Juxtaposing military chaplaincy with civilian ministry through the fourfold framework of Comprehensive Airmen Fitness (CAF)
By Chaplain Michael J. Breznau
Many parallels exist between the responsibilities of military chaplains and civilian clergy. However, the challenges and opportunities of military life result in distinct differences within a chaplain’s ministry. The following juxtaposes military chaplaincy with civilian ministry through the four-fold framework of Comprehensive Airman Fitness (CAF).1 Chaplains must exemplify CAF – mental, physical, social, and spiritual fitness2 – not only for their well-being, but also for those they are called to serve.3 While one may argue civilian ministers ought to also exhibit these fitness categories, this paper will prove the features of chaplaincy necessitate a higher level of comprehensive health.
First, chaplains must exude mental fitness: “awareness – adaptability – decision making – positive thinking.”4 Certainly, civilian ministers hold a great degree of mental strength. Extensive higher education is often required for clergy. However, chaplains are tasked with a unique role: leadership advisement to commanders and other senior leaders. They must be perpetual learners to provide relevant advice on ethics, morale, and resiliency. Chaplains also continually validate and grow their knowledge through professional military education. In times of combat, chaplains must retain mental fortitude to be a non-anxious presence in the face of fear among the ranks.
Second, chaplains must exhibit social fitness: “communication – connectedness – social support – teamwork.”5 Civilian ministers serve congregations of like-faith, and their local communities might represent socioeconomic and ethnic uniformity. However, chaplains serve in an entirely pluralistic environment. They work as servant-leaders for a beautiful harmony of multivalent backgrounds, religious groups, and ethnicities. Therefore, they perform special duties such as providing guidance so that various religious convictions may be accommodated, e.g., beard waivers, dietary restrictions, religious attire, etc. Modeling inter-connectedness as one team on one mission is essential. So, chaplains are to be exemplars of unity within diversity. I have often said that Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream is God’s design for His people. Chaplains are empowered to proclaim and live that dream forward every day.
Third, all military members must prove their physical fitness. Civilian ministers are wise to be in shape. Although chaplains are non-combatants, they must always be physically prepared to go wherever, do whatever, and be with whomever they are called to serve. They will never fire an M-4, but chaplains may ruck miles up a mountain, distribute humanitarian supplies, jump out of a C-130, go through survival training, or endure long days in deployed locations. All these examples may seem daunting. However, chaplains make deep relational connections while engaging their unit with action.
Fourth, chaplains must embody spiritual fitness: “the ability to adhere to beliefs, principles, or values needed to persevere and prevail in accomplishing missions.”6 Unlike clergy serving a local congregation with a variety of goals, chaplains serve for the achievement of America’s military objectives. Our work revolves around counseling and coaching Airmen and Guardians in their core values and beliefs, so they are a strong, united force.
Whereas a minister may provide three counseling sessions in a week, an effective chaplain may keep more than fifteen weekly counseling appointments. The nature of the counseling is also intrinsically different. Civilian ministry favors routine counseling and stable life situations. However, military personnel often seek out a chaplain in the face of extreme crisis, emergency, or relational instability. Most importantly, chaplains must practice 100% confidentiality in their counseling.7 This long-standing policy provides servicemembers with a safe and trusted space to work through any concern.
Chaplains are mandated to provide religious services and programs aligned with their faith group. They may be active in preaching, teaching, directing liturgy, leading music, or administering sacraments in a similar way to civilian clergy. However, even this setting is extraordinarily unique. Base chapel communities are often comprised of Airmen and Guardians, families with deployed spouses, civilian personnel, and military retirees. The facilities are typically used interchangeably by many different faith groups. The differences abound even further when leading religious services in a deployed context overseas. For example, a chaplain must embrace flexibility as they fly to six or more forward operating bases to lead weekly religious programs, so that our brave servicemembers remain spiritually fit for the fight.
In conclusion, this paper juxtaposed military chaplaincy with civilian ministry through the four-fold CAF framework. Our survey proved the challenges and opportunities of military life result in many distinct ministry differences. May all who serve in this vital role do so with honor, courage, and genuine love.
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About the author: I served in full-time church ministry for fourteen years, including nine years as a senior pastor. Now as a commissioned active-duty Air Force chaplain (March 2023), this paper draws from my civilian experience and specifically highlights the Air Force Chaplain Corps. The purpose of this essay is to present the unique, exciting, and deeply rewarding aspects of military chaplaincy that differ from civilian ministry and are often unknown by the broader populace. If you are interested in learning more about how to become a military chaplain, please feel free to send me a message from the Contact Us page.
Disclaimer: This post, site, and all contents herein represent my personal views, not that of the Department of Defense or the United States Air Force.
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Notes
1. Air Force Instruction 90-5001, Integrated Resilience, 25 January 2019, 4-5.
2. Ibid.
3. CAF began in 2011 as an integrated, multiagency program focused on “sustaining a fit, resilient, and ready force”. Air Force Instruction 90-506, Comprehensive Airman Fitness (CAF), 2 April 2014, 3.
4. Integrated Resilience, 25 January 2019, 5.
5. Ibid.
6. Ibid, 45.
7. Air Force Instruction 52-101, Planning and Organizing, 15 July 2019, 19, 28-30.
