Military Chaplaincy - Another pace (Values & Standards)

One of the important roles of the Chaplain (or 'Padre') is the teaching of 'Values and Standards'.

The Army, Navy and Marine Corps all look towards SOLIDC, which is:

+ Selfless Commitment

+ Others, Respect for others and respect for self

+ Loyalty

+ Integrity

+ Discipline, and

+ Courage

The Royal Air Force have as their Values and Standards, RISE, which is:

+ Respect

+ Integrity

+ Service, and

+ Excellence

Personally I love starting with 'selfless commitment' as it talks of sacrifice and laying down oneself for the good of others and in bringing about the desired goal/s. Respect is key and draws upon the OT and NT demands upon us when dealing with others and regarding the way we view ourselves. Loyalty, that ability to remain true to those with whom we are in relationship even when the cost is great draws us back to Christ yet again and as we consider 'Greater love' we also consider loving, and being faithful to, our 'nearest neighbour'. Integrity, that ability to be a whole person (just as an integer is a whole number) and to be what others see us wanting them to see. Discipline, for we train ourselves to run the race and to push on to win the victor's prize, a prize that cannot be corrupted not taken away (the diadema which is the laurel crown). Finally we find ourselves looking at courage. Physical and moral courage. That element tah see ordinary men and women do extraordinary things in the service of their country in difficult and dusty places.

The Air Force have respect for others and for self at the front of their values and standards and, as with the others services, have integrity as their second element. This draws upon the areas of moral Courage, honesty, responsibility and justice and leads into service which covers the areas of physical courage, Loyalty, Teamwork and commitment (to the team and selflessly to see the job done). The final element, which is excellence brings in discipline and a pride (personal and corporate) in the role and the service.

Two very similar sets of Values and Standards, which act to make our service men and women people of integrity whose hallmarks are very much in line with Micah's call to humility, Justice and mercy. Many of those I meet despair at the low moral standards of our society, something which the high moral standards of our forces make even more obvious.

Chaplains are the subject matter specialists in Values and Standards, an area which the Christian message and the power of the Gospel and the example of Christ all make even more effective and compelling.

Feeling the desire to get involved yet?