.  As an officer respect for the rank is first and foremost. During Desert Storm, our Chaplain was so involved with everyone that he was most affectionately addressed as Chaplain.  In conversations with him, I would respond to his questions or comments with Sir.  <div>Thanks for posting this question - brings back some warm memories!!!</div><div><br></div> Response by CW2 Geoff Lachance made Feb 26 at 2014 7:42 AM 2014-02-26T07:42:18-05:00 2014-02-26T07:42:18-05:00 PFC Eric Minchey 64979 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>AR 165-1 Army Chaplain Corps&amp;nbsp;Activities Chapter 3 Status, Roles, and Responsibilities of Chaplains&amp;nbsp;3–1. Professional status g. Title. &quot;The proper title for a Chaplain is Chaplain regardless of military rank or professional title. When addressed in writing, the Chaplain’s rank will be indicated in parentheses, for example, CH (CPT) (see AR 25–50 and AR 600–20).&quot;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt; Response by PFC Eric Minchey made Feb 26 at 2014 9:29 AM 2014-02-26T09:29:30-05:00 2014-02-26T09:29:30-05:00 CDR Dan E. 65051 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>I do not know oif any regulation that requires you call them Chaplain and either address is appropriate.  If they have a preference they will let you know without reprimand.  Same thing usually goes with Doctors who you may address by rank, as sir or Doctor.  Whenever in doubt, sir always works until you hear how others address him or her.  A salute is always protocol when appropriate.</p><br /><p> </p><br /><p>Hope this helps you!</p> Response by CDR Dan E. made Feb 26 at 2014 11:14 AM 2014-02-26T11:14:01-05:00 2014-02-26T11:14:01-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 65056 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>People in your unit must be bored. I've always said sir. Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2014 11:18 AM 2014-02-26T11:18:52-05:00 2014-02-26T11:18:52-05:00 CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member 65216 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>we call ours "padre" based off old ways of addressing him. I have yet to find a chaplain who has gotten upset over military protocol, and as long as your paying proper respects to his position, there should be no issue. The chaplains I hVe worked with fear that the rank may impose a fear to speak candidly with them. Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2014 1:56 PM 2014-02-26T13:56:23-05:00 2014-02-26T13:56:23-05:00 SGT Sean Whitenton 65236 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I saw variations on the theme of "regulations say" more times than I can remember while I was in- the vast majority of the time they had confused "regulations" with "some dude told me." In this case it seems like one of those things where they are technically correct, but, as the SFC said, reading a bit too far into it. The actual text :<br><br><div style="font-size:13.3333px;font-family:serif;">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.<br><br>Link for future reference: <a target="_blank" href="http://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/pdf/r600_20.pdf">http://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/pdf/r600_20.pdf</a><br><br><br><br /></div><div class="pta-link-card"><br /><div class="pta-link-card-content"><br /><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/pdf/r600_20.pdf"></a></div><br /><div class="pta-link-card-description">DúÝpþ¸Wñɍ•àò~ýd„ܨ7O8øÎýAQAlbH’”Ãâ£5èhÀ8,}î&amp;&gt;eŠIó¿˜æЌ)R¥ 3 ßµŒ45ŒœÏ&gt;Æ{þÅ9ÌÅ&gt;q'Þ¬ë,Ž‡Þ؟|Ï&gt;F_” _fêSM±|+eÚτMÁûYèØïr?R2G[9ï2Jä Áyøã“ÿ,ŽôŠù@¾6‘³œGrÄIMdüOý` è*é<br />endstream<br />endobj<br />585 0 obj<br />&gt;stream<br />hÞ...</div><br /></div><br /><div style="clear:both;"></div><br /><div class="pta-box-hide"></div><br /></div> Response by SGT Sean Whitenton made Feb 26 at 2014 2:12 PM 2014-02-26T14:12:41-05:00 2014-02-26T14:12:41-05:00 MAJ Jim Woods 65368 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I got this one.&amp;nbsp;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;My father retired from the US Army as a Chaplain after 28 years on active duty. &amp;nbsp;Even though he was an 0-6 he was always addressed as &quot;Chaplain&quot;. I even met the Chief of Chaplains one time who was an 0-8 and he also was addressed as &quot;Chaplain&quot;. &amp;nbsp;And no, it wasn&#39;t the &quot;old&quot; brown shoe Army. &amp;nbsp;He passed away in 1994 and the Burial/Internment Unit always referred to him as Chaplain Woods.