Top Marine Chaplain Visits Lejeune
A Marine Corps article noted the visit to Camp Lejeune by Chaplain (Rear Admiral) Margaret Kibben, the 18th Chaplain of the Marine Corps and Deputy Chief of Navy Chaplains.
The article at times emphasized the fact Chaplain Kibben is the first female Chaplain of the Marine Corps, and at others de-emphasized her gender.
Although gender was not a deciding factor in the decision to appoint Kibben to her current positions, Giampa said women serving in senior leadership roles sends a strong message to future leaders – both men and women.
“There’s nothing you can’t achieve,” said Giampa. “It opens up a lot of career paths, not only for women but for (everyone). It broadens everyone’s thinking. Being the first female chaplain of the Marine Corps is truly a blessing and something unique and diverse.”
Kibben attributed her success to her predecessors – both male and female – and said she was excited to be a part of a team that helped so many people.
Being the first female Chaplain of the Marine Corps, or even the first fighter pilot to lead the Marine Corps, is certainly worth noting. Beyond that, Chaplain Kibben appears to be a well-respected leader and Chaplain with great concern for the Chaplains and their assistants who serve the Marines around the world.
While I commend her for service, I’m confused; first, why does a preacher need a Masters degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College? It would seem to me that as a non-combatant she would not need this type of “training/degree” and wonder if by her attendance someone in the “Naval Warfare” business missed out. But its certainly a good OPR bullet for that Admiral promotion though eh? Can’t wait to hear all about her Naval Warfare strategies too.
Second, (and somewhat unrelated) I did some further research and found that she also worked at the US Institute for Peace. I wonder if this Institute really does anything for the United States citizens; I’m just saying, we have been at war for a very long time and I don’t see how these special (elite) schools/colleges or Institutes are helping in any way to get us or the rest of the world out of wars or embrace peace. They do publish a lot of material and gave some in-sights into what they were actually chartered to do, they have some nice scholarships and WOW, that facility they work in is unbelievable…talk about a crystal cathedral…guess we really do need to cut the fat & crap out of the budget after all. I’m just baffled at some of the BS and government waste we put up with these days.