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!
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 54
I guess in the Army things can be confusing. In the Marines, the Navy Chaplin are Sir, just like any other officer.
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All of the above, when appropriate?
Usually I'll call the chaplain "chaplain" when I first see him or start a conversation, followed by "sir" as appropriate throughout the conversation.
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.
Usually I'll call the chaplain "chaplain" when I first see him or start a conversation, followed by "sir" as appropriate throughout the conversation.
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.
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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.
I've heard "Chaps" and "Chapi" as well
I've heard "Chaps" and "Chapi" as well
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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'.
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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.
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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".
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.
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.
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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.
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