Today I saw a chaplain with a long tab and a combat action badge. Is there a scenario where this is possible?

2015-12-07T17:10:57-05:00

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Dec 7 at 2015 5:12 PM

2015-12-07T17:12:44-05:00

Yes. Seems like an SF guy who got commissioned into the Chaplain field. You can get a CAB if the enemy engages you, even if you don't engage the enemy. I assume he would have gotten the CAB as a Chaplain.

Here is the criteria for the CAB:

- May be awarded to any soldier.
- Soldier must be performing assigned duties in an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay is authorized.
- Soldier must be personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 7 at 2015 5:30 PM

2015-12-07T17:30:47-05:00

We occasionally saw Navy Chaplains with Rifle & Pistol Expert Medals & Combat Action Ribbons in the Corps. They normally had a USMC/USN Good Conduct to go with it.

If I'm looking at him and the picture correctly, he appears to be a Captain, and "well seasoned" so I would guess he's got some enlisted time.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2015 5:30 PM

2015-12-07T17:30:53-05:00

I have run into a few who were SOF before becoming a Chaplain. It is possible...

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2015 5:42 PM

2015-12-07T17:42:38-05:00

Is it inappropriate to stop someone and ask them about their service if you dont know what the patches mean? Why didn't you just ask him?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2015 6:15 PM

2015-12-07T18:15:48-05:00

Could have easily been prior service and then went SF, then commissioned. Its possibly, but a very unconventional career path

Response by SGT Christopher Churilla made Dec 7 at 2015 6:19 PM

2015-12-07T18:19:16-05:00

It's definitely possible for a chaplain to receive a CAB because mine got one when we were in Afghanistan.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 7 at 2015 6:30 PM

2015-12-07T18:30:00-05:00

SSG Robert Burns, I've seen (knew only briefly) two Army chaplains that had been awarded the CIB. They were infantry, came home, went to divinity school, were ordained and returned to the field as Army chaplains.
I have a friend here on RP who is an airborne, air assault, Ranger captain. He's served at least two deployments, the last one as an infantry company commander, and has also been awarded the CIB. He returned home, has graduated from divinity school and intends to transfer to the Chaplain Corps.
Happens more often than you might think.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Dec 7 at 2015 6:30 PM

2015-12-07T18:30:33-05:00

Past lives. I thought for a little bit about going navy medical after the Corps. I'd have had some unlikely looking ribbons on my Navy blues if I had.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Dec 7 at 2015 6:43 PM

2015-12-07T18:43:21-05:00

I knew a Navy Chaplain with a Combat Action Ribbon. It was legit. I will say on liberty, he NEVER bought a round.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2015 6:48 PM

2015-12-07T18:48:24-05:00

yes, chaplains can go to the q course whether as chaplains in SF units or as prior service SF who went to the chaplain corps

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2015 6:57 PM

2015-12-07T18:57:30-05:00

I once knew a Chaplain with an EIB

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Dec 7 at 2015 7:14 PM

2015-12-07T19:14:54-05:00

According to my favorite search engine, this is correct.
Thanks,
Rick

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2015 8:17 PM

2015-12-07T20:17:34-05:00

I've seen a Navy Chaplain who was a prior enlisted Marine have all sorts of chest candy, a CAR not the least of his decorations.
I think, and I'm not saying this is implied in this thread just something I've been pondering, that the culture of stolen valor might be taken a little bit far in some cases. A buddy of mine is an 0-3 and has enlisted guys straight out (or nearly so) of boot camp come up to him in public and start asking him about all his ribbons and decorations while he was in his whites. They thought they might get the next cool post to youtube. Caution- disrespecting an officer, assumed or not, in public (or anywhere else for that matter) isn't a road that should be trod lightly.
There are cases where there is undoubtedly stolen valor. These are generally easily spotted and dismissed.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Dec 7 at 2015 8:32 PM

2015-12-07T20:32:41-05:00

SSG Robert Burns He is only a CPT. Probably was prior enlisted. For the CAB, all they have to do to earn it is be actively engaged by the enemy. It's kind of like seeing an O wearing a DS patch. It's odd and I would usually ask why they turned to the dark side and would get a little chuckle and an explanation.

Response by 1SG Joe Messier made Dec 7 at 2015 8:46 PM

2015-12-07T20:46:10-05:00

Yes, very possible. The chaplain that married my wife and I was former enlisted Green Beret. Chaplain Bob was one of the best chaplains I ever served with!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2015 8:50 PM

2015-12-07T20:50:39-05:00

Most likely what others have said; prior service SF or a Chaplain attached to SOF before his current posting at what looks like the Signal Corps School. I would bet on prior service SF because I don't believe a Chaplain attached to SOF would have to go through Q Course due to the fact that most don't condone using weapons, even in training (that's what I learned from the MP School Chaplain, not sure if it's a rule or not).

