The public affairs office at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst recently put out an article that extensively discussed the role of Chaplains in the military, though not necessarily perfectly.

“We are accepting of everybody, regardless of their faith,” said Chaplain (Capt.) Raphael Berdugo. “We’re here to help everyone.”

The chaplain’s mission is to promote comprehensive and agile spiritual readiness for America’s most combat ready, mobility and expeditionary warfighters. The chaplains also provide spiritual guidance to the community members such as: spouses, children and retirees.

On the presence of specific faith Chaplains: 

The Department of Defense recognizes more than 40 separate religious denominations. The base does not contain representatives or chaplains from each one, but does have several which provide direct service. Chaplains will seek help from the surrounding community and families so all servicemembers have the opportunity to practice their faith whether it be on base or not.

On the role of the military’s duty to accommodate religious practice:

Chaplains are also liaisons between servicemembers and their commanders. If a servicemember has a religious need conflicting with their day-to-day military duties, a chaplain can step in and speak with the commander about it. Even though a chaplain may speak with the commander about the problem, the commander still has the final decision on whether or not to comply with the servicemembers religious needs.

“For the most part, commanders go out of their way to accommodate the servicemember, but they will not know of the problem unless we make them aware of it,” said Chaplain (Capt.) Scott Brill.

The article even covers how to become a Chaplain and the role of Chaplains in everything from religious services to death notifications.

It does appear the article may make one error, however:

One thing which makes chaplains unique from other counseling services on base, such as mental health or family help, is their 100 percent confidentiality policy. Unless a servicemember has intent to harm themselves or others, the chaplain cannot report them to the first sergeant or commanders.

The “unless” part of that statement appears to be in error.  Chaplains are the only place in the military where one is guaranteed absolute confidentiality, not “confidentiality, unless…”  All of the service regulations on this topic can be found at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute.

No doubt confidentiality is a difficult subject at the US military Chaplains’ school. Air Force Chief of Chaplains (MajGen) Cecil Richardson has previously recounted a story of an Airman who tried to commit suicide right in front of him.

In fact, the unique confidentiality between “priest and penitent” was one of the reasons atheists cited for wanting their own “Chaplains.”

The only “exception” to such confidentiality in a religious context is the required interview conducted during application for conscientious objection.  In that case, the intent of the interview is to provide a releasable assessment; the Chaplain is required to make that known.