You will wear the uniform, come under the Defence Act, and undergo the same indoctrination and training as others who take up the profession-of-arms. As a Chaplain, however, you will be primarily concerned for the spiritual and pastoral care of the individual, and bring to the NZ Army your particular skills which will include:

• A professional theological qualification, having been trained to perform all the functions of clergy
• A wide variety of experiences of life and integrated belief systems, bringing a vital faith which enables Soldiers to address the many challenges of Service life
• By virtue of your ordination, you will be called to a ministry committed to a life of service, and to a self-sacrificing concern for the welfare of others
• With your commitment to pastoral care you will bring a willingness to challenge those issues which need to be confronted and to speak out when necessary, and to champion truth and justice at any cost

While on deployment a Chaplain will conduct many of the same duties as in their camp/base role, as well as duties specific to an operational environment.

Due to the increased danger and higher risk to life while in theatre, a Chaplain may be called upon to conduct funerals/tangi, conduct memorial services or assist with Critical Incident Management. In line with this they may be required to provide ongoing grief support with a view to keeping deployed personnel focussed on the mission.

Chaplains seek to be a non anxious presence. They can also act as a bridge builder between the host community and the contingent, especially where religion is held in high regard.

As a trained first-line counsellor, the Chaplain fosters morale and nurtures the human spirit/wairua.