Military chaplains travel across Afghanistan with our forces to provide spiritual support for thousands of soldiers who struggle with not only the trauma of war, but also the stress of year-long deployments away from home and family. They not only counsel and minister to the troops, but also comfort the wounded and encourage medical staffs dealing with horrific injuries. Sadly, chaplains also conduct the all too frequent memorial services for those who have given their lives in combat. 

 Chaplains offer a ministry of around the clock presence.  In addition to worship services, they perform baptisms, facilitate Bible studies, bless departing patrols and pray with them as they return. Although chaplains administer the Commanding Officer's Religious Program, communications with them are strictly confidential.  As a result, chaplains provide our troops an important safety net which offers an open door to talk, spiritual guidance, or friendship in times of need without fear of jeopardizing their military careers.

US Military chaplains deploy as much or more as the troops they support.  Although they are non-combatants, they frequently accompany combat patrols to offer prayer or celebrate communion before offensive operations against the Taliban. On August, 30 2010, Army Chaplain Dale Getz was killed along with four other soldiers when their HUMVEE was struck by a roadside bomb. He was the first Army Chaplain killed in combat since the Vietnam War, 40 years ago. Unfortunately, chaplains also suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and some have commited suicide as a result of their service in combat.