I’ve heard it said, “Real soldiers don’t know any civilians.”
For those who make the military chaplaincy a career (the lifers), there is the danger of becoming institutionalized. One becomes used to wearing the uniform, learning the language (the slang, buzz words and acronyms), sharing the hardships and enjoying the benefits of life within this unique subculture. Eventually one has to face the reality of hanging the uniform up for the last time. Military retirement causes chaplains to re-shift their focus toward traditional civilian ministry.
Some appear ready, eager for the change, while others leave kicking and screaming. I recall a chaplain (Colonel) who, at 29 years of military service dejectedly told everyone he was “being fired.” He had enjoyed an impressive career, and though retirement was inevitable, he seemed to be facing it with a mixture of denial, anger, and depression. We recognize this as the grief process. Grief is our response to any significant loss, and change is scary. We realistically have to face a return to civilian life. Only Omar Bradley was allowed to die of old age on active duty status.
In preparing to depart military life, one needs a vision for the future. As God led us into the military, He can redirect us with a new vision. I grew up as a military brat (my father is a retired CW4), and when I joined the Army in 1974 as a Chaplain Candidate I never thought I would ever want to do anything but serve as a chaplain. Yet, as I became eligible for retirement, I began to be drawn towards a civilian vocation. I heard no voice, but I clearly felt the Holy Spirit impressing me to move on. After a lifetime in the military (with 26 moves), I discovered I was finally ready to settle down. I prayed, spoke with my wife, talked with peers and my supervisory chaplain, attended a transition workshop and then submitted my paperwork.
Throughout my time in the military my “career verse” was Revelation 3:8, “I have set before you an open door which no one can shut.” The sovereign, unseen hand of God opened and closed doors throughout my 24 years of service. As we trust in divine providence, we can face a new ministry without fear, confident that God is directing, guiding us and will go with us. We rely on faith, not fate. God is the true President of every promotion board, and He, not the Pentagon, decides which way our careers go. He guides us, giving enough light to take the next step.
Some chaplains lose their theological identity over the course of a military career, a side effect of working within a pluralistic environment. Exposure to different ideas and worship styles can draw one away from the traditions of one’s church. While some chaplains change ecclesiastical endorsing agencies midstream, others remain in denominations they no longer identify with nor truly represent. Upon retirement, they would rather switch (why not have the integrity to make the change sooner?) or struggle within a body that no longer is comfortable, and in which they may not be entirely welcome.
Some denominations have been known to be less than supportive to retiring military chaplains, assigning them to entry-level positions or small churches since they haven’t “paid their dues” within the system. Some have even “welcomed” their uniformed clergy “back into the ministry,” as though their non-traditional service was not legitimate ministry. This is especially true for the few denominations that endorse women for the chaplaincy but would not ordain them for civilian pastorates. This is a slap in the face to all chaplains. A chaplain I met during CPE/Clinical Pastoral Education was in the process of changing denominations. He claimed his church “barely tolerated” its chaplains and he wanted to switch to where he felt more welcome, and be granted a decent position upon retirement.
Some retiring chaplains leave both the Chaplaincy and the ministry. Age may be a factor, but for those who still have plenty of time for a second career, it is curious to see some entering secular vocations. On the other hand, it is hardly unusual to find chaplains move to other non-traditional or parachurch ministries. These include counseling, camps and conference centers, the military academy, VA or civilian hospital chaplaincy, teaching, or administrative positions within one’s denomination or other ministry organization. To chaplains thinking of making the transition: start networking now.
The monetary benefits of retired military pay allow chaplains to choose ministry above salary. A retiring chaplain wrote his bishop asking to be sent to a church “that couldn’t afford a pastor.” When searching for a retirement ministry, proximity to an active military installation should be a consideration. Not only can one take advantage of the facilities, one can have a cordial relationship with the active duty chaplains, possibly even as a mentor. Many bases invite retired chaplains to training events and special occasions. You could be asked to speak at a prayer breakfast, training event or chaplain anniversary celebration.
Retired chaplains should fit in well with the local clergy association and ecumenical programs. In my town I found I’d either worked for, with, or supervised chaplains from all the denominations represented in our United Parish Association. One priest in town had even been an Army chaplain for a few years and had attended the Chaplain Officer Basic Course at Fort Wadsworth, New York, two years before me. Most retired chaplains should function comfortably as team players in local clergy associations. Expect to be more active in area denominational activities as well.
One way to stay in touch is to keep active in military associations. Organizations such as The Retired Officers Association (TROA), the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion have local chapters. Involvement offers an opportunity to extend one’s ministry into the local community, and one’s military service opens doors to continued service. Know what the Veterans Association has to offer and become familiar with other veterans groups. Consider participating in Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day events. Offer to speak to local schools and service organizations.
For those who retire near a seminary, consider participating in a mentored ministry program, assisting a seminarian preparing for ministry. This usually involves weekly sessions with a specific agenda (a series of agreed-upon topics), and supervised ministry within one’s church. Offer to serve as a point-of-contact for seminarians considering the Chaplaincy. You may be helping to recruit the next generation.
Consider making periodic visits to state and/or federally-funded soldiers homes. These facilities are filled with veterans who require managed care. I occasionally visit the Chelsea Soldiers Home outside of Boston. The vets appreciate seeing a former active duty chaplain and love to tell their stories to one who will understand, one who’s been there.
Though some chaplains meet with some resistance from their denominations, I think most churches would welcome the expertise and wealth of experience of military chaplains. My last commander spoke to me with some envy, at my easily transferable position, and expressed that my gaining church should feel blessed to have a retiring lieutenant colonel as their pastor. My church is proud of my military service and appreciates the experiences and unique training I received from the military. Our vets feel a special connection to me.
My “Army stuff” hangs on the wall of my office at the church, but I don’t wear my rank at church board meetings, nor in the pulpit. The power and prestige of rank need to be put aside in the civilian parish, along with the unique slang (it’s “Amen” now, not “Hooah!”). Learn to tell civilian time (the Deacon Board meeting is at 7 pm, not 1900) and to put the date first, then the day, in correspondence. You’re in the civilian world now!
Prepare a meaningful departure. As you prepare your remarks for your retirement ceremony, take time to reflect on your career, focus on the positive blessings, how you’ve grown, what you’ve learned. Give God the credit and glory for your achievements, and be sure to thank your family. Consider adding elements of worship to your retirement ceremony: prayer, scripture, music. I asked the Gospel choir director to sing “To God Be The Glory” at my retirement.
It will mean one more piece of correspondence, but take the time to write the president of the promotion board to inform him/her that you do not wish to be considered for promotion. This is only fair to your peers who are already competing with enough people for selection for higher rank. Do this even if you have been passed over several times.
Continue to support the military. At Christmas I encouraged my congregation to write to troops in Bosnia and Kosovo, “Any Soldier Mail.” I put the address in the church bulletin. Many did, and received grateful replies from troops “down range.” Every Sunday we pray for our deployed troops and their families, and for those in positions of leadership. I also e-mail copies of my sermons to chaplain friends still on active duty and stay in touch so I can intelligently pray for their needs.
There are many positive aspects of civilian ministry: no mandatory PT at 0600, no deployments, no more anxiety about OERs or promotions, fewer moves, greater stability. There IS life after the military. You can depart with the satisfaction of having served God and country. You can enter civilian ministry with fond memories and no regrets.
