WE, THE CHAPLAINS of the United States Armed Forces ... . . . turn to you, the religious leaders of not undertake to achieve, during a briefall faiths, with confidence in your readiness tour of duty, the full spiritual growthto help in a cause to which all of us are which a young man or young womandedicated-the moral and spiritual deshould have attained at the age of induc velopment of American youth. In the tion. The chaplains' program will alwayschaplaincy service, we are dealing with be incomplete and inadequate without theproblems that are beyond our capacity to constant support of the young person's solve alone-problems that require the church and community-before, during andassistance of churches and synagogues, after his or her term of military service.civilian communities, and citizens of all Fonunately, the civilian religious leadfaiths throughout our nation. ership of the nation is not unmindful ofWe are clergymen. We are Catholic the new responsibilities this age in Amerpriests, Protestant ministers, and Jewish ican history has placed upon all of us. Inrabbis, trained by our seminaries and orevery religious group, activities which bedained by our respective religious authorigan in a small way only a few years agoties just as are all other clergymen. Just are today emerging into programs of faras others have received a call from their reaching influence. It is only by this kindbishop or from their churches and synaof coordinated effort, an ever-expandinggogues to serve in special fields of encivilian religious program teamed withdeavor, we have received a call to serve an even more effective chaplaincy service,the men and women in the Armed Forces. that we who are jointly the builders ofTomorrow the situation may be reversed. faith in this nation can hope to achieveWe, in common with all clergymen, go our mission-the full moral and spiritualwhere" the call" takes us. development of American youth today,To us has been entrusted the spiritual and through them, of the nation tomorand moral guidance of the young men row. and women in the Armed Services of this This booklet is submitted as an aid tocountry. A chaplain has many duties-yet, furthering these programs in the civilianfirst and foremost is that of presenting community in the hope of fulfilling this God to men and women wearing the milimission. If it defines the need, contributestary uniform. What happens to them to understanding of the situation whichwhile they are in military service has a confronts us, provides a guide to aid inprofound effect on what happens in the promoting existing programs, and gives community as they resume civilian life. inspiration and vitality by which to marWe, as chaplains, must take full cognishal the religious forces of this nation so zance of that fact and dedicate our work as to meet our normal and spiritual reto making them finer, spiritually strengthsponsibilities to young Americans in toened citizens. But our service to the young day's world-it will discharge the purposeman or woman in the Armed Forces must for which it is designed.start with that young person as he is sent It is commended to you by theto us by the civilian community. We can-ARMED FoRcES CHAPLAINS BoARD A SACRED TASK TODAY Americans have been called upon tary preparedness alone. It is an ideological world in which we live. Ideological to carry the torch of freedom as a sacred trust for freedom-loving peoples everyconflicts are the basis of world crises today. where. The moral obligations and responAnd ideology is fundamentally the job of the church or synagogue. It then becomes sibilities which have been thrust upon the the primary responsibility of the nation's United States to help build a free world have placed like obligations on all its religious leaders to teach and preach a positive ideology-to define and interpret citizens-young and adult. We are all part our beliefs-in God and in democracy. Our of the problem; we are all par:t of the task is to hold tenaciously to our belief in solution. We are a peace-loving people, who not God, acknowledging that in these perilous only want peace but espouse peace. We times religious freedom itself would be the first to vanish should we forsake our are, however, challenged to look at the world situation today, to acknowledge responsibilities. Our young men and women in the realistically the military necessities and, at the same time, maintain a crusading Armed Forces are assuming their sacred zeal in the pursuit of moral and spiritual task-their service to God and country. Churches, synagogues, religious leaders values. We, in this age, as our forefathers beand citizens of all faiths also have a moral fore us, must accept our responsibilities and spiritual mission in national defense. Let us then do our part to inculcate in all as well as our rights. One of the moral young Americans a refined patriotism, a obligations of citizenship is defense of pride of country, and pride in their own country. When called upon, young Americans should consider it both a privilege contribution to the world's welfare. Let and an honor to serve their country in us give them a sense of mission for the uniform. The entire citizenry has an equal times in which they live. Let us, above all, send them forth with faith in their obligation to prepare young people for hearts and, with that guiding principle military service, whenever such is required, and to follow them with concern. found on our humblest coin, ''In God Peace can never be won through mili-We Trust." 2 THE . CALL TO SERVICE LOOKING at the nation's need-and the young men replacing those who return tomilitary situation-is part of any realcivilian life from military service. istic view of the age in which we live. Thus, in true American spirit all willContinuing world tension and a constant share the privilege, the duty and the tasksneed for a strong America are among the of protecting our nation and our freecharacteristics of our times. doms. The mere presence of men in themilitary service is, in this kind of world,The Human Factor in a source of strength in our relations withNational Defense other nations. Moreover, trained men arethe only effective men in a military mis The defense program of our country is sion. Hastily mobilized and inadequatelyone of preparedness for the long pull and trained men can never meet successfullyof maintaining a high degree of readiness the forces of potential adversaries armedto cope with any emergency. So long as with modern weapons. Thus, by preparathere are forces in the world which tion will the very lives of our youngthreaten the heritage of freedom granted Americans be protected more effectivelyto all peoples, those of us who hold aloft if the tragedy of war should ever comethe torch of freedom must be strong. Free agatn. dom and the institutions of freedom can not survive without people of strong The Role of Women in the faith, fired with a purposeful resolution Armed Services