For centuries the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department has ministered to soldiers and their
families in times of war and peace. Chaplains provide spiritual support, pastoral care
and moral guidance to all, irrespective of religion or belief. They are professionally
qualified officers who have been ordained in one of the recognised sending Churches and
have been selected to hold a commission in the Army. They wear the uniforms of the
British Army and accompany their soldiers wherever they go; exercising leadership and
management they are non-combatants and do not bear arms. Regular chaplaincy assignments
to units generally last between two and three years. Over time this enables chaplains to
experience ministry in a wide variety of settings. (See also SAS article)