The New York Times covers the military’s struggle with classifying and treating Traumatic Brain Injuries, using an experience by a military chaplain as the lede:

It was [Chaplain] Lt. Col. Richard Brunk’s second Sunday in Baghdad, and so, of course, there was church. Only 16 soldiers showed up, but that was good for that busy day, election day across Iraq. The presiding chaplain asked everyone to take seats up front. It was a providential move.

A 122-millimeter rocket exploded outside, virtually collapsing the rear of the chapel…

The explosion broke Colonel Brunk’s wrist, shattered both his eardrums and rattled his skull, medical records show.

Though a Soldier with American Atheists claims chaplains aren’t allowed in combat, reality (and the US Army) begs to differ. Chaplains risk life and limb — unarmed — to provide for the religious needs of all US troops.  Even a religious service in a chapel has been the “front line” in modern warfare.

Chaplains have been killed and wounded, have come home with PTSD, and have suffered the effects of TBI.

They go where you go.  Literally.

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