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Hello friends! I have been interested in chaplaincy on and off for years, been in the Army a while. I majored in Bible and Theology, loved it. I don't see much talk on what it's like to be a Chaplain on RallyPoint. There are various parts to this conversation that I have had many times, what I am asking today is more dealing with duties and career assignments. I have been reading through DA PAM 600-3 for info. If you care to take a minute, I jotted down some questions below:
What is a day to day for a Chaplain? I can piece together some assumptions, but perhaps there are parts that go on behind the scenes that I am not aware of?
I don't fully grasp the function of a Chaplain for the commander apart from a readiness perspective. Can someone offer perspective or provide an example of what a Chaplain does for a commander?
What are evaluations like? Anything other than what I am used to?
What sort of readiness and training does the Chaplain manage and track?
What sort of leadership role, if any, does a Chaplaincy take? Is there any level of development with the Chaplain's assistant?
What is the upward mobility within the branch?
I read from others that one of the biggest challenges is harmonizing with different religions, in the sense of a collaborative effort towards the mission and soldier welfare; is this true?
I am very much interested in academia. Is there a fair amount of academic work after BOLC and outside of post-grad education?
How often is the position afforded to just plug-in to soldier's training? Some Chaplains are always around, some not so much. I assume this is like any MOS; it depends on the unit, current mission, additional assignments, leadership, etc. What provides that classic example of a Chaplain having the ability to be out there with Joe's?
The benefits of being a Chaplain seem amazing in two ways: one, the job is ministry and two, the chaplain gets to be involved in all sorts of activities and functions that are completely geared towards soldier welfare. Like mental health programs, family assistance, couple retreats, bible studies, etc.. Is this a fair assumption?
What is a day to day for a Chaplain? I can piece together some assumptions, but perhaps there are parts that go on behind the scenes that I am not aware of?
I don't fully grasp the function of a Chaplain for the commander apart from a readiness perspective. Can someone offer perspective or provide an example of what a Chaplain does for a commander?
What are evaluations like? Anything other than what I am used to?
What sort of readiness and training does the Chaplain manage and track?
What sort of leadership role, if any, does a Chaplaincy take? Is there any level of development with the Chaplain's assistant?
What is the upward mobility within the branch?
I read from others that one of the biggest challenges is harmonizing with different religions, in the sense of a collaborative effort towards the mission and soldier welfare; is this true?
I am very much interested in academia. Is there a fair amount of academic work after BOLC and outside of post-grad education?
How often is the position afforded to just plug-in to soldier's training? Some Chaplains are always around, some not so much. I assume this is like any MOS; it depends on the unit, current mission, additional assignments, leadership, etc. What provides that classic example of a Chaplain having the ability to be out there with Joe's?
The benefits of being a Chaplain seem amazing in two ways: one, the job is ministry and two, the chaplain gets to be involved in all sorts of activities and functions that are completely geared towards soldier welfare. Like mental health programs, family assistance, couple retreats, bible studies, etc.. Is this a fair assumption?
Chaplain
Battalion Chaplain
Brigade Chaplain
Ministry
Military Career
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 5
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Having just finished my time as a Chaplain Recruiter, I'd first advise you to start with one of the recruiters. Message me for contact information.
The day to day is unique, but generally speaking, you're going to have some mix of serving as a staff officer and a religious leader. From my background as an evangelical Protestant Christian pastor, I'd be at the motor pool, command and staff meetings, pastoral team meetings for the chapel, teaching classes, in addition to counseling, Bible studies, and regular worship services.
My responsibilities lie both as a pastor, to those who would see me as their pastor, as well as to my Soldiers who may not believe as I believe - I'm still responsible for protecting their right to the free exercise of their faith.
The day to day is unique, but generally speaking, you're going to have some mix of serving as a staff officer and a religious leader. From my background as an evangelical Protestant Christian pastor, I'd be at the motor pool, command and staff meetings, pastoral team meetings for the chapel, teaching classes, in addition to counseling, Bible studies, and regular worship services.
My responsibilities lie both as a pastor, to those who would see me as their pastor, as well as to my Soldiers who may not believe as I believe - I'm still responsible for protecting their right to the free exercise of their faith.
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CH (MAJ) (Join to see)
Yes, and also not exactly.
It was among the options available to be during that YMAV cycle and it seemed more attractive to me than the alternatives.
I loved it, got a great sense that I was building the future of the Chaplain Corps, and might be indirectly providing religious support thirty years in the future.
It was among the options available to be during that YMAV cycle and it seemed more attractive to me than the alternatives.
I loved it, got a great sense that I was building the future of the Chaplain Corps, and might be indirectly providing religious support thirty years in the future.
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Good luck 1LT (Join to see)
I just got accepted to Southern California Seminary myself. Almost 20 years AD in the Navy and finally hearing Gods calling (something I’ve been struggling with since 2007). If you need some solid Chaplains to talk to let me know. But CH (MAJ) (Join to see) is a 100% correct on the reaching out to a Chaplain recruiter for the day to day understanding and process to become a Chaplain.
I just got accepted to Southern California Seminary myself. Almost 20 years AD in the Navy and finally hearing Gods calling (something I’ve been struggling with since 2007). If you need some solid Chaplains to talk to let me know. But CH (MAJ) (Join to see) is a 100% correct on the reaching out to a Chaplain recruiter for the day to day understanding and process to become a Chaplain.
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