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 12 y ago
Responses: 54
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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.
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CPT Will Adkins
According to AR 600-20 states the following. So, while 'sir' may be permissible, a first name or rank is not.
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.
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN30132-AR_600-20-001-WEB-2.pdf
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.
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN30132-AR_600-20-001-WEB-2.pdf
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SGT Daniel Petitt
I would always use sir until we got to know each other & then it was usually Chaplin so & so
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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.
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AR 600-20 1-6 d. A few people in your unit are reading a bit too far into this section.<br><br>Sir, or ma'am when it would be appropriate to address any other officer as sir or ma'am; chaplain when it would otherwise be appropriate to address them by military title.<br><br><br>
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I got this one. <div><br></div><div> My father retired from the US Army as a Chaplain after 28 years on active duty. Even though he was an 0-6 he was always addressed as "Chaplain". I even met the Chief of Chaplains one time who was an 0-8 and he also was addressed as "Chaplain". And no, it wasn't the "old" brown shoe Army. He passed away in 1994 and the Burial/Internment Unit always referred to him as Chaplain Woods.</div>
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PFC James York
My Father-in-Law also retired as an O-6 Chaplain. He was the Deputy Chief of Chaplains in charge of mobility. He said pretty much the same thing. While he was an Army officer, he was a Chaplain first and foremost.
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Doctor is much the same as Chaplain. They are both Commissioned Officers. Sir/Ma'am is appropriate, by rank is apprpriate, and as the individual or circumstance presents....Doctor or Chaplain.
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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.
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Lt Col (Join to see)
I think you hit a key element here. Though we are a professional force and addressing people by their proper title is part of that profession I do believe that people have to be comfortable with their Chaplains. In a time when suicides are on the rise we need people to feel that they can talk with someone about their problems. Something as simple as calling someone "Chappy" can help break down those walls and speaks to the profession of the Chaplin. I'm not advocating that we abandon all rules and start calling people 'dude' or by their first names. A title like Chappy helps open doors.
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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?
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
I believe the position/assignment of Chaplain should require anyone to address the Chaplain using "Chaplain (last name)"
It is similar in nature to the 1SG, SGM, CSM and Drill Sergeant assignments. I would not dream of adressing any one of those ranks as "Sergeant." Not if I knew what was good for me anyways. It should be the same for Chaplains. They worked for that title. They should be addressed as such.
It is similar in nature to the 1SG, SGM, CSM and Drill Sergeant assignments. I would not dream of adressing any one of those ranks as "Sergeant." Not if I knew what was good for me anyways. It should be the same for Chaplains. They worked for that title. They should be addressed as such.
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CH (MAJ) (Join to see)
Chaplains are chaplains first, and are given rank by the military. Hence the proper greeting is "Chaplain", "Chaplain (Last Name)", or "Sir/Ma'am".
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Lt Col (Join to see)
I couldn't agree more and have always implemented the same naming convention for others. I usually address officers or even enlisted by their rank. After I have gotten to know them I will decide if they have earned Sir, Shirt, Chaplin, etc.
Mark, I love your comment of not minding 'earning the name'. I wish more people would think that way.
Mark, I love your comment of not minding 'earning the name'. I wish more people would think that way.
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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.
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AR 165-1 Army Chaplain Corps Activities Chapter 3 Status, Roles, and Responsibilities of Chaplains 3–1. Professional status g. Title. "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)."<div><br><div><br><div><br></div></div></div>
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CDR Dan E.
PFC Minchey - Nice work getting the reg. in question. I interpret that as allowing the use of "sir" since the reg. refers to "title" and not addressing an individual. Sir is only a title when given by roylaty, such as in England. So the use of "sir" as an address should stand as it does for all officers.
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SGT (Join to see)
Eric,
I have called my past chaplains either or. Depending on the situation and the Chaplain/ Officer. They might think it is disrespectful if you call them chaplain instead of sir or ma'am.
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