Response by SPC Paul Missick made Dec 7 at 2015 11:18 PM

2015-12-07T23:18:39-05:00

It is also called a DEPLOYMENT Badge, it just means he was deployed, not nessecarily into combat. One of my Chaplains was an enlisted infantryman before he became a chaplain. My brother was also an enlisted man before he became a Chaplain. So yes, this sinario is possible, you should have just asked him and not been such a creeper taking stalker type pics of people.

Response by SPC(P) Mark Newman made Dec 7 at 2015 11:51 PM

2015-12-07T23:51:17-05:00

Russ Vucci & I joined on the buddy program. He went MP, got to Spec4, got out, joined the Reserves, found God, went to Bible College, then became an Army (USAR) chaplain (Lt. or Capt). He presumably could wear all cabbage he was awarded as an enlisted man.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 8 at 2015 7:17 AM

2015-12-08T07:17:38-05:00

If I'm not mistaken there are 8 Chaplains with an MOH. I see no problem with it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 7:35 AM

2015-12-08T07:35:43-05:00

Our Bde chaplain at Fort Richardson,AK has SF patch because he switched over to the chaplain corp.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 9:26 AM

2015-12-08T09:26:31-05:00

I have a good friend, who is a Chaplain and ranger tabbed and has a CIB. He was an 11A before exiting service to attend seminary school and returned as a Chaplain....so this is a very plausible case, where as this Chaplain was a former 18 series (enlisted or officer), got out and came back in as a Chaplain.

On a side note - I have a good friend with the long tab, who was an 18C at one point, got out, finished college and came back in as an officer and instead of going back through SFAS/SFQC...he opted for the less strenuous CAAS/CAQC and now is a CA officer. Why not just go up to someone and ask their story - I would say most wouldn't mind sharing the path they took in their careers.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Dec 8 at 2015 3:58 PM

2015-12-08T15:58:36-05:00

I have not read all of the comments, but I wonder how many of the commentators would be surprised to see a Chaplain wearing the following - EIB, CMB, SF Tab, and Ranger Tab? Said Chaplain served as an 11B in one of the Ranger Battalions, where he earned both the EIB and attended Ranger School, then went SF where he was a medic, earned the SF Tab and earned the CMB, then got out went to seminary, and came back in as a Chaplain. That combination always messed with some peoples minds. The individual above is no surprise.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 8 at 2015 4:30 PM

2015-12-08T16:30:34-05:00

He has to be prior service.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 5:36 PM

2015-12-08T17:36:04-05:00

I am an Air Force chaplain who was awarded the CAB while serving with the Army in Afghanistan. With the revision of the AF uniform instructions Airmen are allowed to wear these and similar badges. You should see some the looks and hear some of the questions I get. As you might imagine I don't care what they think.

Response by SGM Gregory Rock made Dec 8 at 2015 5:39 PM

2015-12-08T17:39:48-05:00

I know a Chaplain who was enlisted Infantry and then became a Chaplain. He not only holds a CIB, but a TUS Badge. Very possible!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 5:41 PM

2015-12-08T17:41:31-05:00

Did you go ask him. Most of the time someone will tell you there story, all's you have to do is ask.

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Dec 8 at 2015 5:51 PM

2015-12-08T17:51:15-05:00

Many people f the TRADOC schools use a similar patch design, the diamond shape a torch and somethings else.

It is possible to have the CAB and the Cross

Response by SSG Javier Antonsanti made Dec 8 at 2015 6:13 PM

2015-12-08T18:13:36-05:00

I had seen two Chaplains with long tab, one was a LTC, and this was in Fort Benning around 1988, and a MAJ in Korea around 91, both Vietnam Vets, and prior enlisted.

Response by MAJ Steven Szymurski made Dec 8 at 2015 6:26 PM

2015-12-08T18:26:43-05:00

I had a chaplain in my unit that had prior service as an enlisted man in Viet Nam before attending a seminar and then being commissioned as a chaplain in the Army.

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Dec 8 at 2015 6:36 PM

2015-12-08T18:36:44-05:00

For a CAB you only have to be within 50ft of enemy rounds. You don't have to have fired back. He could have been in a convoy that got hit or close to incoming morter/rocket rounds. Never seen a Chaplin with one before though.

Response by PO2 Wesley Wilson made Dec 8 at 2015 7:23 PM

2015-12-08T19:23:05-05:00

100% legit this is him

http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2014/may-online-only/unconventional-warfare.html

The patch is the US Army Chaplain Center and School, Fort Jackson SC.
I am one of the Admins at This Aint Hell. I research Stolen Valor all the time. I don’t want to get preachy but I do want to make a few points.
Never assume that just because something doesn’t look right to you that it’s a case of stolen valor. Very often asking a simple question or two will resolve your concerns.
Do not confront someone until you have absolute proof, just a suspicion is not enough. I would rather see someone get away with Stolen Valor than insult a real vet who has a messed up uniform or anyone on active duty.
I personally do not like the recent popularity of the confrontation Videos, getting in someone’s face, yelling screaming and shouting will more than likely get you in trouble god help you if the person is legit.
One last point,
You have taken the picture of an Army Officer without his permission, published it on a Social Media site devoted to the Military where undoubtedly his peers will see it and attached a stolen valor tag as well as a veiled implication. What in the Hell were you thinking? How would you feel if someone did this to you?
I hope the Admins of this site remove the photo.

