Why are you sometimes seen with epaulets showing bars or rank, and other times just a cross?

I am the founder and leader of our chaplaincy ministry. Our ranks progress similarly to firefighter ranks, from registered chaplain, senior chaplain, master chaplain, lieutenant chaplain, captain chaplain, deputy chief chaplain, chief chaplain and commander chaplain (cmdr). As the commander, I wear epaulets with five bars to show my rank. However, when I want to emphasize my role as a chaplain rather than my rank, I wear epaulets featuring a cross instead of bars.

The rank of a chaplain in a paramilitary uniform does wear ranks, but most of the time, my rank is “chaplain” period. We work like a friary where all members are brothers (or sisters), even the abbot. Now, depending on who I meet during the day or the task I am called to handle in a given situation, I need to use the weight of my position to support my statements, and then the bars apply.

PS: Yes, we do have assistants with the ranks of corporal, sergeant and master sergeant.

Note: the ranks have value only within our chaplain ministry (EMMI) and no meaning in other organizations such as the IFCC or the NACC.

Peace and lots of Good