[March 29, 2026] U.S. Army (retired) Chaplain and Colonel Bren Bishop gives us his insight into whether military chaplains should wear their rank. This is not a new controversy, and he has plenty of experience to share. But, let’s read his “rant” and see if it makes any sense.
Please forgive the long rant
Army Chaplains to not wear rank
Wow!
We are finally following the old English Army model
Where Chaplains rank is a lot like CSM’s – it’s tied to the command you serve and everyone knows you have the right ear of that commander
As a Chaplain I’ve advocated for this years ago
In my hospital tours – I removed my rank and put an additional cross where my rank was so when I entered into the hospital ward Pvt snuffy didn’t freak out that I was a Cpt, Maj, LTC or Col
I had a Hospital Med Corp SSG pull this poor USAR Chap aside to tell me
“Sir you’re supposed to wear your rank there” pointing to my front blouse where your Velcro rank goes
So I pulled my Eagle out and said – “oh you mean like this one”
The look on His face was priceless
I told him I had hip pocket orders from the hospital Cdr to replace my rank with a cross when I visit the wards because there are so many trainees on the wards
Plus it’s uncomfortable when you visit the maternity ward and meet Mr and Mrs SSG E-6 and the husband instead of celebrating the birth of his son/daughter is all Strack about the Colonel in the room – instead of the chaplain
I got a memory from a wounded Soldier at 36th CAS in Baghdad that breaks your heart – after that I at times removed my Desert blouse so the Rank didn’t upset the wounded Soldier – that’s another story
This idea of rank has been a debate among Chaplains for years
There will be some Chaplains that will bemoan this
But over all for troop chaplains I like it – Chaplains cannot give legal orders anyhow except for administration or safety
Our role is different and after 32 months of company command time in Armor and Infantry I think I have a good handle on the difference
I’ve seen some Chaplains abuse rank more than I’ve seen them use it for safety or correct administration
I applaud a couple of Chaplains use of rank appropriately to stop abuse
But if said Chaplain invokes “I am Chaplain for 3 Battalion, 2nd Brigade or 1st Division Infantry (name rank of abuser ) I’m advising you to stop while I call our commander to advise him/her of your abuse of command “.
I predict things will stop
Most people hear a Chaplain of higher rank try and throw their weight around and they giggle anyhow – but they always respect the commander the Chaplain represents – after all that commander holds the power to end a career with the stroke of a pen if mearly by marking the “wrong” potential block on the back of the Officer Evaluation Report
Chaplains advise like the Patron Saint of Chaplaincy
“The Prophet Nathan – speaking to his Commander David – 2 Samuel 12
Like Nathan – an effective Chaplain has access to the Commander and speaks values and morals for the good of the command (community) in language and terms the Commander can understand and most likely come to the right decision – just like Nathan did within Commander (King) David
Chaplains are effective when
- They can communicate they respect and love their Soldiers
- They are authentic to the Call of ministry they have
- They exercise Good Judgment and confidentiality is sacred
You do those things and troops will make you their chaplain – no rank necessary
Be in prayer for our Chaplains and the troops they shepherd
Oh by the way – the original Insignia for Chaplains in the Continental Army was the Shepherd’s Crook – it out ranked everyone
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5800026-pete-hegseth-military-chaplains-faith-insignia/amp/
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Reprinted by permission. Originally published on Facebook, March 26, 2026
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Great insight, thanks Chaplain.
Military chaplains ditching their rank? Finally, someone realized that a big shiny bar on your collar can make a scared private freak out like he’s facing his angry boss instead of a friendly ear. It’s like showing up to youth group wearing a principal’s badge—no one wants to confess their problems then. The article makes a solid point: chaplains can’t bark orders anyway, so why pretend they’re there to boss you around? They earn respect by listening and keeping secrets, not by flashing rank like some video game power-up. Switching to faith symbols instead sounds way smarter, turning chaplains into approachable shepherds rather than mini-generals. In the end, troops will trust the cross (or whatever) more than the oak leaves—battle buddy first, officer second. Thank you, Chaplain Bishop.
Well said. Without those shiny ranks, chaplains could swap their eagle for a shepherd’s crook and actually act like one, instead of looking like a walking performance review.
I respectfully disagree. I fully support military chaplains wearing their rank with pride. It upholds the chain of command, discipline, and the traditional structure that has kept our armed forces strong for generations. Removing rank would weaken authority and blur vital lines in a time when our military needs clarity, not confusion. True spiritual guidance thrives under ordered leadership, not in some feel-good experiment that puts feelings over readiness.
Good comment, Otto, but I disagree. I think CH Bishop has the better argument here. Combat Vet here. Vietnam 68-69.
Been following this in the news media and now have a better understanding of the topic. While reading this my thoughts went to the services’s medical corps who are also involved in healing and compassion and would this concept extend to them as well. Just thinking.
Thank you, Chaplain Brenson Bishop for your insights.
Well said, sir. Thank you for your service.
Pete Hegseth is right to put faith first for military chaplains. Chaplains answer to God above all, not just military rules. Removing rank insignia makes them more approachable for troops in need. This change honors our Judeo-Christian heritage and rejects woke secularism. It restores true moral strength to our armed forces.
I strongly agree with your take on Hegseth’s proposal. Prioritizing faith over rank allows chaplains to serve as genuine spiritual guides rather than bureaucratic officers. This shift rejects the creeping secularism that has weakened military cohesion for years. By drawing on our nation’s Judeo-Christian roots, it rebuilds the moral foundation troops need in combat. True leadership flows from conviction, not insignia. Restoring this balance strengthens our forces and honors the values that built America.
Red, good to see you back, and supportive of this change within the US military.
🙏 I’m pleased with this long-overdue development.🙏
I really enjoyed this article about military chaplains and their rank. This Chaplain makes a strong case for keeping things simple. Chaplains focus on trust and care instead of authority. Removing rank helps soldiers feel more comfortable sharing problems. The hospital story felt real and human. It shows how a chaplain can connect better without bars or stars getting in the way. I like the idea that respect comes from actions, not insignia. The old English Army model makes good sense here. Overall, the piece highlights what truly matters in ministry. Chaplains who earn trust become the ones troops turn to naturally. And that is the way it should have always been.
FYI, Sec of War Pete Hegseth stressed that the Pentagon is “not even close to being done” in taking steps toward “restoring the esteemed position of chaplain as moral anchors of the fighting force.” This is good news.