Chaplain (Colonel) James Palmer, Jr. (Ret)
United States Army
Chaplain (Colonel) James Palmer, Jr. an ordained Baptist minister, endorsed by the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. retired from active duty in December 2023, where he served as the 44th Commandant of the U.S. Institute for Religious Leadership (formerly U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School).
Chaplain Palmer has indeed had a remarkable career, leaving a lasting impact on the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps. In July 2021, the Army Chief of Chaplains selected Chaplain Palmer as the 44th Commandant of the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School.
Being only the second African American Chaplain to hold this prestigious position in the 106-year history of the institution speaks volumes about Chaplain Palmer’s leadership and accomplishments. As Commandant, he oversaw the training and education of all new Chaplains and Religious Affairs Specialists across Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard.
Chaplain Palmer's pioneering role in establishing the Strategy, Plans, Policy, and Resources (SPPR) Directorate for the Office of the Chief of Chaplains is truly commendable. Being the first to serve as the Director of SPPR, he shouldered a diverse array of responsibilities crucial for the effective functioning of the chaplaincy. From Crisis Response Planning and execution to managing Force Augmentation, Religious Support Policy, Government Affairs and Professional Development, Resourcing, Doctrine, and Training. Chaplain Palmer's leadership undoubtedly played a pivotal role in ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of chaplaincy.
Chaplain Palmer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia; a Master of Divinity degree from Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia; a Master of Arts in American Studies from The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia; was a Senior Service College Fellow at George Mason University’s Institute of Conflict Analysis and Resolution; also holds the Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
In addition to his years of pastoral and leadership experience, his expertise includes Counseling/Advising, Program Innovation, Community Engagement, Team Building, Crisis Intervention, Employee Relations, Religious Education, Training, and Development. Furthermore, his extensive list of military awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit (3 awards), Bronze Star Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal (9 awards) attest to his exemplary service and dedication throughout his three decades of service. Chaplain Palmer’s three decades of service speaks of his commitment and dedication to God and Country.
Chaplain Palmer has been married to his wife Faith for over 32 years, they have two sons – James III, and Jeremiah, and a daughter Jordan Ann-Frances.
Chaplain Palmer has indeed had a remarkable career, leaving a lasting impact on the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps. In July 2021, the Army Chief of Chaplains selected Chaplain Palmer as the 44th Commandant of the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School.
Being only the second African American Chaplain to hold this prestigious position in the 106-year history of the institution speaks volumes about Chaplain Palmer’s leadership and accomplishments. As Commandant, he oversaw the training and education of all new Chaplains and Religious Affairs Specialists across Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard.
Chaplain Palmer's pioneering role in establishing the Strategy, Plans, Policy, and Resources (SPPR) Directorate for the Office of the Chief of Chaplains is truly commendable. Being the first to serve as the Director of SPPR, he shouldered a diverse array of responsibilities crucial for the effective functioning of the chaplaincy. From Crisis Response Planning and execution to managing Force Augmentation, Religious Support Policy, Government Affairs and Professional Development, Resourcing, Doctrine, and Training. Chaplain Palmer's leadership undoubtedly played a pivotal role in ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of chaplaincy.
Chaplain Palmer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia; a Master of Divinity degree from Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia; a Master of Arts in American Studies from The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia; was a Senior Service College Fellow at George Mason University’s Institute of Conflict Analysis and Resolution; also holds the Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
In addition to his years of pastoral and leadership experience, his expertise includes Counseling/Advising, Program Innovation, Community Engagement, Team Building, Crisis Intervention, Employee Relations, Religious Education, Training, and Development. Furthermore, his extensive list of military awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit (3 awards), Bronze Star Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal (9 awards) attest to his exemplary service and dedication throughout his three decades of service. Chaplain Palmer’s three decades of service speaks of his commitment and dedication to God and Country.
Chaplain Palmer has been married to his wife Faith for over 32 years, they have two sons – James III, and Jeremiah, and a daughter Jordan Ann-Frances.