Established by the Continental Congress of 1775, chaplains have served in the U.S. armed forces since the Revolutionary War. Chaplains began serving in the Continental Army and Navy, then later in the Marine Corps, and finally in the U.S. Air Force in 1949. From the beginning of the United States, chaplains have served in the midst of battle; nurturing the living, caring for the wounded and honoring the dead, all the while ensuring service members the freedom of religious practice. Today chaplains and religious affairs specialists continue the tradition. We respect our differences.  We embrace diversity.  We serve and support Service Members express their religious practices and beliefs.  In addition, we offer: