Religion: A Missing Component of Professional Military Education PKSOI Paper | Page 28

violence, have been offered only during the past three
years. Previous courses have included religion as a
variable, but not as a specific unit of analysis. This recognition needs to be exploited, however. Embedded
inside religions is the potential for partnership with
PSO actors.
Student end-of-course evaluation comments regarding the need for the study of religion at the Army
War College are telling. One student who participated
in a recent class on religion and conflict stated that the
“course should be part of the core curriculum! Too often we (the Army) shy away from studying and understanding the role of religion in conflict and violence….
we treat religion as an afterthought.” Another notes
how the absence of instruction focusing on the role of
religion in conflict “is a weak area for many working
in the DoD and the interagency.” One student wrote
that the study of religion and conflict is “truly relevant
to strategic studies and should be incorporated in to
the broader (Army War College) course material.”54
Religious Literacy Cannot Be Outsourced
Over the past decade, the role of the military
chaplain has evolved beyond its traditional focus of
ministering to military personnel and their families
to that of advisor and agent regarding local religions,
religious leaders, and faith-based institutions.55 However, not all chaplains are prepared to meet the new
demands placed on them; some are ill-qualified to
assume the role of expert advisor of religions outside of their home faith tradition.56 Military chaplain
leadership recognizes that “military chaplains are the
only ones trained to effectively communicate across
religious boundaries,”57 and that is precisely the issue.

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