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 7:28 PM

2015-12-08T19:28:29-05:00

Yes, a select few Chaplains can and have go/gone through the Q Course and earn the long tab. He also could have been in a vehicle or FOB that came under attack and been awarded a CAB for being fired upon by the enemy.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 7:41 PM

2015-12-08T19:41:57-05:00

Our old battalion PA was a SFC 18D before going to PA school and still wears the long tab and all his chest candy. The only thing I would find fishy is why he would wear a cab instead of a CIB

Response by LTC John Wilson made Dec 8 at 2015 8:20 PM

2015-12-08T20:20:55-05:00

Former enlisted that was commissioned later. Is possible and has been awarded many times over the years. God bless our troops.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 8:37 PM

2015-12-08T20:37:49-05:00

My old Chaplain was an E8 18Z before he decided to do the Lord's work and applied to be a Chaplain. He's at 7th SF Group (last I checked), but was at Polk and Drum before that.

It's entirely possible, though not common.

Response by CPL Jay Strickland made Dec 8 at 2015 8:47 PM

2015-12-08T20:47:51-05:00

Looks prior enlisted, only an officer would have doubts.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 8:52 PM

2015-12-08T20:52:32-05:00

Yes, this can happen. Who knows how many years of service he has. Or he could have had a large break in service. He could also be one of those guys who missed deployments to Afghanistan or Iraq because his BN or Company didn't rotate over there. That totally depends on which group he was with, when he was with them, or how long he was with them prior to becoming a chaplain.

Response by MSG Kevin Elliott made Dec 8 at 2015 9:00 PM

2015-12-08T21:00:59-05:00

He's an SF Chaplain. He could have been awarded the CAB prior to or while serving as a Chaplain. Depends on where he's been and what happened while he was there.

Response by SSG Samuel Sohm made Dec 8 at 2015 9:25 PM

2015-12-08T21:25:20-05:00

It's the patch for the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School. It's where Chaps and their assistants go for BOLC/AIT and some parts of NCOES/OES and functional courses. I know several Chaplains that were tabbed, and even a few Assistants that had ranger tabs as well, though none that were long tabbed like the Chaplains.

Long story short, this is a Chap who is probably an SGL for OES or on the staff at the school house. Totally normal if you are down at Jackson.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 10:02 PM

2015-12-08T22:02:35-05:00

While it is not the norm. There are chaplains in the army that come from many other places in the army. I was in Germany with a chaplain that had been infantry and had used his GI bill to pay for seminary and was a chaplain. It is quite possible that this person was long tabbed and then later became a Chaplain. My question SSG Robert Burns before you said he was stolen valor did you ask him did you talk to him at all?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 8 at 2015 10:32 PM

2015-12-08T22:32:40-05:00

Maybe he was on the dark, and he walked to the light.

Response by SPC Matt Johnson made Dec 8 at 2015 10:49 PM

2015-12-08T22:49:45-05:00

we had a Chaplin that got caught in a ambush and picked up a weapon and fired back at the enemy back in 2003 Afghanistan. Also he could have been a regular soldier before he became a chaplin

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 11:21 PM

2015-12-08T23:21:44-05:00

I have seen some random stuff. It seems legit. A lot of guys do other things when they commission. Maybe one day you will commission and be an SF officer.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 11:24 PM

2015-12-08T23:24:29-05:00

Yes, this is possible. As I am sure some have mentioned already, Chaplains can wear any awards, decorations or badges they earned prior to becoming a Chaplain. Although I have never seen one with a SF tab, I have seen several with Ranger Tabs, so it is possible.

Response by LTC Norman Emery made Dec 9 at 2015 12:00 AM

2015-12-09T00:00:01-05:00

One of the primary soldiers profiled in book "Black Hawk Down" went on to become a chaplain and returned to the Regiment. Had it all

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 12:15 AM

2015-12-09T00:15:41-05:00

My first Brigade Chaplain was a LTC. He was SF for several years during the Vietnam war when he entire team was KIA with the exception of him. At that time he thought he was saved for a reason and became an Army Chaplain to help Soldiers around him. He had his long tab with many other decorations. I will tell you that he was the most feared, sought after and respected man in our BDE. As for the CAB, that was probably awarded after becoming a chaplain. As he is no longer Combat Arms and he could have been engaged by the enemy wether it be small arms fire, IED or indirect Fire.

