The US Army recently marked its 250th birthday — a quarter-millennium of defending the nation since it was formed by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775. Today, on July 29 marks the 250th anniversary of the Army Chaplain Corps, established July 29, 1775.
At Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, a gathering of chaplains and spiritual support personnel and family marked the occasion on July 25.
The Chaplain Corps has stood alongside America’s soldiers through every war, conflict, and peacetime mission in the nation’s history. From the Revolution to Iraq and Afghanistan, chaplains have provided spiritual care, moral guidance, and support for soldiers of all faiths, and for those with no faith.
The Corps today includes clergy from more than 130 faith groups serving in every component of the force, including active duty, Reserves, and National Guard. They are ere embedded with units around the world, often in some of the most remote or dangerous locations.
In addition to leading worship services and offering pastoral care, modern chaplains play a critical role in crisis response, ethical advisement to commanders, and suicide prevention. Their mission is to care for the soul of the Army.