I agree with this, Atheists need Chaplains also.

I am not entirely sure to what end. Posts that I have read in the thread haven't really shown me what services cannot be provided by a chaplain as they exist now. I am in the Navy and a Buddhist. There is only one Buddhist chaplain in the Navy, so I certainly do not have the ability to have my religious needs met per se. No, every chaplain is trained to meet the counseling needs of every servicemember. On the other hand, every chaplain is required to have training in counseling. In the Navy we say that every chaplain has two collar devices. One indicates rank and the other denomination, meaning that every Navy chaplain is a Naval officer first and a denominational chaplain second.

Interestingly, I don't think atheists would really be interested in having a counselor/advisor whose job title is believed to be derived from St. Martin of Tours and the keepers of the relic of his cape.

Finally, I would submit that the military already billets psychologists and psychiatrists, so the capacity filled by chaplains is a different role.

I would only agreed because in my eyes the Chaplain was a seasoned member of the military which you could talk to. I would not consider myself a religious person but I would visit the chaplain during a time of crisis in order to find guidance. 

Why?  What would they do?  Atheism is a lack of belief in something... we aren't members of a religion so why would we need a chaplain?  Hands on the table, I am a member of the Atheists in Foxholes group, but I don't really understand the complaint.  So there aren't any humanist chaplains in the military.  I am a humanist... what would I need from a chaplain?  I just don't get it.  What services could they provide that another chaplain, psychologist, or psychiatrist couldn't?

This is still a major topic. So far it continues to get shut down.

Here is where I have an issue. Atheism, being the belief of non-belief, would be extremely hard to represent. Not so much as the actual act of representing them (Chaplains already do this), but in the actual appointing of a Chaplain. Because in order to become a Chaplain, you have to have continued education AND ministry in the field, based upon your sponsoring body. I'm reasonably certain that Atheists don't have a church (since Atheism is the ABSENCE of religion). So how do you appoint a Chaplain (by definition, a religious leader) to a faith that has NO faith at all?

Now, to caveat this, I do believe that there should be Pagan Chaplains in place. But it is difficult to represent them too, due to the missing Endorsing Body.

Atheist have chaplains, they are called counselors. Once you take the religion out of the Chaplains programs that is what you are left with. Also, I have never had a chaplain ask me what religion I was or if I even believed in God when I talked to them about anything.

Some times you just need someone outside the squad to talk to!

I believe that everyone needs a Chaplain SFC Rocky Gannon. Does that mean that every denomination out there should have a Chaplain that represents it? No. A Chaplain is so much more than a spiritual guide. A Chaplain is certified in so many areas to include counseling, some have other certifications in the behavioral sciences, etc. A Chaplain is a great resource that is available for ALL Service Members and their families.

I have relied on Chaplains on numerous times throughout my career. Sometimes it was for me and sometimes it was for my Soldiers. I never once inquired about the denomination of the Chaplain or the Soldier or family member who was asking for help/guidance/counseling. Chaplains are there for everyone...regardless of denomination.

I understand that this may steer from the original intent of your question, but I thought that I would share my thoughts.

Not sure how an atheist can have a chaplain. If one doesn't believe, then one doesn't believe. I know I'm oversimplifying.

From my interactions, chaplains are first and foremost a confidential sounding board and don't sway the conversation towards religion unless you go there first. I'm Roman Catholic and have sought confidential advice from Protestant, Episcopal, Baptist and Jewish Chaplains. For me it was about getting answers to questions and dealing with emotions. I'm not diehard in my personal convictions, but don't think any chaplain would turn away or try to convert an atheist who is seeking support.

I have also had a very interesting conversations with an Islamic and Buddhist Chaplains, not hbso much for seeking advice, but for trying to learn about and understand the religions.