Despite the most common "religious belief" among service members being either agnostic/atheist or None (together making 50% of SMs), Congress is considering a bill that strengthens the faith-based work and independence of chaplains outside of the command structure and team focus.
I would like to moderate /r/chaplaincy because my background combines leadership, healthcare, military service, Reddit moderation experience, and a serious interest in spiritual care. I am an active duty Army senior NCO and have served as a combat medic for 18 years. In that role, I regularly work with Soldiers, families, medical staff, and leaders dealing with stress, conflict, illness, discipline, moral questions, and institutional pressure.
My interest in chaplaincy is broad and interfaith. I have researched and realistically considered the potential of pursuing a career as a chaplain after I retire from the military. I am personally drawn to Buddhist, Unitarian Universalist, and contemplative traditions, while also respecting the interfaith nature of chaplaincy and the need to make space for people from many religious, spiritual, and nonreligious backgrounds. I view chaplaincy as a discipline of presence, listening, ethical care, and support during difficult moments, not only for religious instruction.
I have assisted in moderating /r/army for several years. It is a much larger subreddit, with many more moderation actions, and it requires a lot of patience, consistency, good judgment, and the ability to handle disagreement without escalating conflict.
For /r/chaplaincy specifically, my goal would be to help maintain a respectful, useful, and grounded community. I am comfortable enforcing standards, de-escalating conflict, and applying rules consistently and fairly. I would want the subreddit to be a place where current chaplains, CPE students, clergy, military members, healthcare workers, and people discerning or entering the field can ask honest questions without being mocked, proselytized at, or dismissed.
I also have contacts with several military chaplains that I will ask for their perspective when appropriate, while recognizing that I am still learning about the field. I will moderate with humility, curiosity, and respect for experienced chaplains, while helping maintain a space that is welcoming to newcomers. My goal is to support thoughtful discussion, protect vulnerable users, and help the community remain serious, compassionate, and accessible.
When I try to enable 2FA I get: "Form submission failed"
I also cannot add my phone number to this account.
I've tried on mobile iOS and on Desktop, both generate errors.