Are Chaplains Non Combatants?

Chaplains, under the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), are considered non-combatants. As such, chaplains are not permitted to engage in offensive hostilities in any way.

Are military chaplains non-combatants?

Non-combatant status

The Geneva Conventions are silent on whether chaplains may bear arms. However, the Conventions do state (Protocol I, 8 June 1977, Art 43.2) that chaplains are non-combatants: they do not have the right to participate directly in hostilities.

Is a chaplain a combatant?

They are non-combatants and do not bear arms. Chaplains initially receive a twelve-year commission with a minimum period of three years' return of service.