Chap Catie Inches-Ogden takes up her new position at 16 AD Regt. Photo by Lisa Buss, MSPA-SA

'Madre' of the gunners
Army's first female chaplain at 16 AD Regt




By Allan Cole
THE Army's first full-time female padre, Chap Catie Inches-Ogden, believes that life offers opportunities and you have a choice to take them or not.

In January this year she took the opportunity to transfer from part-time to full-time service.

Chap Inches-Ogden said she looked at it as a personal, professional and spiritual challenge.

She believed padres have an important role to play in the military, not just in counselling and providing spiritual support, but also in assisting the development of training programs for young people.

"Society is becoming more complex and some young people need life-skills and values training. The military has strict codes of behaviour and specific challenges. Many people need help in adapting to a new lifestyle," she said.

One of the roles of a chaplain or minister is to help people find wholeness or richness in life.

"At times we all have challenges in our relationships, with money, emotions or just trying to get our lives together," she said.

"One of my roles is to help people to deal with their problems, even if it's only to listen. Sometimes just talking to someone helps. Humour is also important."

Chap Inches-Ogden has been an educator for more than 30 years and a minister for 20. Starting with a teaching qualification, she then undertook religious training and has worked as a school chaplain and served as a minister in a variety of cultures and settings.

"Working in a church and for a private girls' school, one can develop a narrow focus.

"Joining the Army has broadened and enriched my experience of people and life. I absolutely love it. It is another world and I am learning a lot".

Being posted to 16 AD Regt, an all-male unit, is certainly different for the Padre. At times she wondered if it would be a bit lonely without other women around.

"One of the things I have noticed, and I hope they don't change their attitude when they read this, is I think they are a bit careful with their language when I am around," she said.

"Most of the guys I have talked to are extremely polite and I think some may see me as a bit of a mother figure. I heard my nickname is 'the Madre'."