Posted on Apr 2, 2014
What are you opinions on Chaplain Assistants getting "Special Treatment" from their units?
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What are you opinions on Chaplain Assistants getting "Special Treatment" such as exemption from CQ/Staff duty, Comp-Time for working Chapel Services on the weekends, etc. from their units?<div><div><br></div><div>What do you think should Chaplain Assistants be treated differently or should they be treated the same as any other soldier in the unit? <br></div></div>
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Chaplain
Edited 11 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 242
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If they are Non Combatants you have to respect that but they have to know how to survive with their unit.
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MAJ Frank H Staley
And just exactly which combat skill are they learning by pulling CQ/CQ runner or staff duty NCO?!
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Ok this not entirely true because the chaplains assistant in our unit does CQ and details not as often but he does. He’s even done BOC duty runner.
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SPC (Join to see)
He’s not protecting him in which way? You do realize we are taking about being stateside not down range?
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CH (MAJ) (Join to see)
The Chaplain is failing as a leader and supervisor if he allows the Assistant to be on the duty roster.
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Leave it be, don't stir the pot. I know we use to get comp time for Bn SDNCO duty.
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MAJ Frank H Staley
In the units I served in, the SDNCO got the day off after pulling duty while the duty officer didn't
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I think every Soldier and his/her duties should be taken into consideration for such duties. A Soldier that runs a position or shop alone deserves careful consideration for CQ/Staff Duty. A lone Supply Sergeant/Soldier on CQ today isn't doing ANY supply actions tomorrow in most cases- unless the Chain of Command cares little for Soldiers' welfare.
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PFC Minchey because of your unique job as a Chaplains
Assistant and typically the only in a Battalion formation. You will always come
across soldiers and leaders that are blind to what you do on day to day bases.
If a soldier or leader comes to you to complain that you are being lazy or
shaming out of work all you need to do is with tact and respect explain what
your task to do at the moment. If that person whats to continue to
"zent" so to speak let them; then just put a 5lb bag of salt on it
and let it go.
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PFC Minchey, Are you singling out Chaplain Assistants for any particular reason? Are there any other soldiers who receive special treatment of which you have not expressed a grievance about? I want to make sure you're not singling out CAs because of a personal bias because of the CA's unique position of working for a Chaplain. I am far from being a CA, as you can see I am an MP. While we worked the road, we did not pull any duties like CQ or SD. Who ever was not on the road or non MPs would pull those duties. Is that special treatment?
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SGT Jason Keefer
SGM (Join to see) - But, to be honest, did you really "need" him to pull duty? It's a hard sell to the joes when you're willing to pick and choose which regs you're going to follow and which you're going to ignore. That's how you get guys who think it's ok to go rogue.
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SGM (Join to see)
SGT Jason Keefer - Yes, he was "needed" to help pull duty. Some of my Soldiers pulled 3 duties a month when we were in Afghanistan and him pulling a duty and helping to relieve just one Soldier was worth it. The best part is once he got in the "trenches" the other Soldiers started to confide in him more which gave the chaplain a better finger on the BN's pulse. Now as far as me going "rogue" as a 1SG I don't pick and chose what regulations I follow, I follow all of them and expect the same from my Soldiers. Now to clarify it a little more I did read the regulation prior to making him part of the DA6.
AR 165-1 states "b. Religious affairs specialists can support additional duties that contribute to the welfare of the command; however, commanders must consult with their assigned chaplain before assigning additional duties."
Once I explained it to the Chaplain he agreed that his assistant needed to be seen as one of the Soldiers and not someone "special". Now since I still care about all of my Soldiers I worked it out with the chaplain that he would pull a third of the duties they pulled and he would have one month on and one month off. As soon as he blessed off on it then we were acting in accordance with the regulation. Thanks for the concern.
AR 165-1 states "b. Religious affairs specialists can support additional duties that contribute to the welfare of the command; however, commanders must consult with their assigned chaplain before assigning additional duties."
Once I explained it to the Chaplain he agreed that his assistant needed to be seen as one of the Soldiers and not someone "special". Now since I still care about all of my Soldiers I worked it out with the chaplain that he would pull a third of the duties they pulled and he would have one month on and one month off. As soon as he blessed off on it then we were acting in accordance with the regulation. Thanks for the concern.
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CH (MAJ) (Join to see)
1SG,
Im both a current Chaplain and a former 1SG. In my opinion, the chaplain mentioned failed his Assistant by letting you put him on the roster. I would have said "NO!" Also makes me question that chaplains ability as a supervisor and leader.
Im both a current Chaplain and a former 1SG. In my opinion, the chaplain mentioned failed his Assistant by letting you put him on the roster. I would have said "NO!" Also makes me question that chaplains ability as a supervisor and leader.
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PO1 Kerry French
PFC Eric Minchey - I would have told that soldier to pound sand, mind his own damn biz and stay in his lane.
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I am a former Chaplains Assistant and I can tell you that when we were I duty on the weekends it was All Weekend because not everyone has their service on Sunday. And also on Wednesday night's there are programs. That was my duty while on Garrison. And for writhing that weekend the next upcoming Friday I'd have off.
I was told that if we were a line unit that itd be the chaplain and myself. I would take that to mean that any and all religious and support needs would be covered by only us. Which could mean all hours at any time. And if the assistant was on duty then they wouldn't be able to help when needed.
I was told that if we were a line unit that itd be the chaplain and myself. I would take that to mean that any and all religious and support needs would be covered by only us. Which could mean all hours at any time. And if the assistant was on duty then they wouldn't be able to help when needed.
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It’s the same concept with comping military bands for their work outside of everyone else’s normal duty day. Doing their job at night, on Saturday, on Sunday, on federal holidays that others get a 72 for IS their regular duty hours. Quit being a whiny baby and just worry about your own job. Let the professionals take care of the chapel, chaplain, & musical needs.
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