Response by COL Jeff Williams made Dec 9 at 2015 12:39 AM

2015-12-09T00:39:51-05:00

Chaplain (Major) Jeff Struecker. Remember him from Blackhawk down. He is now a Chaplain

Response by LTC Eric Coger made Dec 9 at 2015 6:17 AM

2015-12-09T06:17:04-05:00

Of course. He could be prior service or had gone to the Q course as a Chaplain to SF Group... stranger things have happened.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 7:36 AM

2015-12-09T07:36:21-05:00

He was a marine before, got out became a Chaplin and was in a a special forces unit, and was allowed to attend the q course i know him. Think his last name is smith look him up on ako

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 7:41 AM

2015-12-09T07:41:29-05:00

I once had a chaplain who was SF in prior service, so yes, this is highly possible

Response by SGT Lyndell Jay Parks made Dec 9 at 2015 8:12 AM

2015-12-09T08:12:24-05:00

the LTC. Chaplin we had in the 1-120th Inf, had been SF during Viet Nam, God called him to the field after ..... yes it is possible, not everyone enters the Religion field straight out of Seminary ....

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 8:39 AM

2015-12-09T08:39:09-05:00

My story about hardcore chaplains: He was a fellow student with me in Combatives School. He was a really nice guy, would be very sweet and kind to anybody. But when it came to rolling on the mat, he was a true, dedicated killer. And then would apologize afterwards for it.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 8:51 AM

2015-12-09T08:51:57-05:00

Take a look at the soldiers chest...he's been to AB, PF, and maybe CAB or CIB...I can't tell from this angle. Other RP members pointed out that he was most likely prior enlisted or was possibly SF junior officer & transitioned to being a Chaplain at CCC. I had an instructor at OCS that was a prior 11A with stacks of tabs but had made the move over to the Chaplain Corps. More likely though that this CPT is a mustang.

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Dec 9 at 2015 9:53 AM

2015-12-09T09:53:35-05:00

Maybe God tabbed him....

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-12-09T10:00:00-05:00

Judging by the CPT's age, he is definitely prior service as pointed out. I'd be willing to say he likely made it up to E8 or so and then converted. Totally legit. Would not have questioned this at all. Doubt he'd be running around Jackson with am SF tab he didn't earn.

Good on him. Would love to have a Chaplain with his background around.

Response by CH (COL) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 1:32 PM

2015-12-09T13:32:39-05:00

This fine Chaplain is currently one of my students at the US Army Chaplain Center & School. He earned his CAB during an assignment in one of the Army's premier Divisions and later was assigned to USASOC where he had the opportunity to attend and successfully complete the Special Forces Qualification Course. He is one of a number of Chaplains who have completed the Q course. Chaplains come from a vast variety of backgrounds to their calling as Army Chaplains and their uniforms often represent those backgrounds and/or the variety of assignments they've had in the Chaplain Corps. If you ever have a question for a Chaplain, the best COA in the future is just ask the Chaplain. Thanks for your service! -CH (COL) Pete Sniffin; Commandant, US Army Chaplain Center & School

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 1:52 PM

2015-12-09T13:52:26-05:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_f6cXqYB1g

Ranger Up Presents: The CIB Chaplain

http://RangerUp.com presents: The CIB Chaplain. This video is absurd. Here's how it came about: 1) Tom, Tim O., and Nick drank bourbon2) Nick reminisced abou...

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 9 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-12-09T16:49:34-05:00

Just to be clear The question wasn't if a chaplain can have a CAB but more of if a Special Forces member would have a CAB as opposed to a CIB.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Dec 9 at 2015 6:00 PM

2015-12-09T18:00:25-05:00

Had an Chaplain (Catholic) early in my career that sport the long and short tabs. He was SF when enlisted in the Army. Got out, became a priest and joined the AF (so the tabs looked even MORE out of place). He credited his time in SF for his unwavering faith in God.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 6:22 PM

2015-12-09T18:22:05-05:00

Remember chaplains didn't always start as chaplains.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 6:23 PM

2015-12-09T18:23:22-05:00

Chaplains don't always start as Chaplains. I have met a long tab, CIB wearing chaplain that was SF prior to becoming a Chaplain.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 7:04 PM

2015-12-09T19:04:37-05:00

Yeah saw a Chaplin who was an Ssg in the infantry and had all kinds of scary badges

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 9 at 2015 8:51 PM

2015-12-09T20:51:31-05:00

Prior service chaplain that was SF in his enlisted or initial commissioned service. All a Chaplain has to do to qualify for a CAB is be engaged by the Enemy (since he can't engage them) and a CAB can be processed. My Chaplain was at FOB Wilderness, Paktika , Afghanistan in 2009 and got caught in a nasty rocket Attack. Along with the Cavalrymen he was with, he was awarded the CAB.

We have been fighting so long, it is entirely possible he could have earned a CAB in one MOS, went to SFAS and Q Course, and just now became a Chaplain.

