Which Branch Has A Higher Need For Chaplains, Army or Navy?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 May 2022 16:14:26 -0400

Note: Currently 11B in the Army. I am in the final processes of becoming a Chaplain Candidate for the Army. Just waiting on Congress for the scroll.

I cannot speak to the actions of Naval Chaplains as I am Army. In my experience, Army Chaplains (as I’m sure Navy Chaplains do too) range from, “Full Hooah, I’m there. I’ll support you,” to “They know where my office is, they can come to me.” The Army does not allow Chaplains to be Morale Officers. However they can pseudo-fill that role, but it is dependent on the commander. Personally I think this puts a damper on the importance of morale and forces the Army to rely on Espirit de Crops. Which as anyone who has been in will tell you, Espirit de Corps gets your bags packed, it doesn’t complete the mission. I digress. Which of the two branches, in your personal opinion, need Chaplains most?

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made May 6 at 2022 4:43 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Fri, 06 May 2022 16:43:01 -0400

The "need" for a Chaplain is individual, but if you need one they are indispensable. Two things you might consider; if assigned to the navy, you're almost assured of having three mess hall meals and a bed at night, but, the Navy provides Chaplains to the Marine Corps, and although they normally are in the rear where living is better, there is always the chance of sharing field life.
Who needs them more? They fill a real need with any branch.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 8 at 2022 9:19 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sun, 08 May 2022 21:19:01 -0400

Trick question. No branch needs Chaplains.
What we need are more qualified mental health professionals.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made May 9 at 2022 8:52 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Mon, 09 May 2022 08:52:05 -0400

I CAN'T HELP MYSELF. The Navy definitely needs more chaplains. Ever been in port when they let a ship load of those godless heathens loose on a town? I thought Victory Drive was bad, but even the Grunts are lightweights when compared to sailors. They definitely need the counsel of a Chaplin. :^).