E021 - Interview with Army Chaplain Charlie Shields

07/11/23 • 76 min

Topics covered in this video:

Charlie’s start in the military as a Ranger, then departure and theology training
What the Master’s of Divinity training is like and why he sought a Doctorate of Ministry
Charlie explains why the Army has Chaplains - America is a country of faith, and needs religious leaders in uniform
Chaplains are soldiers, and meet all the same requirements other soldiers do
Chaplains are also staff officers, and advise their commanders
Why confidentiality is so vital to the Chaplain role
Charlie’s impressive record of parachute jumps, serving as a Jump Master
Chaplains are non-combatants, prohibited from carrying weapons
Requirements for Chaplains to get admitted to the military, role of endorsing agents
How the Army accepts the spirituality of soldiers
No Chaplain will impose religion on a soldier
Charlie’s views on what drives recruitment and military service
Charlie’s son and daughter and their ties to the military
Best part of being a Chaplain - impact on lives, helping people
Worst part of being a Chaplain - breaking bad news to families, esp. suicide issue
What’s a Chaplain’s typical day look like? How long is it?
Is it a good job, does it pay well? Comparison to non-military pastors
Going into combat unarmed
How assignments are made; one Chaplain for every command
Charlie’s jump aspirations, the 173 Club
Do Chaplains have to be all things to all people? “Provide or perform”
The two people who care about soldiers most: Sergeant Majors and Chaplains

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe.
Here are ways to connect with us.
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ
Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466
James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/
Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Topics covered in this video:

Charlie’s start in the military as a Ranger, then departure and theology training
What the Master’s of Divinity training is like and why he sought a Doctorate of Ministry
Charlie explains why the Army has Chaplains - America is a country of faith, and needs religious leaders in uniform
Chaplains are soldiers, and meet all the same requirements other soldiers do
Chaplains are also staff officers, and advise their commanders
Why confidentiality is so vital to the Chaplain role
Charlie’s impressive record of parachute jumps, serving as a Jump Master
Chaplains are non-combatants, prohibited from carrying weapons
Requirements for Chaplains to get admitted to the military, role of endorsing agents
How the Army accepts the spirituality of soldiers
No Chaplain will impose religion on a soldier
Charlie’s views on what drives recruitment and military service
Charlie’s son and daughter and their ties to the military
Best part of being a Chaplain - impact on lives, helping people
Worst part of being a Chaplain - breaking bad news to families, esp. suicide issue
What’s a Chaplain’s typical day look like? How long is it?
Is it a good job, does it pay well? Comparison to non-military pastors
Going into combat unarmed
How assignments are made; one Chaplain for every command
Charlie’s jump aspirations, the 173 Club
Do Chaplains have to be all things to all people? “Provide or perform”
The two people who care about soldiers most: Sergeant Majors and Chaplains

Support the show

Previous Episode

E020 Myths about the Military Part 1

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E020

Myths about the Military Part 1

Key takeaway: The military is a subset of society and reflects society. That’s why, for example, not everyone in the military has guns at home. It’s why you’ll see people with high school degrees, college degrees, and advanced degrees join. The military offers many opportunities.

Topics covered in this video:

Ownership of personal weapons, guns at home
Learning how to shoot: expert, sharpshooter
Special forces - do they become unfit for society, or are they a subset of society?
Relative risks: college, cars, and combat
Who joins & why?
It's Harder to get into the military than in college
Financial benefits of service
Relevance of a college degree, before joining and during service
Why the military trains its members

Support the show

Next Episode

E022 Myths About the Military Pt2

Key takeaway: We cover some basics about how people enter the armed forces as enlisted soldiers versus those who enter as officers. Randy describes how the different enlisted ranks and officers would work with one another. We get into some details of uniforms and badges, and this leads us into a discussion of the Q course and some of what Randy did in studying to become a medic.

Topics covered in this video: