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
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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