to preserve that freedom. So long as Com munists interpret military strength as the Citizenship, love of the American way ofmeasuring stick of purposefulness, Amerlife, and patriotism belong to women asica must maintain military strength, well as men. Today, in America, manywhile constantly striving for peace by young women have found their expres peaceful methods. Communism is a longsion of these qualities in service with theterm menace. It has no time limit for ac Armed Forces of the nation-many ofcomplishing its objectives. So, America them in a short tour of duty-some ofshould set no limit upon how long it must them as a career.be prepared if it would restrain those By Act of Congress, women are nowforces bent on destroying our freedom recognized as an integral part of the and the freedom of the world. Armed Forces. The purpose is to makePresent plans call for maintaining available to the nation the services of ourforces large e~ough to protect the security volunteer woman power in specific jobsof this nation. To do this, practically evfor which women are well sui ted and toery able-bodied young man will be called provide a trained nucleus possible of great upon for service, military or civilian, durexpansion in time of emergency. Theiring this generation. But this tour of servutilization in peacetime also makes possi ice, except for those who elect a military ble a continuing analysis of the type of jobscareer, will be relatively short, with other women can do safely and effectively. 3 While women are a carefully evaluated as a nurse, medical specialist, mathemafactor in the over-all consideration of our tician, manager, teacher or lawyer. They national manpower potential for defense, may be doing some type of office work Women in the Armed services today represimilar to that which they might do in sent less than two percent of the:" total thousands of civilian positions. Or, they strength of the Armed Forces and there is may be employing very special skills for no present plan to increase this number which the Services found them already while peace prevails. qualified or for which they have an aptiIn the recruitment of women, the pretude capable of development by further vailing policy is for quality-not quantraining. Women in the Services will be tity. Education standards for all Services found working as aerologists, photograare high and only high type young women phers, intelligence specialists, weather obare accepted. The background and personal servers, cryptographers, plane dispatchers, characteristics of each applicant are caretranslators, and in many, many other fully screened before that individual is capacities. accepted. The result is that in the military services today there is to be found one of Some Important Constructivethe finest cross sections of young American Policies of the Armed Forceswomanhood that can be found anywhere. By law, the utilization of women in our The Armed Services have developed andArmed Forces is limited strictly to non established certain general policies richcombat duties. Furthermore, they are asin potentialities for character buildingsigned only to those duties which are and the maturing of an individual while within their physical capabilities and in military service:which are culturally acceptable in America l. They recognize the role and value oftoday. education. They provide not only excep Today, women volunteers of 10 different tional educational opportunities to uni components are serving in the Armed formed personnel, but advocate the "Stay Forces. These components are as follows: in-School Policy" for young people before • WAC (Women's Army Corps) entering upon their military service. • WAVES (Women in the Navy) 2. Their policy is to do what they can to • WAF (Women in the Air Force) insure that the time spent by young per • WoMEN MARINES (Women in the sons in military training and service is not Marine Corps) time lost. The all too frequent attitude • ARMY NURSE CoRPS "this will be just time out of my life" is • NAvY NuRsE CoRPS far from true. For most young people, • AIR FoRcE NuRsE CoRPS time spent in military service can be made • ARMY WoMEN's MEDICAL SPECIALIST a constructive experience. The Armed CoRPs Services provide opportunities for self • AIR FoRCE WoMEN's MEDICAL advancement and development, although SPECIALIST CoRPS the responsibility rests with the indi • WoMEN's SPECIALIST SECTION, NAvY vidual to take advantage of them. MEDICAL SERVICE CoRPS The jobs they perform are wide in range. 3. While definite promises cannot be They may be rendering professional service made either to volunteer or inductee con 4 cerning his ultimate training and service building, which it can be with foresightassignments, it is the policy of the Armed and planning to that end. LeadershipForces to give full consideration to the and public attitude are the keys to theabilities, interests, aptitudes, previous morale and the attitude of our youngtraining and experience of each individ people in service. ual. The most scientific methods avail Military experience might well beable in evaluating aptitudes, interests and viewed as an investment in moral andexperience are utilized. Since the needs spiritual growth-a time for the develop of the Services must come first, however, it is not always possible for an individual ment of character and good citizenship. to be assigned to a duty of his particular To that end, both adults and youth alike choice. There is a sincere attempt made might well emphasize the great opportu to provide opportunity for reclassificanities for serving the common good tion and reassignment in such cases when through participation in military service. the situation permits. And, it is highly important for all the people of the nation to hold its military We Can Help, Too personnel-men and women alike-inIt is up to Americans to see that military high esteem and regard them with genuservice is an investment in character-ine pride and deep gratitude. **' A ROAD TO PEACE A DECENT, just and enduring peace for National defense and military service asall people in the world is the profound a road to peace are new in the philosophywish of every American. Such a peace can of America. This is not a road Americabe achieved only through faith. Faith is would choose of its own volition. It is athe cornerstone on which our nation was course which has been forced upon us bybuilt. It is faith that has kept our country world circumstances. Difficult as this tranfree. It is because we believe that God sition in philosophy may be, it is a necesintends all men to be free and equal that we sary reconciliation of thought in thedemand free government for ourselves and present period of history. Understanding ofthat we carry the torch of freedom for this situation by the people of America isothers. Where religious faith is strong, the essential to achieving peace-and achievforce of freedom is strong; where one ing it with no lessening of the moral fiberwanes, so does the other. of the nation. 