A Time for Conversion: Chaplains and Unified Commanders
Abstract
The genius of the American system is that it ensures freedom of religion for those desiring to exercise their faith as well as freedom from religion for those without interest. The commander bears a responsibility for providing service members with the opportunity to freely exercise religion under the first amendment. Until recently, however, military leaders could ignore religious matters external to the Armed Forces with relative impunity. That is no longer the case, for religion on the operational level transcends the needs of military personnel. Indeed, unified commanders are faced with a pluralistic and volatile world where religion represents a significant force. It is clear in light of the increasing stakes that commanders should take religion seriously in using the range of tools available to them. Religious issues and their implications are examined by diverse staff elements, including intelligence, information operations, psychological operations, and unified command chaplains, who are the principal advisors on religious matters. Unfortunately, there are difficulties that undercut support by chaplains. Senior billets for joint chaplains are justified on the basis of advice they give to commanders, yet poorly formulated doctrine virtually ensures that commanders are provided with little guidance on what to expect from chaplains. The problem is exacerbated by a tendency of the service chaplaincies to produce senior officers who are more attuned to meeting the needs for free exercise and accommodation of religion than advising senior commanders on religious issues. The time for change is now. Three issues require speedy and dramatic improvement: doctrine and policy, expectation baselines for unified command chaplains, and personnel management and training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA483681
Entities
People
- Bradford E. Abelson
Organizations
- United States Department of the Navy