I got an email today—I check my AKO email only occasionally out here, from the Chief of Chaplains Office regarding the non-combatant status of Chaplains. I was happy to see it, because I whole heartedly agree that this should be our stand and this gives me a reason to address it here.
The noncombatant status of Chaplains forbids me from carrying a weapon. And, yes, I’m ok with that.
I am a noncombatant.  My mission is not to engage in war—I believe war is necessary in just cases, however I am not a combatant. I gave that up when I became a Chaplain. My role is different. My role is to be the spiritual leader and the minister in the unit. There is nothing farther from my mission than the killing of enemy personnel. Carrying a weapon would undermine the role that God has given me to be a voice of peace and restraint. There are those who fight and there are those who don’t. I’m a don’t.
If I am in danger, God is there to oversee my movement. He is there to protect me. I place my trust in God.Â
But, there are other reasons.
If we are to expect Private Snuffy to obey the Rules of Engagement, the Chaplain, of all people should obey his. It is that simple.Â
Further, if I need to have a weapon to defend myself—things are really bad or I’m in the wrong place. I don’t intend to be around if either happens, so why do I need a weapon.
The bottom line is that I also trust the men and women around me who are there to protect me. They will do there job—so I can do mine. The Army works that way.