WASHINGTON – Active and reserve Army chaplains are playing a critical and strategic role in Iraq, a chaplain serving with Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq said this week.
“Our troops are working tirelessly and selflessly to create a trusted and viable security force,” Army Maj. William Steen, chaplain, said during a “DoDLive” bloggers roundtable June 23. “However, the work, family separation and the long hours all take their toll on our troops.”
Steen discussed how the military is helping soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines cope with the physical, mental and emotional stress while deployed in Iraq.
Chaplains play a critical role in today’s military by providing forward-deployed troops more than religious support, Steen explained. Among other things, they also provide training before and after deployments, help service members strengthen their marriages and families, and take an active role in suicide prevention.
