In Case You Didn’t Know It, Things Are Very Different Now: Part 1

CH (CPT) Heather Davis - One thing I had to learn in the Army was to not expect spiritual behavior from non-spiritual people, including Chaplains. Even among those who shared my faith, many had a lot to learn about people skills and basic kindness. I worked with and for female military personnel and some worked for me...it was never an issue. But I sadly know that for plenty of people it was a very different scenario. I'm a civilian pastor now in a denomination that ordains female clergy (Conservative Congregational Christian Conference).

Sir, it was disheartening for me. I was blessed to have met a few Chaplains who stayed true to their calling.

My recommendation would be to have all Chaplains have 4 units of CPE as a prerequisite before entering the Chaplaincy.

I did mine at BAMC. One guy in my group was very unpleasant and was determined to remain that way. A MG told me, "You pretty much bring who you are into the job," something I fear CPE can't cure.

I don't think that unique to Military Chaplains but also clergy men in general. Most rise above that and remember why they are serving as either civilian or Military Clergy and never lose that focus. One member of the clearly I did know very well rose in the upper ranks of the Church and didn't like what He found in th upper echelon management of that faith and by His own choice returned to a local parish to go back to what He knew was important. He was quite disturbed by what He saw in the upper church management and knew it was wrong and wanted no part of that but instead to serve the religious faith needs of the church membership, Its one of the unfortunate failures of some human being that lose their focus although not all do.