Chaplains have supported Australian soldiers in battle since before the corps' inception, yet chaplaincy as a wartime capability has not recently been exercised to its full capacity.
During Exercise Talisman Sabre 23, a chaplaincy training review was conducted to demonstrate gaps in the provision of Army chaplaincy in large-scale combat operations.
It became obvious something was needed to address this and refocus the capability on its warfighting role - leaving the dead and dying unattended for example, even when they are only notional dead, is not respectful or honouring of the service these people give.
While chaplaincy on base often centres on the provision of pastoral care, chaplaincy in war has a significant focus on the foundational chaplaincy roles of honouring the dead, comforting the dying, caring for the distressed and supporting all. Chaplaincy is part of the picture in building and maintaining fortitude and resilience in individuals and teams.
It was with this warfighting focus that the publication LPub 0.0.3 Chaplaincy in War was developed to assist chaplains, along with planners and commanders, to understand the role of chaplains across the spectrum of conflict.
Authored by a working group of chaplains, led by Chaplain Sarah Gibson at Forces Command, the publication was supported by the Combat Training Centre and Battle Lab.
Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart launched the publication on December 9, 2024, and emphasised the importance of highlighting the chaplain function within the established training continuum.
"This publication demonstrates the way a capability that had been part of Army since the beginning will now refocus and align with my intent and the requirements of Army and the nation," Lieutenant General Stuart said.
This important document is the first of its kind for a specialist corps, and will not be the last. It demonstrates how chaplains support soldiers, officers and commanders to achieve their mission in support of Army, the ADF and the nation.
Chaplain Matthew Stuart, of 3rd Brigade, was recognised at the publication's launch for his significant contribution to its development, and was presented with the Royal Australian Army Chaplains Departmental award, known as the 414 Award.
A copy of the publication can be accessed via the Defence intranet.
