They say there are no atheists in foxholes. There’s one on the front lines here, though, and the chaplain isn’t thrilled about it.
Navy Chaplain Terry Moran is steeped in the Bible and believes all of it. His assistant, Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Philip Chute, is steeped in the Bible and having none of it.
Together they roam this town in Taliban country, comforting the grunts while crossing swords with each other over everything from the power of angels to the wisdom of standing in clear view of enemy snipers. Lt. Moran, 48 years old, preaches about divine protection while 25-year-old RP2 Chute covers the chaplain’s back and wishes he were more attentive to the dangers of the here and now.
It’s a match made in, well, the Pentagon.
“He trusts God to keep him safe,” says RP2 Chute. “And I’m here just in case that doesn’t work out.”
Great article.
The RPs I served with were pretty faithful sailors, but there always was some question to how much thought the Navy put into filling billets in other areas so I’m not too shocked. I’ll stow any thoughts I have about “Nukes.” I’m curious why the Navy doesn’t make Navy Chaplains go through the same training given HMs attached to the Marines. Sounds like Chaplain Moran could use it.
Lt Moran sounds a bit dangerous. Not to himself, but to others. If you are in a tactical situation, behave tactically. You are responsible for your sorry own butt, don’t make other take risks because you can’t be bothered.
Always said, I’d trade the Chaplain for 2 more rounds of main gun and 100 gallons of diesel.