5 Decisions regarding the role military examination, understanding and develop preparedness should play in this struggle ment of the civilian's role. It calls for for peace have been made in meetings, recognition that all the citizens of America opened with prayer, participated in by must share in and contribute to the tasks which, in the judgment of informed lead prayerful men. Such men believe that the United States is in a better position in its ers, will be ours for years ahead. pursuit ofpeace bymaintenance ofstrength. All of this calls for a serious look at new It is no less their belief that moral and responsibilities in providing a new kind of spiritual strength are as essential as milimoral and spiritual leadership and inspiratary strength in promoting world peace. tion, attuned to world conditions as they exist today and the world situations in The position of our nation as a world leader demands that we remain a nation which our youth must participate now with unquestioned moral purpose. and in the future. The fact that the decisions for national This means more than lip service to the defense and military preparedness have cause; it means more than hospitality and been made holds great significance for entertainment for the men and women in religious leaders of our nation. It places the Armed Forces. It means a clear undergreat responsibilities on churches, synastanding and clearly conceived programs gogues and believers of all faiths to perform by which citizens of all faiths will assume their role well that peace shall be the ultithe full responsibility for the civilian's role mate achievement. It calls for understandin national defense in its broader aspects. ing fully the conditions facing this country It means that men and women in the Armed in its position of world leadership and its Services will feel the support of the coordiefforts towards establishing world peace. nated thinking of all religious forces in It calls for understanding the accompanyAmerica and realize as never before that ing burdens which must fall largely upon theirs is a service to God as well as to the youth of the nation. It calls for a closer country. 6 SPIRITUAL AND MORAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE· SERVICES Religious and Character Building Programs Now in Effect ALL our military services maintain intensive and effective religious and character building programs. With special in terest in the moral and spiritual welfare of our young people, parents, clergymen, school administrators, guidance counsellors and religious lay leaders, are deeply impressed when they have an opportunity to examine these comprehensive programs now in effect within all of the Services. Most of them express great gratification when they see how, through these programs, men and women in service are strengthened morally and spiritually. Religious and character building programs, although varying slightly in each Service, have the same basic aims: Maintaining the good influences upon young men and women in uniform that were started by their parents in their homes, and strengthened and continued by thc:ir churches, school and youth organization ties; Teaching these young people to unlearn any wrong attitudes they may have adopted, and to re-learn the right attitudes; Helping them to maintain close ties with their own local church or synagogue, their parents and home communities while in military service; and Returning them to civilian life as outstanding participants in their home communities. Character Building Is an Important Course in the Military Curriculum These aims are accomplished through regular, formal classroom courses of instruction. Immediately upon entering military service, all young men and women begin character building courses, and pursue them as an important part of their basic training. In the overall, they seek to teach: The importance of having true and worthy ideals; The ability of every human being to distinguish between right and wrong by examining one's conscience; The training of one's will to do the right thing; The importance of forming right and proper habits in daily life; and Establishing emotional stability. It is impressed upon these young people that by following these essential guideposts in their daily lives, they may achieve a high degree of moral integrity, a most important requisite for all people in military service. "The Chaplain Wants to See You" Immediately upon entering military servservices are held in nearby commumues ice, every young man and woman is interfor the faith or special religious sect of the viewed by a chaplain. He explains the service man's or woman's choice. Milireligious program at the military installatary chaplains maintain a close liaison tion and extends a cordial invitation to with neighboring civilian clergy, in order attend regular religious services which that the service man and woman will have are conducted at military installations by an opportunity to worship and participate chaplains of each of the three major faiths: in the religious activities of their faith Catholic, Jewish and Protestant. The or sect while they are off the military chaplain also explains where religious installation. "His Latch-String is Always Out!" The chaplain is available and ready to In answering his call to service in the advise the service men and women on any military, the chaplain has assumed as his spiritual and moral guidance problems mission the welfare of our young people which may confront them. Young men serving their country in uniform. He is and women in service find in their chapa man dedicated to their service, to whom lain a practical Man of God, eager to be they can turn with assurance for underof service to them. He is friend, constanding and ministry, according to their fidant, counsellor and clergyman in one. need. For Those Without a "Church Home" The chaplains and commanding officers previous church affiliation are moved to seek a church or synagogue and adopt a strongly urge all men and women in unifaith. Consequently, many thousands ofform to live in the religious faith in people are baptized while in service andwhich they have been brought up and to receive special individual or group inrenew their religious vows. While in servstruction leading to confirmation or joinice, particularly in their close association ing the church or synagogue of their with chaplains, men and women without choice. "Around the Clock" With the Chaplain The military chaplain performs a multimarriages, baptisms and funerals. They tude of services. Conducting regular reare serving communion to military comligious services is only a small part of his municants, visiting the sick, and providbusy day and week. Around the clock, at ing friendly counsel and advice to service service places throughout the world, men and women. And they are talking to chaplains are instructing