Posted on Feb 25, 2014
SSG(P) Technician
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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&nbsp;address him/her as "Chaplain". I know that it&nbsp;is&nbsp;done, but I can't find&nbsp;where it is okay by regulation. <BR><BR>Could someone please help me out with this? <BR><BR>Thank you in advance! &nbsp;
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
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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.
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CW5 Sam R. Baker
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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.
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SSG (ret) William Martin
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I say Chaplain or sir. I have even called Catholic Chaplains "Father". I have not had any complaints.
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SGT Sean Whitenton
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Edited >1 y ago
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 :

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.

Link for future reference: http://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/pdf/r600_20.pdf



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CW2 Geoff Lachance
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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.  
Thanks for posting this question - brings back some warm memories!!!

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SGT Journeyman Plumber
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I've always respectfully addressed my chaplains as sir.
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SSG Richard Stevens
SSG Richard Stevens
>1 y
when i was in we addressed them as sir or Chaplain
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SPC Dash Guerzon
SPC Dash Guerzon
>1 y
I usually just went with "Chaplain , it was easier than saying "Sir" when other officers might have been around.
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SFC Motor Transport Operator
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An officer is an Officer so yes, you address them by Sir/Ma'am or by the rank.
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LTC Paul Labrador
LTC Paul Labrador
11 y
CWO2 Shannon Reck, maybe that is the case in the Navy, but in the Army, Chaplains are treated like any other commissioned officer. They can be called Sir/Ma'am, Chaplain or by their rank. All are appropriate in the Army.
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LTC Paul Labrador
LTC Paul Labrador
11 y
@MAJ Carl Ballinger, let me clarify: for customs and courtesies, Chaplains are treated just like other officers. I understand as a special branch, they do not have the same command authority as a line officer......but then again, as AMEDD officer, neither do I. Yet I'm still addressed as Sir or LTC and not as "Nurse"
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CSM Tony Bowen
CSM Tony Bowen
>1 y
I loved all my Chaplains! I referred to them as "Hey 'Ole Chap!"
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Lt Col Instructor Navigator
Lt Col (Join to see)
>1 y
Um...No. You call them chaplain. Just like you address the docs as "doctor" not "major".
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SSG Matthew Thomas
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My last Chaplain Wanted us to call him HOOT.
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CH (1LT) Battalion Chaplain
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I told my soldiers that each person can only address me as “sir” once per day. They will need to use their quota wisely.
Just call me chap.
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PO3 Jeffrey Brown
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My grandfather was an Army Chaplain who rose to the rank of "full bird" Colonel. As far as I know, he was known as: "Chaplain" "Sir" "Colonel" or "Reverend." I don'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.
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SSG K Johnson
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Sir out in public, Chaplain at Church, most of the time first name when one on one. Former 56 Mike here.
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LTC Retired
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Padre, chaplain or "your eminence" (to rib them, (works best on Catholic chaplains but will annoy a Baptist almost as much) ) has always worked for me. Officially, "Chaplain Smith" is the proper from of address
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CH (CPT)(P) Chaplain
CH (CPT)(P) (Join to see)
>1 y
Sir, I know you wrote this a long time ago, but you made me LOL today. Thank you.
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SSG Nick Myers
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You refer to them as Chaplain!
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PO1 Tharin Young
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Technically "Sir" or Ma'am" or the respective rate is the appropriate way to address any officer, chaplain or not.
That said, I don't recall ever addressing someone I could identify as a chaplain as anything other than "Chaplain".
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CH (CPT) Command and Unit Chaplain
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AR 600-20 Chapter 1, section 6d:
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.
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SPC Ethan Reddick
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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.

Chaplains are some great people to work with overall. Very smart individuals.
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SSG Mike Busovicki
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Edited >1 y ago
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.
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SSG Richard Reilly
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Edited 10 y ago
I got in trouble a few times for calling a chaplain assistant a 'chap ass' But usually I called them Sir.
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CAPT Kevin B.
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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.

Doctors frequently prefer to be called that by patients with the exception of the high ego types.
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CPT Ahmed Faried
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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.
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