Some secrets should stay secret, but this blog is about the secret weapon for surviving military life which I want everyone to know about! This is an often-overlooked resource for those serving our country in military uniform and for their families. I’m talking about military Chaplains!

Chaplains are more than just religious leaders and spiritual advisors.

They’re also counselors whom you can trust to have your back and to provide you with support whenever you need it. 

Unlike civilian counselors, military Chaplains provide counseling with 100% confidentiality.

Everything any of you tells any Chaplain stays strictly between the two of you, with no paperwork or records required. 

Chaplains are highly trained and knowledgeable professionals with exceptional insight into military life, making them invaluable sources of support and guidance. Chaplains are required to have Master’s degrees and full-time ministry experience before joining the military Chaplaincy.

In addition, many Chaplains served in other capacities as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines before becoming Chaplains, so they have a really good idea about your life challenges.

Chaplains can address many issues.

All Chaplains have been trained to help you address issues such as communication skills, stress management, parenting and family dynamics, deployment and reintegration, anger control, loss and grief, and connecting with God — and the list goes on!

Some Chaplains have additional licensures in Marriage and Family Counseling, so they’re especially well-equipped to help you navigate the challenges of reconnecting with your spouses and being parents.

So, there you have it, military spouses — Chaplains are your secret weapon!

Chaplains are available to support and encourage you, and to empower you to thrive in your military life. So, whether you need an unbiased listening ear, a resource for advice and guidance for yourselves or your families, or just someone to talk to — Chaplains are ready and willing to help you in any way they can.

You can reach your Chaplains at your units, at your military chapels, and maybe even in houses in your neighborhoods. So don’t be shy — reach out and speak to your Chaplains!

They are your secret weapon in the support system you need! 

*For more information on military chaplains and the services they provide, please visit Military One Source: Chaplain’s Role and Responsibilities or visit https://mca-usa.org to find out how to become more involved.

*Find more great information and inspiration at The Chaplain’s Corner.