I am by no means a supporter of the military, at least its actions as of late (by which I mean most of the last fifty years). As I understand it not only does the military advocate and economically support religion (as embodied in the chaplaincy) and unbelievers are kind of buggered. I wouldn't be adverse to undertaking heavy study in philosophy (as well as psychology, sociology &c) to be qualified to speak to what the religious would call deeper questions among those who do not believe. I don't know if the position of atheist chaplain would be in addition or as an occasional replacement for the more traditional instantiation of the position but either way it would be a great asset for the military not to mention far more fair.
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You seem to misunderstand the function of chaplains in the military. They do not exist so that the military can be an advocate of religion, they exist to support members with religious issues, such as death and killing people. The military does not exist to do anything but kill people who threaten us. This is risky, since most people don't want to die and fight back, thus people in the military die. A lot of people in the military are religious, and since there is a risk of death in a strange land where some religions may not be prevalant, chaplains exist to administer last rites, etc., not to school people in the military on philosophy and theology. Since aetheists believe that when you die, nothing happens, no one is needed to look after their souls, since they don't think such things exist.
Go Trevor! I suppose you could argue that atheists need someone to discuss death and dying with too...but that's what psychologists are for. I just don't think the position is necessitated. Also, isn't "atheist chaplain" inherently an oxymoron?
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