The U.S. Army is increasingly focused on bolstering the spiritual well-being of its personnel, evidenced by ongoing investments in chaplain training and education. A key component of this effort is the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program, a 52-week residency course accredited by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command and the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). This program prepares chaplains to become specialists in spiritual care, equipping them to address the complex needs of Soldiers and their Families.
The emphasis on specialized training reflects a broader understanding of the demands placed on chaplains. As noted by Col. Michael Jefferies, senior command chaplain for the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Johnson, Louisiana, continuous education refines chaplains and helps them grow in their roles. This sentiment was expressed in February 2025 following Capt. James Walker’s achievement of a Doctor of Ministry degree and board certification from the National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains. Jefferies stated that Walker’s additional education and expertise build confidence and credibility with his peers and clients.
Walker’s accomplishment, formally recognized on , at Fort Johnson, Louisiana, underscores the Army’s commitment to recognizing and supporting advanced chaplain qualifications.
The Army’s partnership with institutions like Wesley Theological Seminary is also facilitating advanced education for chaplains. The partnership recognizes elective credits based on experience as an Army Chaplain during clinical pastoral education,
streamlining the path to advanced degrees. Capt. Walker’s attainment of his doctorate through Wesley Theological Seminary exemplifies this collaborative approach, with his commencement ceremony taking place on , in Washington, D.C.
Beyond formal degree programs, the Army is also investing in specialized training modules like the C4 lessons. These lessons focus on supervisory aspects of chaplaincy, including supervisory identity and how to supervise pastoral care and counseling of subordinate chaplains.
The C4 2019 Religious Support Family Ministry Smart Book is currently undergoing updates to reflect these changes, indicating a dynamic and evolving approach to chaplaincy training.
The need for highly trained chaplains is rooted in the unique challenges faced by military personnel. Research suggests that spiritual care practices within the armed forces require careful consideration of the military context. Analysis identifies four key concepts shaping these practices: structuring pastoral availability, positioning within the military environment, existential negotiation of being human and being a soldier, and transforming military time. These concepts highlight the need for chaplains to be not only skilled in counseling and spiritual guidance but also deeply attuned to the specific pressures and experiences of military life.
The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) has recently expanded its role in supporting Army chaplain training. In May 2024, Lieutenant Colonel Bryant Casteel initiated a collaboration with UIW to provide additional educational pastoral experiences for Army chaplains seeking CPE certification. This partnership, sparked by a chance encounter with Bishop Trevor Alexander, UIW’s Protestant chaplain, aims to supplement training opportunities beyond traditional medical center settings. The CPE certification itself is designed to prepare clinically trained specialists in spiritual care
for the challenges inherent in their service.
The emphasis on clinical pastoral education reflects a growing recognition of the importance of emotional intelligence in effective chaplaincy. Col. Jefferies described Capt. Walker as a minister with a high emotional IQ
, emphasizing that his education has refined him
and enhanced his ability to connect with those he serves. This focus on emotional intelligence suggests a shift towards a more holistic approach to spiritual care, one that acknowledges the interconnectedness of emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being.
The Army’s investment in chaplain training and education is not merely a matter of providing religious support. We see a strategic imperative. Well-trained chaplains are seen as vital to maintaining troop morale, resilience, and overall readiness. By equipping chaplains with the skills and knowledge to address the complex needs of Soldiers and Families, the Army is investing in the long-term health and effectiveness of its most valuable asset: its people.
The ongoing updates to training materials, such as the C4 Smart Book, and the establishment of partnerships with institutions like Wesley Theological Seminary and UIW, demonstrate a sustained commitment to improving the quality of spiritual care within the armed forces. As the demands on military personnel continue to evolve, the Army’s focus on chaplaincy training is likely to remain a critical component of its overall strategy for supporting the well-being of its Soldiers and their Families.
