Ethical Challenges for Commanders and Their Chaplains

Abstract

Since the beginnings of our respective military Services, commanders expected their chaplains to be both religious and ethical leaders. Commanders relied on chaplains to reinforce Servicemembers' spiritual strength, commitment, cohesion, morale, and moral discipline. This expectation has always been grounded in the role of professional clergy in larger society. Chaplains are clergy endorsed and sent by recognized denominations and faith groups representing the religious communities of our nation. The idea of clergy serving as ethical leaders is expressed in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim thought, as well as in most other religious traditions. Clergy, including those serving in uniform, constitute a conduit for divine law through teaching, action, and example. It is not surprising, therefore, that some of America's premier military commanders-including Generals George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Ulysses Grant, John Pershing, and George Patton-looked to chaplains to support and reinforce good conduct "for God and Country" among troops. Moreover, faith groups that send chaplains to the military expect them to admonish Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen to exemplify high ideals of personal behavior as an extension of American values at home. Historically, chaplains exert moral leadership and influence through preaching, counseling, teaching, writing, and personal example. Since 1861, Army chaplains have also been directed by regulation to advise their commanders "on the moral and religious condition" of the troops, with "such suggestions as may conduce to the social happiness and moral improvement" of the unit. Current Army regulations specify simply that chaplains will advise the commander and the staff on matters of "religion, morals, and morale."

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA515969

Entities

People

  • Eric Wester
  • John W. Brinsfield

Organizations

  • National Defense University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan
  • Chaplains
  • Information Operations
  • Instructors
  • Military Education
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • Navy
  • Religion
  • Schools
  • Security
  • Task Forces
  • Three Dimensional
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.