classes-classes and working with civilian community in character guidance, Sunday Schools, groups so that our young people in servCatechisms, etc. They are officiating at ice may at all times feel they have a place 8 and a "home" in the community life serves his parishioners-theyoung men andwhere they are stationed. The military women in the Armed Forces-through chaplain is a man of many parts who many acts, according to their need. Religious Life is a uNatural" in Military Service It is most natural for all young people to bond of interest. Sometimes this is a newwant to participate in any endeavor toexperience, but most often it originatedgether with those in their own age group, with each of them back in his homeand with the same special interests. Contown. It brings them back to their milisequently, young people in uniform find tary religious "home" time after time.attending religious services and functions Often those who were indifferent to attogether, sometimes in a group or unit, a tending services regularly at home, go"natural"-it's the thing to do. And once along because they don't want to be leftthey worship or participate in religious behind, and then become devoted particiactivities together, they discover a special pants. There's a Special uNiche" for Everyone Our young men and women in the Servworship. Many serve as choir leaders or ices soon find special interests in the chaplains' assistants. Many service womenchapel or community place of worship. have set up and are supervising nurseriesIt may be choir singing, group discusfor children so that servicemen and theirsions, planning and participating in sowives can worship together at the chapelcial events, or performing some social or in the nearby community. Once theyservice. feel a part of the church community, menThousands of men and women in mili and women in service, like men andtary service, for instance, faithfully conwomen at home, are moved to do what duct regular Sunday School classes at they see needs to be done, according tomilitary chapels or community places of their interests and abilities. Religion Begins at Home It should be borne in mind that the reticularly on women in military service, isligious and character training of young on quality, not quantity. people does not, or should not, begin when In Selective Service, however, youngthey don their military uniforms. To be men are inducted as they are needed. sure, all young men and women who volConsequently, they represent a cross-secunteer for military service (all women in tion of American families. They are asuniform are volunteers) are carefully good morally, as their parents, teachers,checked for character references in their clergymen and youth leaders have suchome communities before being accepted ceeded in making them up to the time offor military service. The emphasis, par-entering military service. 749-616 0 -65 -2 9 The military chaplains receive all of ties, offering these young men and women these young people with open arms. They every opportunity for religious expresare pledged to continue the good work sion, worship and service. done by adults in their home communi 11 The Impossible is Often Asked" Too often the military is blamed for what expected to be a substitute for the years is not its responsibility in this respect. of spiritual growth which a young service man or woman should have achieved be Miracles are expected of military chapfore entering the service. Our chaplains lains practically overnight. They do the best they can with what they are given, should not be asked to do the impossible and often achieve outstanding results. though they sometimes perform miracles But they must start with each young perin this respect. Furthermore, the chapson as he or she is sent to them from the lain's work is always incomplete and falls civilian community. short of its full potential without the The religious and character guidance constant support of the young man's or woman's church or synagogue at home. programs of our Armed Forces cannot be 11They'll Come Home as Good or Better" During World War II, an anxious mother good boy and girl before entering military whose young son and daughter were both service, and you and I know they have, they will be as good or better on returningeager to enlist in military service, conhome to you. For I know they will havesulted the family clergyman, who had every opportunity to maintain anJformerly served as a military chaplain, strengthen their moral and spiritual confor advice and guidance. She wanted to victions and principles while serving theirknow if he thought her son and daughter country.'' And they did.'would be morally and spiritually "safe" No greater testimony or tribute than in the Armed Services. The clergyman this could be given to the effectiveness of replied: the moral and spiritual guidance programs "If your son and daughter have been a of our military services! 10 THE CHAPLAIN'S QUESTION BOX PARENTS often turn to the chaplains of the Armed Services with questions which trouble them when their sons and daughters enter military service. Teachers, guidance counsellors and civilian religious leaders seek answers which will help them in giving wise and honest replies to inquiries they receive from other parents and young people and from citizens in the community. Misconceptions and misinformation can do untold harm to the dignity of the young men and women in uniform who proudly serve their country, and to the moral integrity and honesty of our nation which richly deserves to be proud of its military. Therefore, all of the Services welcome questions-all believe that direct questions deserve direct answers. It is the obligation of the citizenry of this nation to know the correct answers. It is particularly the obligation of the religious leaders of all faiths to know and propound the truth about the effect of military service on our young people. To the end that all Americans may have frank answers to some of the questions most frequently posed to chaplains of the Armed Forces, we share with you the following: Q I am worried about the people my boy will meet and the associates he will pick up when he goes into service. What is done to see that "like goes with like" so that he will have wholesome friends? A To be sure your boy will meet young men from every walk of life, for defending the peace is the responsibility of everyone. Experience has shown us that although he is grouped with many young men, he is most likely to gravitate toward those whose interests and backgrounds are similar to his. He is likely to select as his closest companions those in whom he finds a" kindred spirit," those with whom he is most" at home." On the other hand, many young people associating with young people with different backgrounds, perhaps for the first time in their lives, have been impressed with the many fine qualities of basic character such as honesty, unselfishness, courage and