In addition, Reserve chaplains also conduct certain ceremonial functions, offer prayer at staff meetings, conduct memorial services and increasingly conduct military funerals. On a few occasions, Reserve chaplains have had the privilege of conducting weddings for soldiers, Horne said. In addition to their spiritual duties, chaplains conduct mandatory classes, dealing with such subjects as suicide awareness, sexual harassment, consideration of others and Army core values. Like many other branches of the military, the number of chaplains needed is greater than the number available. Chaplains from mainline Protestant denominations, including United Methodist, Episcopal, Presbyterian and Lutheran churches, are especially needed.
Catholic priests are also in short supply.
I don't know what to attribute that to. Seminaries for the mainline denominations don't put much, if any, emphasis on military ministry, he said. There's probably less of an appreciation for military ministry in mainline denominations. Many potential Baptist and Pentecostal pastors are ready to serve, but the military tries to reflect the religious affiliation of society as a whole. The largest friction' Just like their active-duty counterparts, Reserve chaplains must be ordained clergy and endorsed by a denomination.