Wellbeing of non-religious ADF personnel at risk, former recruiter says

Number of evangelical chaplains has increased in recent years despite majority of Australian defence force personnel not being religious

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Defence must recruit secular alternatives to religious chaplains or face increasing risks to its members' health and wellbeing, according to a former top military recruiter.

Col Phillip Hoglin, now a reservist and military researcher, said the Australian defence force (ADF) is becoming less religious, but has only a handful of secular support officers.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup