ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — At Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), spiritual readiness is an essential element of total readiness, and the U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Religious Support Office (RSO) plays a key role in ensuring Soldiers, civilians and families have the support they need. Led by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Craig Johnson, the USAG APG RSO provides a welcoming and inclusive environment designed to meet the diverse spiritual needs of the APG community.
APG offers Sunday worship services for both Catholic and Protestant congregations, as well as special services for the Jewish community during significant observances. Johnson emphasized the team’s commitment to serving everyone who seeks support or connection at the chapel.
“While we are limited in the number of services we offer, we’re ready as a staff to provide for the religious needs of anyone who comes into the chapel; we are always ready and eager to start any new religious program if we feel like it will meet a need,” he said.
This flexibility reflects the RSO’s mission to serve a community rich in faith traditions, backgrounds and spiritual experiences.
Chaplains and religious affairs specialists are routinely present across the installation, not just in the chapel. They visit offices, attend events and listen to the needs of Soldiers, civilians and family members.
“The way we do religious care in the Army is to evaluate the needs that are present in the community,” Johnson said. “We do this by getting around to the various offices and talking to Soldiers, civilians and family members in order to discover what people need spiritually.”
With regular office hours and a consistent presence, the chapel stands as a visible reminder of spiritual support throughout APG.
“I hope that when anyone on Aberdeen Proving Ground sees the chapel, it helps to remind them that they are all spiritual beings and have a connection to a higher power,” Johnson said.
In addition to Thursday and Sunday worship, the USAG APG RSO offers holiday and special observance services for Christian and Jewish community members. These events are advertised across post, including in the commissary and PX, to ensure broad awareness.
“Anyone can also call or stop by the chapel if they have questions about services,” Johnson said.
Religious education remains a central part of spiritual development at APG. The installation offers Protestant adult religious education on Sunday mornings and Catholic religious education on Friday mornings.
“In the new year we are going to be starting a new Bible study; stay tuned for more details,” Johnson said.
For families arriving from other installations, personal connection is an important part of settling in. Though APG does not have a formal newcomer religious program, Chaplain Johnson makes a point of meeting incoming personnel during in-processing and at community events.
“Everyone is welcome in the chapel,” he said. “Army civilians, contractors, extended family — everyone can always come and talk to a chaplain. We are here for everyone.”
The chapel coordinates volunteer opportunities throughout the year, including back-to-school outreach, holiday food voucher programs and seasonal events.
“If anyone would like to get involved, we would always welcome their help,” Johnson said. “It’s a great way to meet people and get plugged in to the larger community of which we are all a part.”
Chaplains provide confidential counseling, protected under regulation. This makes the RSO a trusted resource for individuals navigating personal or professional challenges.
“Anything you tell a chaplain is always kept between you and the chaplain; you don’t have to worry about any discussions affecting your career,” Johnson said.
He encouraged community members to seek support whenever needed.
“If it’s on your mind or heart and you don’t know who else to talk to, please come and talk to a chaplain,” he said.
APG’s chaplains also maintain relationships with off-post faith communities to help individuals and families find spiritual homes that best meet their needs.
“If you have a question about churches, synagogues or mosques, we’re here to help you find the group that will serve your needs best,” Johnson said.
Six chaplains serve across APG, with several assigned to units to provide direct support to Soldiers and families. This includes marriage-enrichment events, religious retreats and other resilience-building activities.
“Please check with your unit’s chaplain team to see what activities are scheduled for you,” Johnson said.
The Religious Support Office can be reached through the APG Chapel Facebook page, by calling 410-278-4333 or by visiting the chapel during the week.
For more information visit, https://home.army.mil/apg/about/Garrison/RSO.
“We are here for everyone,” Johnson said.
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