The Contribution of Chaplaincy Classes to the Moral Formation of Future Military Leaders: An Ethnographic Study in Dutch Military Chaplaincy

The moral educating role of chaplains in the Netherlands is seen as an elaboration of the right of military personnel to reflect on the moral aspects of their profession based on their own worldview. In this research, we explored the contribution of chaplaincy classes to the moral formation of future military leaders. We conducted an ethnographic study using triangulation of policy documents, participatory observations of chaplaincy classes and multi-day trainings, and semi-structured interviews with the chaplains who taught these classes, which were thematically analysed. Policy notes indicated that chaplains are in the position to provide a safe place in their chaplaincy classes, where they can contribute to the moral competence of military personnel by paying attention to both identity formation and moral responsibility. However, in the practice of chaplaincy classes the balance has tipped towards identity formation. We conclude that chaplains can make a more substantial contribution to the moral education of military personnel, if they identify more strongly with their role as religious and ethical experts, who are familiar with the moral challenges of military life.