234th Army Chaplain Corps Birthday

What is it'

On July 29, Army Chaplain Corps turns 234 years old. This week, the Chaplains Corps will be celebrating its anniversary at locations around the world.

What has the Army done'

Since 1775, approximately 25,000 Army chaplains have served as religious and spiritual leaders for 25 million Soldiers and their families. From military installations to deployed combat units and from service schools to military hospitals, Army chaplains and chaplain assistants have performed their ministries in the most religiously diverse organization in the world. Always present with their Soldiers in war and in peace, Army chaplains have served in more than 270 major wars and combat engagements. Some 400 Army chaplains have laid down their lives in battle. Six have been awarded the Medal of Honor. Their love of God, country and the American Soldier has been a beacon of light and a message of hope for all those who have served our nation. Currently, over 2,700 chaplains are serving the total Army representing over 130 different religious organizations. Over 1,000 chaplains and chaplain assistants are mobilized or deployed in support of contingency operations throughout the world.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future'

Chaplains will continue be a safe, confidential source of help and council immediately available within a Soldier's own unit. Chapel programs will provide religious support for Soldiers and families through all phases of the deployment cycle. The chaplain-led Strong Bonds program for commanders will continue to experience increased demand. This skills-based relationship training is shown to increase resilience in important relationships. The "Fallen Eagle" Chaplain Battlefield Ethics Trainer, an interactive, scenario based program that trains Soldiers on proper ethical decisions under battlefield conditions will be soon fielded through your chaplains. Finally, the Chaplain Corps is working with the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program to provide products designed to increase the spiritual fitness of your Soldiers.

Why is this important to the Army'

Nearly eight years of combat have stressed our Soldiers and families. Your Chaplain Corps will continue to stand with you every step of the way for religious support, council and programs to benefit your Soldiers and families.

Resources:

<a href="http://www.army.mil/chaplaincy" target="_blank">The Chaplaincy</a>

<a href="http://www.strongbonds.org " target="_blank"> Strong Bonds Web site</a>

<a href="http://www.usachcs.army.mil/HISTORY/Brief/TitlePage.htm" target="_blank"> History of the Chaplain Corps</a>

Sign in required: <a href="https://ako.tkeportal.army.mil/sites/umilmin/Ethics/CUBET/FEFG/" target="_blank"> "Fallen Eagle" Chaplain Battlefield Ethics Trainer</a>