U.S. Military Chaplains: Redirecting a Critical Asset
Douglas Johnston Wednesday, 16 December 2009
In early 2001, the U.S. Navy initiated a training program in religion and statecraft for all Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Chaplains.[1] Its purpose was to enhance the conflict-prevention capabilities of the sea-service commands, which are typically at the forefront of America's overseas involvements. Among other avenues of inquiry, this training explored in considerable depth the benefits that would accrue from military chaplains (1) establishing relationships of trust with local religious leaders, and (2) serving as advisors to their military commanders on the religious (and cultural) implications of command decisions that were either being contemplated or implemented.
To read the entire article, please visit this article's page at informaworld, where articles are available for purchase from Routledge, our publishing partner.