What has been your experience with Chaplain Assistants in the Army?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 May 2014 07:12:52 -0400

Being a 56M myself I'm curious how others feel about our MOS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 7:16 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 May 2014 07:16:24 -0400

I find it to be a very respectable career choice. Not everyone wants to fight in direct combat and perhaps that person endeavors to become a preacher. On the flip side I have met a few bad apples but they are everywhere.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made May 4 at 2014 7:17 AM

LTC Jason Strickland — Sun, 04 May 2014 07:17:40 -0400

I've worked with several Chaplain's Assistants in both my military and now civilian career. Just like anyone else I've had the opportunity to interact with, I've had a variety of experiences - usually depending on attitude and personality. In general, I've found Chaplain's Assistants to be very pleasant, helpful, and enthusiastic.

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made May 4 at 2014 7:18 AM

SFC A.M. Drake — Sun, 04 May 2014 07:18:24 -0400

SSG Jones,

I think you are valued and needed. I have met a lot of 56M during my career and I will tell you wholeheartedly that without you guys the Chaplains themselves could not effectively do their jobs. I do have a question for you, of the different faiths does the 56M perform as a one shot fits all as far as in the performance for your duties?

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made May 4 at 2014 9:55 AM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sun, 04 May 2014 09:55:34 -0400

From the perspective of a former XO/S-4, the Chaplain's Assistant had the smallest sub-hand receipt. It was four LIN items: Chaplain's HMMWV, computer, bugle, and chaplain's flag. I could get our Chaplain's Assistant SHR done each month without any issues and he usually was the first to be completed.
He was very good and tremendously helped out our Chaplain each day. In fact I sometimes think our Chaplain would have gone crazy without him. Everything seemed to be in order and any information needed was provided on the spot. I hope to find him again someday in the Army. Good times.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 3:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 May 2014 15:21:52 -0400

SSG Jones

I have question for you. Do you know any atheist Chaplain Assistants?

Response by CH (CPT) Jerry McGowin made Aug 12 at 2022 8:47 PM

CH (CPT) Jerry McGowin — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 20:47:14 -0400

I am retired now, and an old geezer. As a Chaplain, every Chaplain Assistant worked with was outstanding with one exception. One of my Assistants later became a Chaplain. Proud of him.