OUR LEADERSHIP

Chaplain Youstra served as the Command Chaplain, United States Special Operations Command. He was the principal and personal staff advisor to the CDRUSSOCOM, Directors, and headquarters staff in areas related to morale, ethics, and spirituality. He also advised on the role and impact of religion in the strategic environment. He liaisoned with the Joint Staff Chaplain, Service Chiefs of Chaplains, component functional offices, interagency partners and allied partner nations. He directed the strategic global application and integration of religious diplomacy, policies, special emphasis, training, and resources in the interagency and joint environment for USSOCOM. Chaplain Youstra oversaw and provided religious support guidance to all USSOCOM religious support teams and activities to include The Care for the Caregiver program. He integrated the Preservation of the Force and Families and Warrior Care Coalition Spiritual Performance activities with chaplain-led or supported programs for service members, Wounded Warriors, DOD civilians and their families. He served as a key plank holder and integral member of the multidisciplinary team consisting of physical, psychological, spiritual, and social performance. He edited the first ever Special Operations Forces Field Ethics Guide for utilization in the SOCOM formations and the Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Post-vention Workbook & Training Program along with Moral Injury/PTSD training.