Response by MAJ Haris Balcinovic made Dec 9 at 2015 10:31 PM

2015-12-09T22:31:50-05:00

It's called prior enlisted - had a chaplain who with Ranger tab and CIB

Response by SGT Jeffrey Chance made Dec 10 at 2015 11:04 AM

2015-12-10T11:04:26-05:00

Yes. I have seen before. Legit

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 12:28 PM

2015-12-10T12:28:49-05:00

Why not... Chaplains come from all kinds of backgrounds like every other soldier. In my early infantry days my battalion was blessed to have not one but two of this type of fine men . My first chaplain was STRUCKER of something like that (my apologies if I misspelled the last name) he was a Ranger that survived the Somalia battle of Mogadishu. Not sure but I think he also was in the invasion of Panama. Later on We got chaplain Garayua, he was a special Forces 18C before becoming a chaplain. Those are guys that become chaplains later because they found their calling but they can't be away from the troops.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 1:16 PM

2015-12-10T13:16:01-05:00

Some of these comments sicken and disgust me. Automatically assuming disrespect for asking a question is arrogant in the extreme, and shows that the person making that assumption thinks their rank makes them better than the person asking the question. This is how you create yes-men who don't think for themselves instead of developing subordinate leaders. I wouldn't be surprised if someone went to his chain of command over this to try to get him in trouble *smdh*... PV2 Private RallyPoint Member SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" CPT Private RallyPoint Member LTC Yinon Weiss

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 1:23 PM

2015-12-10T13:23:10-05:00

Oh, and by the way, if anyone is butt hurt enough about my previous comment to want to call *MY* commander, feel free to private message me for his number. His name is MAJ Willie G. Mccallister. I won't post his number publicly, as it's not for public consumption, but if you're active, you can easily look him up in DISA EE and email him.

Response by PO2 John Deal made Dec 10 at 2015 1:29 PM

2015-12-10T13:29:38-05:00

I had a Navy Chaplain in Okinawa that was an 0-6, Mustang Navy SEAL, Captain Danner (SEAL), USN, Chaplains Corps.
Skipper had 20" guns and was ripped.... Coolest Chappy I ever had. 2 Purple Hearts, and a Silver Star, Bronze Star with V device.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 4:27 PM

2015-12-10T16:27:17-05:00

Way back in the day...when I was stationed at FT Meyer, MDW. The Old Guard a Chaplain who was in Vietnam as a Ranger, earned a CIB, then had a break in service. Came back in as a Chaplain in the 80's to finish his career. I was at Fort Meyer from 1998-2000. He was a Major or LTC as I remember, very humble guy. Who would not hesitate to tell you his story.

Response by PFC O'neal Tillery made Dec 10 at 2015 7:48 PM

2015-12-10T19:48:22-05:00

When I was in bct at bible study we were told about a ranger that was involved in Mogadishu who later became a chaplain, still wears his tan beret and his ranger tab

Response by MSgt Christopher Schoen made Dec 10 at 2015 7:51 PM

2015-12-10T19:51:42-05:00

IDK - Army question. I do have a quick story though. While just arriving to Kuwait for a rotation I saw a 2LT with a 9-level maintenance badge (enlisted badge for E-7 and above) on his chest. He looked young. So, I confronted him and asked him about it. He squared up and said he is a former MSgt that went to OTS and got his commission. Oh...crap! Turns out, he became my deployed supervisor! Crazy. On the same rotation, I knew a SF SrA who was once an Army infantry guy. He wore a CIB on his AF uniform. Lastly, on the same tour, the base CC allowed the Red Horse guys to wear their red baseball caps with their DCUs. We were ordered to support these guys no matter what. This was in 1999-2000. I entered in the new millenia in Kuwait. I also had three girlfriends there...morale was good. This was before all the PC bullshit, PT uniform wearing when off-duty, and so on. We were cool to each other and things got done without fear of someone watching your every move.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 11:41 PM

2015-12-10T23:41:06-05:00

Ive known Navy Chaplains attached to Marine Corps units with Combat Action Ribbon. The only criteria for awards like this is to perform satisfactory during a ground engagement with the enemy. If the Chaplain is praying for death and destruction upon our enemy while being engaged in a firefight, he rates it.

Response by SPC Michael Hamilton made Dec 11 at 2015 12:27 AM

2015-12-11T00:27:35-05:00

Anyone except infantry can recieve a CAB for being near fire, my question is if you don't know that, or what the long tab he's wearing is, just what kinda sparkly uniform do you sport?

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 1:17 AM

2015-12-11T01:17:19-05:00

Yes it is. We have several Chaplains prior service who earned tabs, CABs, and Combat/Expert Infantry Badge. I can name you one I know very well as he is my brother Catholic Priest from Baltimore: CH (LTC) Tyson Wood. SF tab and EIB. Many Chaplains have earned the CAB in Iraq and Afghanistan. We also have a few Chaplains who graduated from Ranger School as Chaplains. I believe we have one or two who went through SF as Chaplains but I am not certain. Patch is the patch for the Army Chaplain Center & School.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 10:20 AM

2015-12-11T10:20:13-05:00

Many of us Chaplains were something else before joining the Chaplain Corps. I've known Chaplains who, in another life, were Ranger Regiment, Special Forces, and even Navy Seals. Stranger things have happened.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 10:22 AM

2015-12-11T10:22:24-05:00

If he was prior service it wouldn't really be a shock

Response by SSG Stephen Anderson made Dec 11 at 2015 11:45 AM

2015-12-11T11:45:28-05:00

When I was in SF Command we had an SF tabbed chaplain with a CIB and combat patch from Vietnam. He was prior enlisted (18B), got out, we to seminary, and came back in as a chaplain.

