This paper addresses the debate concerning the place of the chaplain in the role of a religious liaison. This is done by looking at some of the issues concerning religion in world affairs, particularly the marginalization in diplomacy and military operations. It demonstrates how religion does play a part in conflict resolution and how religious leaders are involved. It addresses Air Force, DOD and Joint Publications concerning the chaplain as a religious liaison and the critical issue of noncombatant status of the chaplain. It shows the chaplain's unique position in conflict situations within the realm of religion and calls for an expanded doctrine and formalized training in the area of religious liaison.

"Since its inception, the Air Force Chaplain Corps has recruited, trained and sustained a ready force of professionals to minister to combatants and in so doing ready them for the battles they will fight in defense of our national interests. This largely Cold War model of ministry has served our nation well and many of its tenets must be held to tightly. But the long war we find ourselves in, a war all too often described and confused by religious innuendo, needs a chaplaincy willing to take calculated risks outside the wire to do what chaplains alone are credentialed to do. For in sitting "holy man" with "holy man," listening to and telling the stories of our respective communities, hearts and minds cannot help but be won."--Abstract from web site.