[Atalanta]

Originally Posted by Glazer

Chaplain's provide at least one crucial non religious service. One which would be hard to replicate by anyone else. When a Service Member has a problem in which through feel they cannot go through their chain of command. They can go to a Chaplin and feel comfortable that it will be handled with discretion. I had a suicidal roommate while I was in the Army. Had I went through the COC it would have ruined his life even more. After going to the Chaplin He was able to talk to him (my roomy) and arrange for counseling and eventual return home without charges or a dishonorable discharge. There are many situations where a neutral third party that no one would question your wanting to see them is just the thing. Ask to see a lawyer and every one is going to want to know why. Ask to see the Chaplin and it can be kept on the down low.

This.