Secretary Pete Hegseth aired a video in December 2025 calling for “making the chaplaincy great again”. Responses to this surprise message ranged from confusion to consternation to applause and adulation. Regardless of one’s interpretation of this latest word, two things do not change for the American Army Chaplaincy.

First, the mission remains the same. We are to “bring God to soldiers (and their families) and soldiers to God” by using our sacred callings as chaplains, religious affairs specialists, directors of religious education, and Department of the Army civilians working with the Corps, actively serving and veterans alike. We focus on the faith God has shown us representing a diverse number of faith groups across the nation. Programs change. Army leadership changes. Challenges change but the Chaplain Corps mission stands solidly the same. We protect the religious right of worship for all faiths our soldiers practice as promised in the ultimate legal scripture of our nation, the Constitution of the United States with its Bill of Rights and Amendments.

Secondly, the Chaplain Corps Family accomplishes this noble endeavor by exercising our sacred callings. These calls are not from the government or even our religious organizations. These callings are from God, issued and revoked, only by God. This is one of the unique aspects of the Chaplain Corps from any other branch, service, or department within the government. This is the reason why the Army Chaplain Corps motto is ”Pro Deo et Patria”-For God and Country. God first, nation second. We who serve in any capacity of support to this mission by our sacred call knows and feels the awkward task of being in between the secular government and sacred faith in God. It is empowering and challenging to be true to all within the context of our personal beliefs and the pluralistic environment the government seeks religious leaders to minister in. It is a missionary effort within an equal service to all soldiers as we encourage soldiers and families to practice their chosen spiritual paths. Our honesty, integrity, and faith as shown by our service, are the credentials we offer to sacred mission accomplishment.

The Chaplaincy remains great so long as we retain our faith focus on God and the mission.

Scottie Lloyd

USACCRA President