scope:

Purpose. This instruction implements policy on the protection of privileged and confidential information communicated to Navy Chaplains. References (a) through (e) provide further guidance. Unconstrained communication of acts of religion or matters of conscience in complete privacy encourages Service Members, their families, and other authorized personnel to seek assistance and disclose the nature of the issue, enhancing the scope and quality of care.

Applicability. This instruction applies to the Office of the Secretary of the Navy; the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO); the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC); the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard (COMDT COGARD); all U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps installations, commands, activities, and field offices; the U.S. Coast Guard when operating as a service in the Navy under 14 U.S.C. §3; and all other organizational entities within the Department of the Navy. The protection afforded by this instruction applies to all personnel authorized to receive services from Navy Chaplains wherever they may receive them.