The armed forces are expanding and preparing for possible conflict as international tensions rise, and the reported need for spiritual caregivers is also increasing. Fleet chaplain Johan Kromhout van der Meer, 58, said caregivers accompany naval personnel during missions and exercises and provide a place to discuss work, family, relationships and other concerns. He said conversations about death and funerals are also part of the role, including preparing for the possibility that someone dies at sea.

About 151 spiritual caregivers work full-time across the armed forces, and 13 vacancies are currently reported. The Navy in Den Helder has two caregivers. The cabinet is set to allocate €28.9 billion to defence in 2027, while the armed forces continue preparing for different scenarios.