Chaplain

Chaplains serve their congregations as a unit religious service leader and special advisor to unit commanders on their Soldiers emotional well-being and morale. Chaplains have the opportunity to be a preacher, teacher and counselor to soldiers and their families.

Chaplains offer a spiritual ministry that spans the globe and helps young men and women to be effective Soldiers in body, mind and spirit. Fully qualified Chaplains are direct commissioned if they meet the minimum officer appointment criteria and meet the criteria listed below.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Be between 21 and 35 years of age.
• Pass a physical exam
• Be able to receive a favorable background check for a security clearance
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Obtain an official ecclesiastical endorsement from your denomination or faith group (must be approved by the Department of Defense)
• Be interviewed and endorsed by a state chaplain. This endorsement will certify that you are:
  • An endorsed minister
  • Qualified spiritually, morally, intellectually and emotionally.
  • Sensitive to religious pluralism and able to provide for the free exercise of religion by all military personnel and their family members
• Possess a Baccalaureate degree of not less than 120 semester hours
• Possess an accredited MDIV or Master's level (in specific theological studies) that has 72 + semester hours in one degree

Chaplain Candidates must meet the above requirements for Chaplains, with the following three differences:

• Must be a full-time student in an accredited seminary
• Not exceed the age of 35 for non-prior service or 42 for prior service
• Only needs an ecclesiastical approval from a denomination or faith group recognized by the Department of Defense

Click here for a checklist of required items to become a Chaplain Candidate.

CHAPLAIN CANDIDATES

You do not need to wait until ordination to join the Army National Guard Chaplaincy. You can train to become an Army National Guard chaplain candidate at the same time as you are training for the ministry. Chaplain Candidate requirements are the same as those for a Chaplain for the differences listed below.