The U.S. Army Medical Recruiting Brigade hosted the Army Chaplain Experience tour at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, June 4-7, 2024.
Religious leaders, theological and career advisors, deans of universities and community leaders attending from across the country had the opportunity to learn about different Army Chaplaincy ministry opportunities, training and the benefits Soldiers receive. One of the most valuable parts of ACE was the opportunity meet and network with current Chaplain Soldiers actively serving active duty and Army Reserve, according to Colonel Katrina Walters, MRB commander.
“In many of our highly ranked educational and religious institutions there are advisors and counselors providing guidance to young men and women seeking ministry opportunities in fields that serve others. At ACE, our guests have the chance to hear from very talented men and women, officers and enlisted, about the ways they answered the call and served their country through the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps,” Walters said.
To kick off the event, ACE guests and staff attended an “ACE Meet & Greet” event to connect with other attendees, introduce themselves to the group and learn about the upcoming events of the week.
During the week, ACE guests toured the U.S. Army’s second oldest museum, the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum, with Mr. Chris Ruff, Curator, to view multiple exhibits and learn about the Division’s history from 1917 to the present. Soon after, the group transitioned to the nearby “Hall of Heroes” with Chaplain (COL) Brian Koyn, Senior Chaplain of XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Liberty. Here, guests walked through displays showcasing historic uniforms, weaponry and maps, and relived iconic events of Soldiers across past decades and wartime. Major General Colin Tuley, Deputy Commanding General of the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Liberty, spoke with the guests regarding how valuable a Chaplain can be in a Soldier’s life personally, in their unit and in combat. Guests commented that it was very beneficial to hear how a commanding officer embraces his Chaplain into the care and management of Army units.
Other activities included viewing a commissioning ceremony of five new chaplain Soldiers, led by the first Muslim Chaplain commissioned into the U.S. Army. Chaplain (MG) William “Bill” Green, Director of the Institute for Religious Leadership with the Army Chief of Chaplains, officiated the one-hour ceremony.
“Future Soldiers, you will join the ranks of thousands of military officers who have raised their right hand and sworn this honored oath,” added Chaplain (COL) Renee Kiel, Chief of the U.S. Army Chaplain Recruiting Division. “All oaths are inherently solemn, but when you as people of faith swear this oath, it is especially profound because, for people of faith, oaths are promises made to others and God.” *
In addition to the presentations and tours, ACE guests learned about what requirements are necessary to become an Army chaplain: education, clinical/counseling experience, chaplaincy qualifications, physical and mental fitness, religious affiliation endorsement, and the application process. Various presenters were there to share their own experiences, answer questions and provide information that many will take back to their own jobs to share with others seeking their own spiritual calling.
The event concluded with a tour of Fort Liberty’s beautiful and historic chapel and a private viewing in the post’s theater of the not-yet-officially-released “Fighting Spirit”, an inspirational film telling the untold stories of chaplain service, courage and sacrifice, narrated by former and currently serving military chaplains.
Following the tour, the group felt the ACE provided them with a thorough insight into the Army Chaplain Corps, its history, ministries and career opportunities, advanced training, requirements to join, support for their families, and how each guest can impact the Army’s recruiting mission. In her closing remarks for the group on the last day, Walters said she hoped they would share their experiences and knowledge from the Army Chaplain Experience with their own leadership, co-workers and students as a positive and fulfilling career choice to serving others and our nation’s heroes.
* Quote from original source, The First Female Muslim Army Chaplain Candidate Embraces Diversity | Article | The United States Army by Mr. Jason Ragucci, June 7, 2024, Army.mil