Response by MAJ Brent Nielsen made Dec 11 at 2015 12:05 PM

2015-12-11T12:05:31-05:00

As an OSUT company commander, we had a chaplain, big guy, with a CIB earned as an enlisted Infantryman in Vier Nam. He also wore aviator wings earned as a warrant officer. He left the service, entered a seminary, then rejoined the army as a US Army Chaplain. We called him "Sky Pilot" and as a "fire & brimstone" Baptist, the snivellers who cried about wanting to see the chaplain......rarely asked for a second interview.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 12:24 PM

2015-12-11T12:24:27-05:00

It seems strange to see, but I've worked with chaplains before that have been awarded Drill Sergeant, Recruiter, Career Counselor, Ranger, Special Forces, Freefall Parachutist, and even one who had a permanent marksman award ( not sure which ) as a result of his enlisted time on the Army Marksman team.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 2:23 PM

2015-12-11T14:23:56-05:00

When I came in the Army in 98 my battalion chaplain had the long tab and a lots of other things in his uniform. The CAB adjudication has changed so many times from you been in direct contact with the enemy from you been in the same convoy that experienced an IED strike etc So I believe his tab is legit.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 3:05 PM

2015-12-11T15:05:04-05:00

Absolutely possible. Many chaplains are prior enlisted or even branch transfers if they meet the qualifications.

Response by SSG Lr Sanders made Dec 11 at 2015 3:05 PM

2015-12-11T15:05:09-05:00

I was a Chaplain Assistant assigned to 3d SFG and one of our chaplains went through the SFQC while I was there. It's not common for this to happen but it has happened.

Response by CPT Edward Gunderson made Dec 11 at 2015 3:43 PM

2015-12-11T15:43:35-05:00

I know a chaplain who had a CIB, and sf tab. Did everything before his commission into the chaplain corps

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 5:32 PM

2015-12-11T17:32:58-05:00

At NPTU - Charleston, our chaplain is an Air Force captain who before that was an Army reservist and before that a Navy Nuke Machinist Mate SW so he has Navy ESWS on his Air Force uniform

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 5:41 PM

2015-12-11T17:41:01-05:00

Prior service!! Happens all the time in a lot of fields.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 6:51 PM

2015-12-11T18:51:22-05:00

As a Chaplain Assistant, I have seen some of these. Most of these Chaplains join SF support groups along with their Chaplain Assistants.

Response by TSgt James Curts made Dec 11 at 2015 7:05 PM

2015-12-11T19:05:31-05:00

As an atheist.....I give zero fucks about this. Stop digging for bullshit to get ass hurt over. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 8:09 PM

2015-12-11T20:09:38-05:00

SF Groups have chaplains. Could be prior service. When I went through BCT in 1977, our chaplain had a CIB, master jump wings and 173rd Airborne Bde patch on his right sleeve.

Response by SFC Jeremy Moosmann made Dec 11 at 2015 10:34 PM

2015-12-11T22:34:23-05:00

In Bragg around '96, saw an Army Chaplain coming out of JFKSWC who also had a trident. One could think maybe he saw something that changed the scope of his beliefs.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 10:55 PM

2015-12-11T22:55:35-05:00

I was stationed in Mannheim, Germany from 1999 to 2003 with 515th TC, 181 TC BN. We had a Chaplin Thompson there that wore the Navy Seals Trident from when he was enlisted and was part of the teams. He was an awesome man and I wish I could run into him again sometime, I know he made Major before I left.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2015 12:53 AM

2015-12-12T00:53:59-05:00

legit...its just a school like Ranger school. Many people have many MOSs. Depending on the MOS he was working while deployed or in this case combat action incident a long tab does not guarantee a CIB nor do all long tabs serve in SF units.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2015 3:21 AM

2015-12-13T03:21:56-05:00

Yes. An enlisted SF qualified soldier attends seminary or divinity school and direct commissions as a chaplain and then earns his CAB as a chaplain.

Response by SPC Ethan Reddick made Dec 13 at 2015 10:40 AM

2015-12-13T10:40:12-05:00

There is a chaplain that I had seen and he had the tab. When I spoke with his assistant he was a prior enlisted MSG before he had received his calling as a chaplain.

