The Kansas Army National Guard recently commissioned Chaplain (1Lt) Jamilah Moss into its ranks — and they really want you to know she’s a woman [emphasis added]:

The Kansas Army National Guard welcomed a new chaplain – one who is unlike any other – into its Chaplain Corps…

Chaplain (1st Lt.) Jamilah Moss is the first female chaplain in the Kansas Army National Guard…

“There’s an incredible importance in having female chaplains,” said [Chaplain (Maj) John Potter, deputy command chaplain]. “As we continue to increase the numbers of females in combat arms, it’s huge that we have a female presence in all branches. So for this to happen in 2016 is historic, it’s unique. In a way, it’s kind of sad it hasn’t happened until now.”

Of course, female chaplains have been in the US military for quite some time, but given demographics, it shouldn’t be too surprising there isn’t a female chaplain in every single unit.

As a side note, there are some who advocate that chaplains should be able to meet the needs of all of their troops, and a “minority” chaplain actually undermines that cause.  While every Christian denomination represented in the military accepts a male pastoral leader, a substantial percentage do not accept female pastoral leaders.

That’s not an argument for male chaplains any more than it is an argument against Jewish or Muslim chaplains; rather, it is an argument for not trying to make a chaplain a one-size-fits-all neutered “spiritual” leader. There’s a reason chaplains are endorsed by specific faith bodies, and there’s a reason they are required to adhere to the tenets of those faith bodies in order to maintain their endorsement.

That’s something critics conveniently forget when the chaplain at issue has religious beliefs they don’t like.

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