There is no doubt in my mind that chaplain promotion boards are slanted.
They admit it. In the instructions to the board, they tell them things that they are permitted to consider beyond simple fitness. My memory says those things can include: gender, ethnicity, high need denomination or religious practice.
Correct me, litekeeper, if my memory is faulty.
The most common denomination is Catholic. The ratio of Catholic chaplains to Catholic troops is much worse (far lower) than the ratio of Southern Baptist chaplains to Southern Baptist troops.
How should the US military chaplaincy deal with that imbalance? On the battlefield when a Catholic troop is dying or is in need of communion, if you were that troop’s parent, who would you want ministering to him, if at all possible? Same situation, use Southern Baptist; and etc.
mega dittoes
I don’t know what the balance should be among Chaplains, but I have never felt more comfortable among religious leaders as I did with Chaplains.
As a simple soldier, I always felt that a Rabbi, Priest, Or Preacher would bond with me if I needed counseling, last minute baptism, or a few last words close to my death, I love Chaplains and I think/feel/hope, that God grants us simple folk and soldiers in distant lands, something based on intent.