Response by SSgt Richard Rutledge made Jan 9 at 2016 12:39 AM

2016-01-09T00:39:40-05:00

When I was a contractor in Iraq we took a pounding at Camp Taji on 4 May, 2011 (I think, might have been 3 May though). Nobody fired one shot in defense, but every "Green Suiter" on the base at that time got the combat action award--it was reported to have been the worst attack in Iraq up to that point. I think this included all Chaplains, Medics, and Lawyers present--the three least likely to see combat. You know what they say--timing is everything...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 10:52 PM

2016-01-21T22:52:32-05:00

One of the best Chaplains I ever had the honor to serve with has a scroll, halo wings, EIB, Master Rated Jump Master, and Best Ranger Competition winner Chaplain Jeff Struecker. An amazing soldier and chaplain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy7yoNr9d6E http://jeffstruecker.com/about-jeff-struecker/

Major Jeff Struecker - Liberty University Convocation

On October 29, 2010 at Convocation, North America's largest weekly gathering of Christian students, U.S. Army Maj. and chaplain Jeff Struecker captivated Lib...

Response by LTC Alan Bitting made Jun 5 at 2016 10:29 AM

2016-06-05T10:29:57-04:00

I had a chaplain with a CIB when I was Bn S-3. He had been an Infantry platoon leader in Vietnam. We had an O-6 chaplain while I was at Third Army with a CIB, SF tab and Master Jump Wings. Somewhere along the way, these guys found a different calling. They were great Chaplains.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Jun 30 at 2016 3:17 PM

2016-06-30T15:17:18-04:00

When I was an instructor I saw a few Group chaplains come through just to get a tab. It use to piss me off as we are not ranger school. If you are not going to do what we do, then you don't have the right to wear the same tab we do. They do it to be allowed to stay in Special Operations. As sorry as I may think it is, its legit. He may have gone through the Q-course as a Chaplin.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2016 6:10 PM

2016-07-29T18:10:47-04:00

Our chaplain has a scroll and CIB.

Response by SSG John Phillips made Jul 29 at 2016 8:39 PM

2016-07-29T20:39:23-04:00

I served with a Chaplain for a number of years who was Airborne, Ranger and Pathfinder. He retired recently as a Brigadier General. He was a the "Real Deal"! Don't judge a book by its cover.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2016 11:31 PM

2016-07-29T23:31:18-04:00

I happen to know one!

Response by CPT Robert Boshears made Jul 30 at 2016 12:56 AM

2016-07-30T00:56:43-04:00

He may have been SF prior to becoming a Chaplain. I know very little about the CAB, but I don't see why a Chaplain would be exempt. Look at the Chaplains who received the MOH in Vietnam. I had the true pleasure to meet and be in the same command of a Full Navy Captain Chaplain, who wore a WW2 CIB, from Army service, and the Navy Combat Action Ribbon from Vietnam, which used to be equal to the CIB. He was a great guy, but no one...I mean no one gave him any BS. After the morning prayers, he grabbed his golf clubs and hit the beach, when not on the gun line.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2016 2:29 AM

2016-07-30T02:29:24-04:00

I might regret saying this, but here goes...the Army seems to spend an inordinate of time focusing on bling. As I've followed different comment feeds on RP, I see dialogues about CABs, combat patches, how to get this ribbon, this badge, this tab, etc. Instead of chasing shiny stuff, why not just get satisfaction from doing your job well and not worry about what you (or someone else) has on their chest?

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2016 7:06 PM

2016-12-31T19:06:38-05:00

Any Soldier who comes under fire can be put in for a CAB. I've also seen Chaplains who received awards, citations, etc. as Service Members BEFORE becoming a Chaplain.

Response by CH (1LT) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2017 10:58 AM

2017-04-21T10:58:58-04:00

I had a combat action badge from my deployment as a 13B years before becoming a chaplain. I had a friend with a special forces combat patch from before he became a chaplain.

Response by SSgt Julius Bob Midgett made Nov 13 at 2017 6:45 PM

2017-11-13T18:45:15-05:00

Like seeing a mustang with a good conduct you better be sure you are on solid ground when you make an accusation

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2017 7:24 PM

2017-11-13T19:24:16-05:00

People make career changes. He may not have always been a chaplain.

Response by COL William Oseles made Nov 13 at 2017 8:43 PM

2017-11-13T20:43:36-05:00

Many Chaplains were something else before they were a Chaplain, i.e. Prior Service.

Response by PO3 Scot Fahey made Nov 13 at 2017 10:39 PM

2017-11-13T22:39:07-05:00

prior enlisted. Mustang.

Response by SPC Tommy Faircloth made Nov 14 at 2017 1:40 AM

2017-11-14T01:40:20-05:00

There’s this thing call commissioning as a chaplain. It’s like if a medic has a CIB. Doesn’t mean he didn’t reclass from 11B

Response by SFC Antonio Nieto made Nov 14 at 2017 4:26 AM

2017-11-14T04:26:10-05:00

If he was in a vehicle transporting him and it was fire upon by the enemy everyone gets a CAB there is really no reason why to questioned or wounder how is a matter of knowing the regulation

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2017 1:17 PM

2017-11-15T13:17:32-05:00

I know a chaplain with a CAB, he was prior enlisted, and earned it enlisted side.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2017 11:32 AM

2017-11-30T11:32:50-05:00

Not sure if others have posted it, but about ten years ago there was a Navy SEAL LT (Georgia Tech NROTC grad) who was injured in the course of his duties, felt the call from God to chaplaincy, became a Chaplain Candidate, somehow ended up in the GA Nat’l Guard and deployed to Iraq. SEAL to chaps, kinda crazy but happens!