initiative in their new friends, and in these new friends find inspiration for emulation. As horizons are broadened, their lives are enriched. Be assured if your boy didn't pick up "bad friends" in civilian life-he won't in the military. Q Doesn't the rigid discipline and regimentation in the military de~ stroy our young people's initiative and individuality?A That has not been our experience. In fact, the "discipline and regimentation" to which you refer can be considered as "training" for good citizenship and experience in the values of good teamwork. There is, of course, inourmilitaryprogram, in addition to the training and discipline, enough freedom and opportunity to stimula~e rather than stagnate the spirit in young people. There is another angle, too. Psychologists, doctors, judges and other civic leaders who have been studying the incidences of juvenile delinquency in this country are agreeing that, to a large degree, discipline is lacking in the education and training of our youth today, and that this is a vital factor in their whole concept toward responsibilities. When good discipline is teamed with moral and spiritual guidance, as it is in the military services, men and women cannot help but acquire standards of living that will tend to make them better citizens with full appreciation of their obligations to their families, their homes, their communities and the nation. ft My children have been brought up ~with some religious education and they are fairly close to our church activities at home. I sometimes worry, however, when they are away from home without this close affiliation with their own church, whether they may tend to be careless about their obligations.A Religious affiliation and guidance is a concern, not only of parents, but of the entire military-and we try to do a great deal about it. In fact, even before receiving their uniforms, all men and women are individually interviewed by the chaplain. They become acquainted with their religious leader at first hand; they learn about religious services and activities on the base or station; they learn, too, where in nearby communities the synagogue or church of their faith is located; and they are informed not only of the time and places of regular worship, but of social activities that will attract them. It is a part of the program of the chaplains' service to urge men and women to attend church regularly, to take in church activities, whether on the military establishment or in nearby commu nities and to look to the church organizations for religious guidance, worship and recreation when they are on leave. The chaplains invite young people to call on them for answers to problems, thus giving these military religious leaders an opportunity to perform as their own ministers, priests and rabbis would do at home and to strengthen moral and spiritual values through personal association. q Are young people who are not mem bers of any church or synagogue or who have no religious ties or affiliations required to select a specific affiliation on entering the Services?A Affiliation with a church or syna gogue is certainly not a requirement for participation in religious activities in the Services. However, men and women entering the Armed Services are urged to adopt a religious home. For some people to whom this is a new experience, the association with others in church services and other activities, the warmth of friendship and the interest of the chaplains have given them a new appreciation of the value to them of choosing a faith and affiliating with a church or a synagogue. As a result, thousands have selected their faith and become members of a church or synagogue while they were in military service-taken the step and found an association that continues to enrich the rest of their lives. ft What is the truth about the moral ~standards of the women in the Armed Services? A While all young men are subject to the draft, women who want to serve in the Armed Forces must volunteer and must pass high tests of background, edu cation and general aptitude, as well as physical, mental and moral standards, be fore they can be accepted. As a result, out of every 20 who apply, only about four are selected to serve. So, while you find here young women of many different backgrounds, women in the Armed Services represent one of the finest cross sections of young womanhood to be found anywhere-and with a wide variety of special skills and wholesome interests. If, after entering the Service, a young woman does not measure up, as can happen occasionally in the Services as elsewhere, her case stands out so vividly that it is dealt with immediately, either by correction or dismissal from the Service. 8 How do chaplains reconcile the act ~of drafting young men for military service with their own deep religious faith?A The religious faith that guides chap lains and other ministers of God is a part of the promise on which the free government which we seek to protect was set up. In the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence, our forefathers in attempting to explain a free government, wrote, "men are endowed by their Creator ... with certain unalienable rights . . . and to secure these rights . . . governments are instituted among men." In roday's world, in spite of our ideals, no way has been found to protect our rights and our ideals unless that way is backed by strength that cannot be weakened. Although our strength is large in relation to the past, it must be kept so or it soon is small in the eyes of those who oppose freedom, and then the very religious faith for which we live and work will be lost. 8 Does service in the Armed Forces ~change a woman's attitude towards having a home and family of her own in the future?A A woman's natural instincts are for a home and family. Whether she serves a tour of duty in the military, works in an office or at a profession, or engages in some other endeavor, she never loses her interest in being a woman and a homemaker. A good many young people have met and been married while in military service. Whether her marriage takes place then or later, chances are she will marry a former serviceman. She is likely to be a better wife and mother because of her military training. She will better understand the importance of daily routine and discipline, having learned in the military. She and her husband will have the common interest of past military life, a shared mutual relationship which will make their marriage relationship much closer. Then, too, women everywhere are sought out when there are tasks to perform that women do exceptionally well. So it is in the military. If there's a Sunday School class to teach, a nursery nearby or entertainment to plan, the officers and enlisted men alike turn to the woman in their ranks because she is a woman and can do that job particularly well. All of these contribute to her future success and happiness as a wife andmother. THE JOB AHEAD See