&lt;/div&gt; Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Feb 26 at 2014 4:24 PM 2014-02-26T16:24:34-05:00 2014-02-26T16:24:34-05:00 CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member 65372 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As a Chaplain, I prefer being addressed as "Chaplain," or "Chappy" or "Chaps"...I would never chastise anyone for calling me sir, though.  Whatever makes the other feel comfortable, that is what  is best IMHO.<br> Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2014 4:28 PM 2014-02-26T16:28:57-05:00 2014-02-26T16:28:57-05:00 LTC John Czarnecki 65537 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Chaplains are addressed as "Chaplain" as a matter of professional courtesy.  <br><br>They may of course be addressed by their rank, but this generally isn't done.<br> Response by LTC John Czarnecki made Feb 26 at 2014 9:47 PM 2014-02-26T21:47:55-05:00 2014-02-26T21:47:55-05:00 CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member 66175 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><div>You see a reiteration of 600-20 in AR 165-1, CH. 3-1g, mentioned above.<br><br /></div><div><br></div><div><br /><div>THAT SAID, most chaplains (myself included) find it critical to our function to be personable and relatable, if that makes sense. I've accepted Soldiers calling me everything from Padre (I'm not Catholic) to LT and many things in between. As long as it is respectful of the office, said in good faith and without ill intent, I tend to roll with it as it shows that they have developed a trust in my presence.</div><br /><div><br></div><br /><div>For similar reasons I have historically been more or less okay with the occasional (respectful) nickname. Most chaplains are honored when their units begin to address them as "Chaps" or "Chappy". For me, the different units have chosen "LB" (or "Little Buddha" as a play on me being an LT) and "Chaplain Hollywood" (on account of a certain notoriety as one of less than a handful of Buddhist chaplains). I would hang up my stole if I couldn't take a little good-natured ribbing from trusting, respectful Soldiers.</div><br /><div><br></div><br /><div>If I notice ill intent or disrespect about a given manner of address, though, it's a very different story, and I quickly but gently guide them back to the path of respecting the office. There are lines that should not be crossed.</div><br /><div><br></div><br /><div>Bottom line, context matters. If Soldiers call me Sir or Chaplain (or something else entirely) depends on the context of the conversation, but both are valid in various situations and not something to get too bent out of shape about.</div><br /></div> Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2014 7:44 PM 2014-02-27T19:44:30-05:00 2014-02-27T19:44:30-05:00 CH (CPT) Heather Davis 86186 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&lt;img height=&quot;26&quot; title=&quot;CPT&quot; alt=&quot; [login to see] _armycpt&quot; src=&quot;<a target="_blank" href="https://d26horl2n8pviu.cloudfront.net/ranks/images/000/000/115/small/">https://d26horl2n8pviu.cloudfront.net/ranks/images/000/000/115/small/</a> [login to see] _armycpt.png? [login to see] &quot;&gt; &lt;div class=&quot;clear&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;clear&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;response_body&quot; id=&quot;response_66175&quot;&gt;&lt;div id=&quot;collapsed_content_66175&quot;&gt;&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;AR 165-1, CH. 3-1g, mentioned above. Chaplains are to be addressed Chaplain. I am an Army Chaplain, and regardless of rank we are called Chaplain.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Chaplains are diversified and many have different paths. I crossed over from CW2 to 2LT Chaplain Candidate. You have some Chaplains that came in direct commission. Some Chaplains are very rank heavy, and others like myself are not.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt; Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Mar 26 at 2014 10:04 PM 2014-03-26T22:04:52-04:00 2014-03-26T22:04:52-04:00 PO1 William "Chip" Nagel 86192 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The one on the California should be thankful that I didn&#39;t call him four letter words being we were both of the same Faith, If I had my way we would have called him oscar (Name of the Man Overboard Dummy). My 3 favorites were 2 O-6 Rabbis (Captains) I called them Rabbi and our Black Methodist Minister on the Arkansas great guy he was an O-3 (Lt) but I called him Chaplain. No I never called a Chaplain by their Rank in 21 years. Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Mar 26 at 2014 10:15 PM 2014-03-26T22:15:25-04:00 2014-03-26T22:15:25-04:00 SSG (ret) William Martin 136499 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I say Chaplain or sir. I have even called Catholic Chaplains "Father". I have not had any complaints. Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 28 at 2014 1:53 AM 2014-05-28T01:53:50-04:00 2014-05-28T01:53:50-04:00 LTC Paul Labrador 161209 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>both.... Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 22 at 2014 9:38 PM 2014-06-22T21:38:21-04:00 2014-06-22T21:38:21-04:00 LTC Paul Labrador 177597 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>All of the above are appropriate. Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jul 14 at 2014 12:48 AM 2014-07-14T00:48:27-04:00 2014-07-14T00:48:27-04:00 CW5 Sam R. Baker 177713 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If we were to take the "CHIEF" question regarding address or the female warrant officer one, then we have a similar piece. I have and will always call a Chaplain, "CHAPLAIN" unless I do not see the "cross" above their US Army first. I have called one "Sir" or Ma'am" when not clearly identifying them as a Chaplain first. Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jul 14 at 2014 8:05 AM 2014-07-14T08:05:09-04:00 2014-07-14T08:05:09-04:00 MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca 177859 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Most chaplains I have met, introduce themselves as "Chaplain" regardless of their rank, so I tend to refer to them as Chaplain with a yes/no Sir/Ma'am as appropriate. IMHO, based on those I have interacted with, most present their role as a Chaplain/advisor first when addressing soldier issues before they use their rank. The rank is there and appropriately noted but Perhaps they use the rank in a less forward mode to offer SMs a greater sense of ease. Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 14 at 2014 11:52 AM 2014-07-14T11:52:53-04:00 2014-07-14T11:52:53-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 178304 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>So we can't just call them Padre? Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 9:09 PM 2014-07-14T21:09:10-04:00 2014-07-14T21:09:10-04:00 2LT Private RallyPoint Member 178400 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It all depends on the Chaplin. Yes, they are a commissioned officer, but at the same time they are supposed to be incredible close to the soldiers. Show proper respect and what not like you would do to any other officer in the appropriate situations. It also depends on how close you are to the Chaplin and how they want you to communicate with them. Like some other have mentioned "Padre" is appropriate or "Chap" depending on their comfort. It all depends on their comfort level with you and their comfort level in the unit. They are supposed to be close to your unit as they are directly involved in the welfare of the soldiers. You can't go wrong with saying Sir/Ma'am or Chaplin. Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 11:02 PM 2014-07-14T23:02:18-04:00 2014-07-14T23:02:18-04:00 SSgt Brycen Shumway 215161 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My personal opinion on this is simple. When I was referring to the Chaplain, I would say Chaplain (name). If I was in their presence, I would greet them as just "Chaplain" with no name or just "Sir".<br /><br />However, what you should know is what they, themselves prefer. You could have a stick-in-the-mud standing next to you, and not know it. Response by SSgt Brycen Shumway made Aug 24 at 2014 5:37 AM 2014-08-24T05:37:03-04:00 2014-08-24T05:37:03-04:00 CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member 337828 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Don't make this too difficult. Chaplain is not only the most appropriate but the most correct. Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2014 10:32 AM 2014-11-22T10:32:55-05:00 2014-11-22T10:32:55-05:00 SGT Rodger Armstrong 337838 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>With all the chaplains I've delt with (and not meaning delt with in a dirogatory way) I've called them sir or ma'am. I'm not a religious person so say chaplain felt strange. Sir or ma'am was easier for me. Response by SGT Rodger Armstrong made Nov 22 at 2014 10:43 AM 2014-11-22T10:43:45-05:00 2014-11-22T10:43:45-05:00 PO2 Corey Ferretti 338090 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have always referred to them as Chaplin or chaps Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Nov 22 at 2014 2:11 PM 2014-11-22T14:11:31-05:00 2014-11-22T14:11:31-05:00 CW5 Private RallyPoint Member 339559 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sir and Chaplain, almost never by rank. That's just the way things settled out for me, <a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="143794" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/143794-14g-air-defense-battle-management-system-operator-c-btry-1-188-ada">SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member</a>. Maybe it has something to do with chaplains self identifying first as a chaplain and then as a CPT, MAJ, etc. Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 8:18 PM 2014-11-23T20:18:05-05:00 2014-11-23T20:18:05-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 339566 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The best response is "Chaplain", "Father" "Rabbi" etc. I was taught that in officer basic. I have worked with many military chaplains. They are great people to work with--great sense of humor and caring for everyone regardless of faith. Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 8:21 PM 2014-11-23T20:21:00-05:00 2014-11-23T20:21:00-05:00 SPC(P) Jay Heenan 339581 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think 'Chaplain' would be similar to us referring to 1SG as 'Top'. I know 1SGs that do not like to be called 'Top' and demand that you call them 1SG. I have also heard SGM and CSM's being callled 'Top', though I don't think I would ever call them that. I never met a Chaplain that minded being called 'Chaplain', but they are commissioned officers, so you certainly couldn't go wrong with 'Sir'. Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Nov 23 at 2014 8:32 PM 2014-11-23T20:32:56-05:00 2014-11-23T20:32:56-05:00 SSG Richard Stevens 341063 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>When I was in we would call them chaplain Response by SSG Richard Stevens made Nov 24 at 2014 8:49 PM 2014-11-24T20:49:48-05:00 2014-11-24T20:49:48-05:00 CPL Martin Fernandez 343538 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The first time I met mine I referred to him as "Sir." But after that I asked him how he preferred to be addressed, especially since the relationship I had with him was so close. Being Catholic I called him "Father Name" thereafter. <br /><br />I've heard "Chaps" and "Chapi" as well Response by CPL Martin Fernandez made Nov 26 at 2014 3:50 PM 2014-11-26T15:50:41-05:00 2014-11-26T15:50:41-05:00 Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member 381317 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>All of the above, when appropriate?<br /><br />Usually I'll call the chaplain "chaplain" when I first see him or start a conversation, followed by "sir" as appropriate throughout the conversation.<br /><br />We had a great Operations Group chaplain in my last unit, who had a callsign and would hang out in the bar with us. Awesome guy. Our current chaplain is also pretty good...but no callsigns and I haven't seen him in the bar. Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 8:02 AM 2014-12-22T08:02:55-05:00 2014-12-22T08:02:55-05:00 Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member 575145 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>"What's up, dog!" Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 3:48 PM 2015-04-06T15:48:06-04:00 2015-04-06T15:48:06-04:00 Sgt Cody Dumont 575156 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I guess in the Army things can be confusing. In the Marines, the Navy Chaplin are Sir, just like any other officer. Response by Sgt Cody Dumont made Apr 6 at 2015 3:51 PM 2015-04-06T15:51:56-04:00 2015-04-06T15:51:56-04:00 CPT Ahmed Faried 603848 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I've used both. I've addressed a LTC as both Chaplain and Sir before. The only caveat it when you use Chaplain, follow it with their last name. Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Apr 20 at 2015 11:14 AM 2015-04-20T11:14:44-04:00 2015-04-20T11:14:44-04:00 CAPT Kevin B. 604053 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I've had a lot of contact with the Holy Rollers in my career. They tend to be rank adverse in that they serve all our members. Hence many dislike being called by their rank as the rank gap can put unnecessary social distance between them and those they serve. "Chap" is fine. If Christian they're fine with "Father" and "Padre" in many circumstances. Both know that they are talking minister to person, not military to military.<br /><br />Doctors frequently prefer to be called that by patients with the exception of the high ego types. Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 20 at 2015 12:38 PM 2015-04-20T12:38:39-04:00 2015-04-20T12:38:39-04:00 SSG Richard Reilly 970082 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I got in trouble a few times for calling a chaplain assistant a 'chap ass' But usually I called them Sir. Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Sep 16 at 2015 1:31 PM 2015-09-16T13:31:24-04:00 2015-09-16T13:31:24-04:00 SSG Mike Busovicki 1299766 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As a Catholic, our chaplains were also fine with being called "Father", like we would address a priest back home. But I can't say where any of the AR's pin this down. When in doubt, "sir/ma'am" always works. Response by SSG Mike Busovicki made Feb 13 at 2016 10:18 AM 2016-02-13T10:18:44-05:00 2016-02-13T10:18:44-05:00 SPC Ethan Reddick 1324150 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Chaplains are referred to as sir or ma'am just like any officer. And they should have the same respect as an officer. But one thing that always irked me was when people called the chaplain by their rank in conversation. They are a chaplain. The rank that they wear is always explained to me as a way to distinguish pay grade and chaplain positions. What matters is the religious symbol that is on their uniforms. <br /><br />Chaplains are some great people to work with overall. Very smart individuals. Response by SPC Ethan Reddick made Feb 23 at 2016 11:25 AM 2016-02-23T11:25:31-05:00 2016-02-23T11:25:31-05:00 CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member 1516013 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>AR 600-20 Chapter 1, section 6d:<br />d. 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. Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 11:53 AM 2016-05-10T11:53:04-04:00 2016-05-10T11:53:04-04:00 PO1 Tharin Young 2029721 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Technically &quot;Sir&quot; or Ma&#39;am&quot; or the respective rate is the appropriate way to address any officer, chaplain or not.<br />That said, I don&#39;t recall ever addressing someone I could identify as a chaplain as anything other than &quot;Chaplain&quot;. Response by PO1 Tharin Young made Nov 1 at 2016 7:19 AM 2016-11-01T07:19:26-04:00 2016-11-01T07:19:26-04:00 CH (LTC) Private RallyPoint Member 3070517 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>We&#39;re to be called Chaplain instead of rank. Sir or Ma&#39;am is still appropriate if we outrank you; AR 165-1. Sometimes rank secondarily accompanies &quot;Chaplain&quot; verbally in order to inform other officers of whether or not the chaplain is of a subordinate, peer, or superior rank. In writing, rank comes after Chaplain in parenthesis. Examples: Chaplain (LTC) or CH (LTC) per AR 25-50 and AR 165-1. Hope this helps. Response by CH (LTC) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2017 11:23 PM 2017-11-06T23:23:03-05:00 2017-11-06T23:23:03-05:00 SSG Nick Myers 3280655 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You refer to them as Chaplain! Response by SSG Nick Myers made Jan 21 at 2018 7:31 PM 2018-01-21T19:31:09-05:00 2018-01-21T19:31:09-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 3285032 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Padre, chaplain or &quot;your eminence&quot; (to rib them, (works best on Catholic chaplains but will annoy a Baptist almost as much) ) has always worked for me. Officially, &quot;Chaplain Smith&quot; is the proper from of address Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2018 7:54 AM 2018-01-23T07:54:22-05:00 2018-01-23T07:54:22-05:00 SSG K Johnson 4187579 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sir out in public, Chaplain at Church, most of the time first name when one on one. Former 56 Mike here. Response by SSG K Johnson made Dec 6 at 2018 2:20 PM 2018-12-06T14:20:27-05:00 2018-12-06T14:20:27-05:00 PO3 Jeffrey Brown 4200007 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My grandfather was an Army Chaplain who rose to the rank of &quot;full bird&quot; Colonel. As far as I know, he was known as: &quot;Chaplain&quot; &quot;Sir&quot; &quot;Colonel&quot; or &quot;Reverend.&quot; I don&#39;t think he was too formal on it, but he was proud of his rank. Had he not been forced to retire at (then) 55, he would have been eligible for Brigadier General. Response by PO3 Jeffrey Brown made Dec 11 at 2018 1:10 PM 2018-12-11T13:10:44-05:00 2018-12-11T13:10:44-05:00 CH (1LT) Private RallyPoint Member 8443831 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I told my soldiers that each person can only address me as “sir” once per day. They will need to use their quota wisely. <br />Just call me chap. Response by CH (1LT) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2023 9:15 PM 2023-08-27T21:15:27-04:00 2023-08-27T21:15:27-04:00 2014-02-25T11:52:23-05:00