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2017 4:33 PM

2017-12-03T16:33:46-05:00

Becoming a chaplain takes years, you’ll very rarely see one under 30. That said, I’d say about 1/3 of them are prior enlisted.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 4:28 PM

2018-12-21T16:28:20-05:00

My chaplain during my fist deployment wore a long tab and combat patch, before he got commissioned, he was a SF NCO, was authorized the tab and patch, he went thru the CQB training with us, giving pointers here and there, and said I'd it came down to it, he would pick up a weapon and fight to protect his soldiers, I'm not Christian, but that was the best damn chaplain I've ever had, and 15 years later I still have the utmost respect for him

Response by CPL Chris Palmberg made Dec 21 at 2018 7:07 PM

2018-12-21T19:07:32-05:00

My squadron PA dropped his packet after busting his jump physical. He reported to his first duty station as a 2LT with a CMB, Long Tab, Senior Jump Wings, and a chest full of medals, and a group SSI-FWTS for Desert Storm. He chose not to wear any of them until after proving his mettle as a battalion surgeon.

I've known a couple of Vietnam grunts who ETSed, and then years later, after seminary and ordination, returned to the Army as a chaplain. They routinely wore their combat patch (both incidentally Americal) and CIBs. When asked, both men were very gracious about addressing the obvious (and likely commonplace) confusion.

Response by CPT Jeff Robinette made Dec 23 at 2018 8:32 AM

2018-12-23T08:32:34-05:00

There was an Army Chaplain that was Awarded the Medal Of Honor in Vietnam.

Response by SFC Joseph Portere made Dec 23 at 2018 1:49 PM

2018-12-23T13:49:43-05:00

Totally possible.

Response by Lt Col George Roll made Dec 24 at 2018 10:40 AM

2018-12-24T10:40:20-05:00

He may have served as an enlisted man prior to becoming an officer and a Chaplin.
I served 10 1/2 years as an EM and attended College and OTS after returning from Vietnam.
Went from Tsgt to 2lt. with Master Parachutist Wings, Aircrew Wings, Viet Jump Wings Bronze Star, Air Medal etc. Got questioned a few times as to how I got them.

Response by SGM Ronald Cheatom made Dec 24 at 2018 1:34 PM

2018-12-24T13:34:45-05:00

It is Legit. First Chaplain, who had an impact on me, was a ranger. Not just assigned, but he graduated from the school, an was the regimental chaplain.

Response by SSG Jim Kidd made Dec 25 at 2018 11:59 AM

2018-12-25T11:59:56-05:00

He could of reclassed as a chaplain. I knew an officer with a drill sergeant patch. Great guy and great warrior. Was a major when I met him. I know of (have seen) a chaplain with a CIB. He was enlisted while getting his Master's of Divinity. Heard he was a great chaplain.

Response by SA Carrington Bibuld made Dec 25 at 2018 5:11 PM

2018-12-25T17:11:40-05:00

Sequencing.

Response by LTC Bob Forrest made Dec 26 at 2018 10:35 AM

2018-12-26T10:35:39-05:00

We got a new Chaplain when I was in the National Guard. He came in wearing his Class As. He was wearing a Ranger tab, a Special Forces combat patch, ribbons up to his shoulder topped with a Silver Star, CIB, jump wings, and a Vietnam service ribbon with four stars. He had gone to college and seminary after a seemingly very interesting period of service. Last I heard of him, he had a star and was Deputy Chief of Chaplains for Reserve Components. So, yes, possible.

Response by Capt Ben Edwards made Dec 26 at 2018 2:34 PM

2018-12-26T14:34:34-05:00

It won't answer your question but everyone in the service has unique opportunities. I have seen Navy officers with an AF occupational badge and an AF butter bar with pewter dolphins from his time in the Navy. I was deployed with a chaplain with command pilot wings. All seemed legit when I asked.

Response by SSG Lyle O'Rorke made Dec 26 at 2018 3:40 PM

2018-12-26T15:40:13-05:00

While I was in USFK, the 8th Army Chaplin had served as an infantry enlisted soldier a Flight warrant officer and then commissioned as a Chaplin. He had made it to the rank of COL.

Response by CPT Don Kemp made Dec 26 at 2018 8:45 PM

2018-12-26T20:45:29-05:00

Jeff Streuker was with 75 Rangers in Mogadishu and went in to become an Army Chaplain. I didn’t wear the long-tab but I did wear the Drill Sergeant patch as an officer.

Response by MAJ Darren Hoschouer made Dec 27 at 2018 7:46 PM

2018-12-27T19:46:27-05:00

Very good friend from IOBC went to Selection and Q-Course. He is now a chaplain.