FYSA
And consideration…
Are you aware that during a RIF prior to the mid-90s the USAF Chaplain Corps was able to convince USAF to not reduce their Chaplain Corps? As a result, over the next many years the corps became top-heavy in brass who stayed until their ‘28 and 30’ to play golf.
As a result the corps greatly reduced chaplain ascensions which in turn created a large gap between junior and senior ranks. When the old chaplains retired there was not enough field grade or command grade chaplains per doctrine. This then resulted in junior chaplains assigned to commanders, and in turn “The Chaplain” lost Identity which can be seen by their loss of seat at the commander’s table and house on “Command Row”… along with the authority to advise. USAF commanders see their JAG daily. Often USAF commanders only see their chaplain at staff meeting; sitting against the back wall.
I could give a seminar on the disaster that has become the USAF Chaplain Corps.
1. The USAF Chaplain Corps needs to be right-sized to provide a Wing Chaplain of appropriate rank as a PEER with the CC’s Group Commanders.
2. The USAF Chaplain Corps needs to be right-sized to provide Group Chaplain for every Group, of appropriate rank as a PEER with the Group CC’s Squadron Commanders.
3. The USAF Chaplain Corps needs to be right-sized to enable the Group Chaplain to provide full-time ministry of presence to the Group (and Squadrons) and advice to command.
Ask the questions:
1. How many Wing Commanders’/Group Commanders do not have their chaplain sitting at their staff table?
2. How many Wing Commanders’ do not have their chaplain sharing their lives on Command Row?
3. How many Group Commanders rarely see their chaplain because he or she is piled high with administrative duties that have no bearing on direct ministry of presence in the unit or directly advising command?
Simple stuff.
This will require a substantial increase in manning to these previous levels -and- an advisory council to teach old doctrine to a career field that has been much twisted and maligned over the past three decades.
Pax… CH Rob 🫡🇺🇸
