Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced plans Tuesday to overhaul the U.S. military’s Chaplain Corps, arguing the institution has drifted from its original mission and lost the “faith and virtue” that defined it when it was established under George Washington more than 250 years ago.
In a statement posted on X, Hegseth criticized what he described as decades of political correctness and secular humanism, saying chaplains have been reshaped into “therapists instead of ministers.” He said concepts such as self-help, self-care, and “new age” thinking have replaced clear spiritual leadership, weakening the corps’ effectiveness.
Hegseth pointed to the Army’s spiritual fitness guide as a prime example, noting it references feelings and “playfulness” numerous times while mentioning God only once. Calling the guide “unacceptable and unserious,” he said it would be discarded, adding that chaplains are “not emotional support officers” but spiritual leaders who should be treated accordingly.
The secretary indicated that broader reforms are coming, including a review of what qualifies as a recognized faith or belief in the military, a list last updated by the Department of Defense in 2017. He also promised a top-down cultural shift that places spiritual well-being on equal footing with mental and physical health, along with revised religious affiliation codes.
Several religious freedom advocates welcomed the announcement. Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, voiced support, as did the First Liberty Institute. Senior counsel Chris Motz said the changes would help restore religious freedom in the armed forces and allow chaplains to fully carry out their mission as “the spiritual light for our brave warriors,” thanking both Hegseth and President Donald Trump for backing the effort.
