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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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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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!
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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.
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Don't make this too difficult. Chaplain is not only the most appropriate but the most correct.
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You see a reiteration of 600-20 in AR 165-1, CH. 3-1g, mentioned above.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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We're to be called Chaplain instead of rank. Sir or Ma'am is still appropriate if we outrank you; AR 165-1. Sometimes rank secondarily accompanies "Chaplain" 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.
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<img height="26" title="CPT" alt=" [login to see] _armycpt" src="https://d26horl2n8pviu.cloudfront.net/ranks/images/000/000/115/small/ [login to see] _armycpt.png? [login to see] "> <div class="clear"></div><div class="clear"></div><div class="response_body" id="response_66175"><div id="collapsed_content_66175"><div> 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.</div><div><br></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div>
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Chaplains are addressed as "Chaplain" as a matter of professional courtesy.
They may of course be addressed by their rank, but this generally isn't done.
They may of course be addressed by their rank, but this generally isn't done.
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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.
Hope this helps you!
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Sir and Chaplain, almost never by rank. That's just the way things settled out for me, SSG(P) (Join to see). Maybe it has something to do with chaplains self identifying first as a chaplain and then as a CPT, MAJ, etc.
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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.
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