Setting aside Secretary of Defense Hegseth’s dismissal of Chaplain (Major General) Green from the Chief’s seat, and assuming the Secretary’s positive intent in his array of proposed changes for the U.S. Army Chaplaincy, there are advantages and disadvantages to replacing the chaplain’s rank with the faith symbol.

As an aside, if I recall correctly, I did not wear my rank when in the combat zone. The cross was on my helmet and centered on my Kevlar. But I could be wrong. Anyway…

The argument that not wearing rank sets conditions for increased approachability by reducing intimidation.

This may be true, though I think I and the chaplains I knew were approachable. On the other hand, young Soldiers are sometimes looking for someone to go to bat for them and rank can signal the chaplain’s potential leverage with command and staff. And a chaplain can be just as unapproachable while wearing the cross as he is when wearing rank. Perhaps, Muslim and Jewish Soldiers might hesitate in coming to a Christian chaplain, although again, I never experienced that. When the chips are down the Soldier wants a chaplain—a man of faith. It is up to the chaplain to build rapport with the troops in his unit. This takes time whether wearing rank or a cross.

The argument that removing rank places clearer emphasis on the chaplain’s religious role.

This is undoubtedly true, but the chaplain also has a role as Soldier and,  without evidence of progression in grade, I predict chaplains will be considered as members of some sort of auxiliary organization. On the other hand, the chaplain’s “visual representation of his pastoral role” stems from his personal conduct, commitment, and prophetic stance within the unit. I have seen Chaplain (Captains) outgun Chaplain (Colonels) owing to their tenacity and fervor for the Gospel (or other Scriptures). I knew a Jewish Chaplain (Captain) that had more influence in Iraq than more senior (and envious) chaplains.

The argument that removing rank signals symbolic neutrality in counseling.

Some issues require neutrality—true, although a better word might be openness. Wearing a cross is hardly a neutral position! Again, it depends on the chaplain. I have had Satanists, atheists, agnostics, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and WICCAs come to me. It’s about the respect you gain in your unit whether you wear rank or a cross.

And of course a spiritual counselor’s goal is to support conversion. The argument of nonauthoritarian neutrality is not a useful position here. The chaplain-counselor may be the only authority a young Soldier can respect and in which he/she can hope. Rank can also enhance trust!

While the Secretary’s position may have advantages, his lack of consultation with the Corps or officers and troops in the field suggests a lack of evidence in testing them. However, I am very happy he wants to get us out of the new age business and back to basics.

Fr. Mark Francis Plaushin OSFS, CH (COL), USA, Ret., PhD, PCSG