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 >1 y ago
Responses: 54
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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) (Join to see)
Sir, I know you wrote this a long time ago, but you made me LOL today. Thank you.
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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".
That said, I don't recall ever addressing someone I could identify as a chaplain as anything other than "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.
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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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.
Chaplains are some great people to work with overall. Very smart individuals.
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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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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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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.
Doctors frequently prefer to be called that by patients with the exception of the high ego types.
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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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