E021 - Interview with Army Chaplain Charlie Shields

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