Committee on Chaplains
to
HM Forces
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ARMY CHAPLAINS
Introduction
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Within garrisons there are individual
chaplains whose day to day life is, in many respects,
similar to that of a parish minister, including
marriages, christenings and funerals. |
The chaplains are also dedicated to comforting, consoling
and educating their charges in the teachings of Christ
and playing an important part in teaching and reinforcing
the Army’s core values and standards
These ministers accompany their charges on operations and to war, exposing
themselves to all the hazards of the battlefield in
order to re-assure their people and to bring comfort
and solace to the wounded and dying. Chaplains wear
the uniform of the British Army but do not carry arms
and are non-combatant.
The present size of the British Army is 104,000, and
there are a total of 151 chaplains to look after their
needs, including 16 retired officer chaplains.
Worship is held while on duty around the world
Examples of the ministry
Royal Army chaplaincy in a regiment, be it tanks, artillery
or infantry is one of the most challenging and rewarding
tasks for a minister. The parish largely comprises young
men and women, often without any Church background and
often suspicious of or sceptical of the presence of the
chaplain. Involvement in all a unit's activities, particularly
in sport and being present when conditions are climatically
or physically extreme, and challenging, erodes this suspicion.
| Accompanying the unit
on operations also brings the parishioner much closer
to his or her minister. The presence of the chaplain
can serve as a reminder to all ranks of the traditional
values and attitudes of the British soldier - the
ability to endure, to be fierce in battle, but to
be considerate of the wounded, defeated or surrendered
enemy. |
Angus MacLeod, army chaplain
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It is an opportunity to carry on the work of the Church
in a way and in circumstances seldom to be met elsewhere.
There are a range of chaplaincy opportunities with
the Army. Click here
to find out more about recruitment and training with
the Royal Army Chaplains' Department.
Chaplaincy service structure
Chaplaincy in the Army is headed by the Chaplain General,
who holds the equivalent of two star - that is, the Major-General's
rank. In each formation of divisional size or above there
is an assistant chaplain general. Their rôle includes
career management as well as ensuring that the spiritual
needs of all units are cared for adequately.
Further contact details
You can visit the Royal Army Chaplains' Department online
at www.army.mod.uk/chaps/index.htm
The Royal Army website is at
www.army.mod.uk
Please note these links will take you out of the Church
of Scotland website and open a new browser window.
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