the Problem Big young Americans in today's world. But it's not a job of the chaplains-it's a job of the The challenge and the opportunities which civilian church community. It's a job inface the religious leadership of the nation, which every religious leader-every citizenin today's world of global tensions, call of every faith has a stake and a duty tofor a big look at the big problem. More and participate. more church bodies-and this is true of all faiths-are seeing the challenge and taking Big Aims To Be Accomplished the opportunity to do something about it. They are initiating some definite programs 1. Orientation of Religious Leaders of spiritual and moral development geared To provide solutions, we must first knowto the problems their youth face during and understand the problems to be solved. this critical period-now and for years to We must define those problems, acceptcome. Some fine examples of religious them as our responsibility and then preparegroup sponsored programs now in action ourselves to meet them by full recognitionexist in published form. These provide of them, identification with them and bysome patterns for new efforts and can be faith. This is not a time when churchesobtained from the national headquarters and synagogues and religious leaders of allof the respective denominations or from faiths can stand aside from realism in thethe Armed Forces Chaplains Board. world in which we live. It is not a timeMuch is being accomplished. But to inwhen they can afford to fail the youth ofsure an informed and well adjusted citithe nation as they are assuming their sacredzenry, present activities must be expanded tasks in preserving freedom for all peoples. and more planned programs initiated. If Orientation may well be necessary to bridgethe religious leaders of our nation are truly the gap between what might have been theto fulfill their role as builders of faith, they limitations of the role of the church yesmust dedicate part of their efforts to the terday and the broad horizon of its rolebig job of building and maintaining the today and tomorrow. But faith knows nofaith of the young men and women todaylimitations-and through faith and Divinein the military and out of it. In facing this guidance, the religious leadership of thistask, religious leaders and citizens of all nation will find the way to serve the need. faiths may count on the chaplains of the Armed Services giving their hearty co 2. Indoctrination of Our Youth operation as part of a "working team" We must prepare our youth, beginning with civilians, accepting together their moral and spiritual responsibilities to at an early age, for the climate of today's 14 -and probably tomorrow's-world; the create the correct appreciation on thekind of living it requires and their repart of all Americans that dignity is duesponsibilities in it. They should be brought the wearer of the uniform-men andup with an understanding that most of women-at all times. It is due them bethem as young men-and many young cause they are the standard bearers ofwomen, too-will be called upon to world freedom-because theirs is a service serve their country-a fact which will to God and country.probably prevail for many years to come.We should point out to them that this Organizing for the Task can be a period of "going forward" ratherthan "standing still" in their lives, and Religious Groups Form the Spearhead we must give them the knowledge and The magnitude of the task will requirethe confidence that when that time for planned participation by many groupsservice cpmes for themselves or their at the community level. Action programs,friends, that it is a privilege-a time of inspired and spearheaded by religiousservice to God and country in the cause leaders, may fall under the category of acof freedom and peace for all peoples of tivities of many different organizationsthe world. religious, civic and educational. But sincethis is a moral and spiritual mission, it is 3. Education of the Public the churches, synagogues and religious Educators in schools, in churches and in leaders of all faiths who have the major synagogues-and, importantly, parents in privilege and responsibility for pointing home training-must be geared to pre the way. Former military chaplains of all pare the youth-boys and girls-for this faiths, with their rich experience in the new and different experience, service in Armed Services, are natural individuals the Armed Forces, which is to be a part to take leadership in the spearhead group.of their life at some period. For it is a part of-or at least affects-the life of In Conferences, Forums, Seminarsevery young person, whether he or she Get it on the regular agenda. does a tour of duty or not. But if educa tors and parents are to be geared to preDon't wait to call special meetings to con pare the youth for tomorrow's world, sider this as a speCial problem. Make a they must also gear their own thinking place on every program of every impor to be equal to the job. Our young men. tant gathering of religious leadership. and women in military service, no f?atter Such meetings can bring about the indoc where they go, are ambassadors from the trination and orientation which will pre church and the community from which pare and inspire religious leaders to as they come. We can do no less than send sume a new sense of moral and spiritualthem forth conscious of our public pride responsibility in national defense. Theyand confidence in them. It is essential, will move these leaders into action withtherefore, that we build into the public their hearts, their sincere beliefs, and withmind the firm concept that our men and deep religious faith in the propriety and women in military service are there as the necessity of churches, synagogues, remaintainers of peace in the world. And it ligious leaders and citizens of all faithsis of the utmost importance that we help assuming it as their job to do. 15 In Churches and Synagogues ... 