2d Battalion, 11th Marines
Chaplain's Corner
By LT Matthew D. Olson, CHC, USN
As a Navy Chaplain I occasionally get asked the question, “What is it exactly that you do?” While Chaplains carry a multitude of responsibilities from teaching, advising, leading worship, and counseling, I believe that pastoral presence and offering hope and encouragement is the most important thing I do on a daily basis. Why is this important? Faith and belief in God is the way that many people find meaning and purpose in life. When we neglect the spiritual dimension we begin to disconnect with things that give us hope and the resources that strengthen our ability to deal with the various circumstances of life; especially the crisis’ which may come our way.
How many of you have ever experienced burn out? I believe that every individual Marine, battery, platoon, and the families that support them are comprised of three basic components: the physical, the mental, and the spiritual. If you neglect or isolate one of these components you individually or corporately will experience burn out. This is very similar to a fire. Fire is made up of air, fuel, and heat. If you remove one of those components the fire burns out. The Marine Corps makes every effort to ensure that we take care of ourselves physically and mentally through a variety of learning opportunities and training venues. The chaplain, on behalf of the commanding officer, ensures that the spiritual component is not neglected. My job is to be the visible reminder of the importance that faith and hope in God can bring to the lives of many Marines, sailors, and their families.
What Should I know about my Chaplain?
The Navy Chaplain is a commissioned officer who is endorsed as a religious ministry professional by an organization that has completed all administrative requirements of the Department of Defense for certifying chaplains for military service. A chaplain provides for the free exercise of religion for all military members of the Department of the Navy and their families. The chaplain is a special staff officer that serves as the principal advisor to the commanding officer on all matters related to religious ministry and advises him on ethical and moral issues pertaining to the command. All information relayed to the chaplain in counseling is kept confidential.
How can my Chaplain help me?
Chaplains provide various services to military members and their families. This includes but is not limited to the following:
2/11 Chaplains Office: 760-725-3141