A Navy chaplain offers spiritual guidance and comfort to Navy personnel. Navy chaplains also serve members of the Coast Guard and the Marines in the United States. Navy chaplains, like chaplains in other branches of the military, offer members of the armed forces the chance to speak with a spiritual advisor about any issues that may arise. A chaplain, like civilian spiritual advisors, may face a wide range of dilemmas, from requests for advice on resolving marital conflicts to questions about the morality of certain actions.
An ordained member of the clergy or a recognized religious officiant within one’s faith is required to serve as a Navy chaplain. Many chaplains are Christians, but others come from other faiths such as Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism. People who are still in training to become members of the clergy who want to join the Navy can do so through the Navy.
Applicants to the Chaplain Corps must show that they are not only qualified, but also have strong moral and ethical values and are of good character. References are checked, and the Navy chooses applicants who it believes will provide the best service to those who are in need. A Navy chaplain, like other members of the armed forces, must meet certain physical requirements and attend a training school to learn about naval service and the rules of conduct for sailors. Despite the fact that naval chaplains receive military training, they are not considered combatants.
Some Navy chaplains lead nondenominational religious services for anyone who wishes to attend, though some chaplains do lead denomination-specific services. They are also willing to provide counseling and advice. They may organize activities, lead support groups, and promote morale in other ways, such as assisting with musical performances and plays.
Some Navy chaplains work on a base, where they have well-organized offices and facilities for conducting religious services. They can perform marriages, baptisms, and other rituals, as well as hold counseling and advising office hours. Chaplains are available to people in moral or spiritual crisis at all hours of the day and night, and they offer counseling to people of all faiths. A Navy chaplain cannot proselytize or attempt to convert anyone, but if someone seeks conversion counseling, the chaplain can help.
On the battlefield, chaplains are also present. When they land and begin shore operations, they sail with Naval vessels and encamp with Navy personnel. Improvisational skills are extremely useful on the battlefield, as chaplains may need to make changes to the services they provide for safety and security reasons. While on active duty, the nature of a Navy chaplain’s work can become more difficult because the environment is more stressful.