3. Make your church or synagogue the religious home for men and women in the Examine your own church or synagogue Armed Forces serving in your community. with reference to the adequacy of its 4. Welcome service men and women of alertness and attention to the problem. your church-and your community-back Possibly set up a committee with repre to civilian life. Participate and assist in sentatives from all groups within the their readjustment. Provide the kind of church-men's club, women's organiza environment and spiritual climate which tion, young people's group and others-to will meet the challenge of their spiritual evolve a total program. Military experi growth and development or, if that may ence is a des.irable requisite for at least be the case, their need for further guid one member of such a committee. ance and. understanding. Ask of yourselves these and other simi larly pertinent questions: How many The Community Readied young people from the church are in the for Action Armed Forces? What are we doing for them? What is the attitude of the church towards young people in service? How With a Planning Committee . .. · many non-church-connected young people Arrange a meeting in which will partici from our immediate community face mili pate religious, youth and civic leaders tary service this year? Can our church or citizens of all faiths who will approach synagogue and the school collaborate on a this problem of our mutual moral and joint pre-induction program for all young spiritual responsibilities in a spirit of people in the community? How many of dedication to a purpose and zeal for a our own Armed Forces veterans return to worthy cause. Pick your team thought the church at the end of their active duty? fully-true leadership, the best the com The answers can form the basis for in munity has to offer, is demanded. Plan telligent planning for a constructive pro ning well for the job ahead calls for gram for your church or synagogue. Do zeal and a crusading spirit. It must be these things now-even while you plan to tackled by enthusiasts-not defeatists. do more later: Keeping the planning group moderately small so that all may participate in open1. Plan a send-off for all young people in discussion-all share with the group their your church who enter military service. experience and wisdom for the job ahead. Let them know you are proud of the way Explore what has been done, what is bethey are meeting responsibility. Make ing done and what more is needed to them feel that members of their parish build a community program that will are "on the team" with them, supporting benefit all young people of that comthem morally and spiritually. munity. After this first meeting it is intended that the community leaders will 2. Follow your young men and women go back to their churches, synagogues, into the Services. Keep in touch with schools and neighborhood organizations them so they feel close to their ·'religious to set up local working teams. But perihome" while they are away. odically throughout the year, additional 16 community meetings should be held. The USO, if there is an active unit inThey serve several important specific purthe community, can reflect its intimateposes: knowledge of the recreational needs ofmen and women in the Armed Forces a. help all leaders share experiences, serving in the community; opportunities and possible facilities other interested organizations, such as b. avoid duplication of effort service clubs, fraternal organizations, c. provide opportunity to "come out of social service groups, women's clubs, the woods and see the trees' ' to see the and others who will support and acwhole problem-BIG tively participate according to theirfacilities; d. share check-lists of activities to besure everything is being done that can youth organizations such as Boy Scouts, be done to build a strong program Girl Scouts, Campfire Girls, Boys' Clubs,4-H Clubs, and others whose youthful e. develop an esprit de corps which can members today will be our young service maintain the enthusiasm to develop men and women of tomorrow; and build a long-range program f. provide some assurance of reaching and, of course all youth with some phases of this pro former military chaplains of all faiths gram, whether or not they have church and chaplains on active duty in your affiliations community who bring to any commuWith a Job for All . nity action program the rich experiencesof their chaplaincy service.In most communities the people whosesupport must be enlisted for the job With Action Planned Whereahead can best be reached by working Action Counts . . .through the following groups and organizations: While the community meeting has its the churches and synagogues and their place, the core of the problem and the big affiliated religious groups which will opportunity to serve is in the neighborspearhead particularly the religious and hood, in the church, the school and in the moral aspects of the program; home. To the extent that people in theseareas evidence their faith and assume their educational leaders and vocational responsibilities, will this program be guidance directors at the college, high successful. school and junior high school level who Through local working teams, each par can make a large contribution in reflect ticipating individual and each cooperating ing the problems of our youth and in group can contribute according to its spe directing the channels that the ethical cial talents. and character guidance phases of the The strength and abilities of religious, program should take; civic and educational groups will vary inParent Teacher Associations which can each community. Some groups are limitedhelp coordinate the activities in church, by national or local policies to certainschool and home; types of programs and will function better 17 on a certain phase. This can be an asset, with thoughtful assignment of responsibilities so that the participation of an organization best fits in with the overall aims and programs in which it is experienced and fundamentally interested. Guides to the Goal With a Tally on Progress Many projects and activities geared to community needs will present themselves as soon as the long-range program is crystallized. Herein are outlined some guides to the goal-some programs and projects which can be conducted on a community basis or on a" to each his own" _plan, carried out by individuals, churches or synagogues, or by other religious or guidance groups. They may provide a useful tool by which "working teams"large or small-can take a tally on progress. l. Orientation Programsfor Religious, Educational and Organizational Leaders and expansion of these leadership orientation programs to the community-imbedding in citizens of all faiths new concepts and new pride in their responsibilities m national defense. 2. Guidance Programs for our Youth With early and effective training-beginning with teen-age boys and girls-'' going into service" for the young man can be as natural and as exciting as going away to school or college. Young people-both men and womenwill grow up with an understanding of personal responsibility in today's worlda pride in their own or others service to God and country and with development of moral and spiritual qualities that will see them through any difficulties which they may face in critical years to come. This training may occur through special attention and programming in many places • In school classrooms • In Sunday schools • In young people's group meetings m churches and synagogues • In Boy Scout, Girl Scout and all other youth organization meetings and importantly • In the home, by understanding parents alert to the need and imbued with wisdom and faith that it shall be met. 3. Training Programs for Parents The period we are in now, and may be in for years to come, is a difficult period of adjustment for most parents. If they are to provide the kind of moral and spiritual guidance