Are Chaplains actually secondi n command of Astartes Companies?

[Walt von Keisel-Walther]

I keep hearing people and sources contradicting each other and I wanted to get further input and explanation.

[Doomvora]

They're more like command staff in charge of spiritual wellbeing of the chapter who sometimes lead strike forces.

They're usually "second in command" of companies next to the captain.

They're basically the equivalent of a Military Chaplain in most modern militaries.

[Dr. Rockso]

I always took it as them being similar to a Master Chief on a sub.

They are there to ensure all is well with the crew and are the bridge between officers and crew.

[BIGBushido]

With the Codex revision, Lieutenants had been reinstated so they would be second in command.

[Medicles]

No, they arent second in command. If a Forcecommander dies, another veteran will be chosen to command. The Chaplain will never command the chapter.

Edit: I am talking straight canon here, of course a chaplain can command your own created chapter.

[Sedgendary]

They are outside the chain of command, essentially they are the spiritual guardians of the Chapter mixed with MPs

[The_Dipl0mat]

The Chaplain is basically just HR

[EvilJoshy]

Originally posted by The_Dipl0mat:

The Chaplain is basically just HR

More like internal affairs.

[Walt von Keisel-Walther]

I think they are more like MP political religious officers

[MissReapZz]

Every company in a Space Marine Chapter has its own Chaplain. He acts as a leader in both devotions and combat and is second only to the company captain in rank. A Chapter's Chaplains are also the keepers of the Reclusiam, a hallowed place overseen by the greatest and most veteran of their number, the Master of Sanctity.