As a civilian pastor I can’t go to your office to check up on you, but as an Army chaplain, everywhere you go, that’s where I am.

With that, Chaplain (Maj) Michael J. King succinctly describes one of the benefits to the armed services of having military Chaplains.  The Chaplain also explained the “perform or provide” role of the military Chaplain: 

The Army says I must ‘perform or provide. Meaning, if I can’t perform a service, I have to find a way to provide that service. For example, I’m not catholic so I can’t perform a Catholic Mass. What I must do is provide the location and materials for such services to take place and find someone that can provide those services.

This provision is similar to that arranged by Chaplain West, who also recognized the necessity of Chaplains “serving all” in the military environment.  Despite accusations to the contrary, this Southern Baptist-sent ‘missionary’ well understands, and executes, his role within the military: he supports all soldiers.

In chapel setting, I can preach the Bible as I understand it but, outside of the chapel setting I have to remain pluralistic.

The only reason we still exist is because we don’t advocate one religion over another. We support all Soldiers equally. That’s part of our First Amendment right and my main responsibility is to ensure Soldiers have their right to the free exercise of religion.

Of course, at least one organization contests his first statement that military religious services can be conducted as theologically required.  He is correct, though; Chaplains serve to ensure spiritual support and free exercise, wherever American troops may go.