On Tuesday, Dec. 16, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth released a video announcing directives to “make the Chaplain Corps great again.”
“I’m here to tell you about a real problem facing our nation’s military. It’s one you’re probably not aware of, but it’s a really important one, and it’s been going on for far too long.The weakening of our Chaplain Corps,” Hegseth stated.
Hegseth explained that George Washington established the Chaplain Corps in 1775 with the intention of it being the “spiritual and moral backbone of our nation’s forces.” Hegseth quoted Washington as saying, “The blessing and protection of heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger.”
“Sadly, as part of the ongoing war on warriors, in recent decades, [the Chaplain Corps] role has been degraded,” Hegseth said. “In an atmosphere of political correctness and secular humanism, chaplains have been minimized, viewed by many as therapists instead of ministers. Faith and virtue were traded for self-help and self-care.”
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Hegseth went on to describe the current United States Army Spiritual Fitness Guide as “unacceptable and unserious.” Hegseth pointed out that in “well over 100 pages” of the guide, “it mentions God one time.” Yet, he said, “it mentions feelings 11 times. It even mentions playfulness, whatever that is, nine times. There’s zero mention of virtue.”
“The guide relies on New Age notions, saying that the soldier’s spirit consists of consciousness, creativity, and connection,” Hegseth continued. “The guide itself reports that around 82% of the military are religious. Yet, ironically, it alienates our war fighters of faith by pushing secular humanism. In short, it’s unacceptable and unserious. So we’re tossing it.”
Hegseth said he would sign a directive that eliminates the use of the current guide “immediately.” He added, “These types of training materials have no place in the war department. Our chaplains are chaplains, not emotional support officers, and we’re going to treat them as such.”
“There will be a top-down cultural shift, putting spiritual well-being on the same footing as mental and physical health as a first step toward creating a supportive environment for our warriors and their souls,” said Hegseth. “We’re going to restore the esteemed position of chaplains as moral anchors for our fighting force.”
Hegseth quoted the 1956 Army Chaplain’s Manual, which says, “The chaplain is the pastor and the shepherd of the souls entrusted to his care.” He concluded, “This is a high and sacred calling, but this only works if our shepherds are actually given the freedom to boldly guide and care for their flock. Stay tuned for more. We are going to make the Chaplain Corps great again and merry Christmas.”