necessary, they will need to renew constantly their own reservoir of knowledge and faith. They need to know why military service is necessary; how the military will take care of their sons and daughters and, importantly, what they can do for their children to prepare them-and how. Discussion groups with able leaders, adult education classes, programs for organization meetings of all kinds, library reference materials-for parents of children at all age levels can be a means to this end. 4. Preparation of Youth of Military Age for Service Experience By Orientation and Guidance Programs for All Young People Too often we have segregated the young man about to enter the service-as a separate entity-and limited these preparatory programs to his Pre-Induction training. The base should be broadened to include all young men and women at that age. Those who will remain civilians have friends and classmates who will enter service. And while only a few of the young women will enter the service-every young woman feels her life is affected, too, when the boy she goes to high school or college with enters the Service. Thus, many groups already initiated by guidance groups and in colleges, churches and synagogues-and new programs to be initiated-can double their effectiveness by broadening their base. By lndividu~l Counselling of Young Men ~nd Women About to Enter the Service Group instruction or discussion is not sufficient to fulfill the complete need of the young man or woman entering service. This is usually his or her first step out of the home and school environment. It marks the entrance to a big new worldand since this first step is to be into a military environment, it is a world with special characteristics-with both opportunities and pitfalls. Ministers, priests and rabbis, educators and guidance leaders, and others from whom young people can expect wise counselling and to whom they normally turn for advice, should give generously and wisely of their time, their knowledge and their faith in a highly personal manner. Try to see that the young man or woman need not take the initiative to seek counsel. By planned effort, provide for his or her moral and spiritual guidance at this, their hour of need. S. Ministering to the Men and Women in Service Let us never forget our obligation to those who serve us proudly-wearers of the uniform of our nation. Some are young men or women doing a single tour of duty. Others are giving their life service for their country's defense. To all, we owe much. To Those Service People FROM your Community Keep all men and women in service informed about local, church, school and civic activities, so they feel a part of them even though away from home. Set up a plan to remember them in service-on birthdays, on special religious days and festival occasions. Write letters-make it a special project to see that none of your service men and women will ever find the mail bag empty for them. Welcome them home-on leave or on return to civilian life. Help them to find their places in the community. If a young veteran is to go back to school, what needs to be done? If he is going back to his job, does his employer have the welcome sign out? Is there a better job for which he is now fitted? What can be done to give him a royal and practical welcome home? "Let's do it." To Those Service People IN your Community Make all service men and women feel ''at home" in your community. Follow the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"-and unto yours-and the many ways will be shown to you. Work closely with the USO. Often with careful selection of volunteers, the woman who talks to a serviceman as she sews on a button in a usa headquarters is able to do more than anyone else to strengthen him morally and spiritually. Send notices to all service men and women in your area regarding church and civic activities and, as often as possible, see that someone invites them personally and arranges transportation and a good time. H there are women in military service in your community or assigned to your area, set up a committee to meet with them and plan for their particular needs, recreation, church activities and social life off the base or station. 6. Enlisting Broad Support for the Program Enlist the support of newspaper, radio and television to build greater public respect for the "uniform" and the men and women who wear it. Honor the uniform and honor those who wear it. Selected newspaper writers, radio commentators and other people interested in our youth can help indoctrinate the public on the principles behind this programand win broader public participation in it. 7. Keeping a Tally for Progress Both the community committee and local ''working teams'' will keep the long-range program moving by stopping regularly to take stock and keep a Tally for Progress. Periodically ask: Who else can help? Whom else can we help? How effective have we been? What more can we do? U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, 1965 0-749-816 A SUPREME OPPORTUNITY In today's world the moral and spiritual development of young Americans is the responsibility of the whole community. Our Armed Forcesare largely made up of civilians, young men and some young womenwho, with the exception of those who elect a military career, willreturn to civilian life after their tours of service. While in uniform,the young man or woman is an ambassador of the United States inposts or stations all over the world. What the civilian home, church,school and character building agency has made him will determine thekind of American ambassador he is in uniform. And, before, duringand after their period of service, these young men and women are thecitizens in whom is placed the trust of world leadership tomorrow.To inculcate faith and idealism in young Americans is the supremechallenge of our age to parents, religious leaders, teachers and all guidesto character-making. Although much has been done in the recent pastto strengthen the religious and moral development of our youth, andalthough the Armed Forces have the strongest religious and characterguidance program in history, no standard of the past will suffice forthis demanding age. Only as all the forces of religion are marshalledfor every period of growing manhood and womanhood will our nationbe able to render its providentially assigned service to God andhumanity. This booklet has been made pouible through the joint cooperation of many persons, all of them deeply concernedwith the moral and spiritual guidance of young Americans in today's world. Participating in its preparationhave been individual members of the Chaplains' Service, the Armed Forces Chaplains Board, the Defense AdvisoryCommittee on Women in the Services and representative leaders of the Protntant, Catholic and Jewish faiths.To these latter a special debt of gratitude is owed for their generous auistance and guidance. IIIII~11i~ili~~UI~iill~~iiml1iil~~~~illllll 3 9072 01849420 7