My time as an Army chaplain candidate has been very enjoyable but, at times, also very frustrating. Unfortunately, there is little guidance for candidates and the frequent turnover in chaplain recruiting and management doesn’t help.
So, to help those who come behind me, I will offer a series of posts with advice for chaplain candidates and potential chaplain candidates. My advice will be based on my own experiences and knowledge and does not necessarily represent official Army doctrine. While the information in this series is specific to the Army chaplain candidate program, Air Force and Navy candidates may also find the information helpful.
If you’re a chaplain, chaplain candidate, or potential candidate, I encourage you to ask questions or make suggestions by filling in the comment box below (if you don’t see it, click the title of this post) or the contact form.
Table of contents for Chaplain Candidacy
- The Army chaplain candidate program
- So you want to be a chaplain?
- How do I learn more about becoming a chaplain candidate? Part 1.
- How do I learn more about becoming a chaplain candidate? Part 2.
- The chaplain candidate appointment process. Part 1.
- The chaplain candidate appointment process. Part 2.
- I’m a Second Lieutenant. Now what?
- CHOBC. Part 1.
- Chaplain Candidate series to be expanded
Hi guys. Is there an age cut-off for the program? A waiver process? I’m a 42 year-old OIF vet, 04, 11B/38A.
Thanks,
tomk
Tom, yes, you can get into the program with a waiver. Contact the chaplain recruiter about this. However, if you want to serve as an active duty chaplain, you must be accessioned to active duty by age 44, and you must be able to serve at least 10 years before retirement.
I’m Chaplain (CPT) Paul Douglas and if you live in the states of Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Alabama please contact me for information regarding a rewarding career in the Army National Guard chaplaincy. I recruit for the chaplain candidate program as well as the chaplain program for the Army national Guard. Take a look at all the Guard has to offer…you would be surprised!
My email is paul.n.douglas@us.army.mil and my cell number is 478-697-8308. Enjoy the benefits of military ministry and pursue your vocational ministry as well. The Army National Guard has infantry, armor, military police, and many other combat arms battalions that need chalains. Likewise, there are various combat support battalions as well. Give me a call and let’s get started.
Coming to your campus or area soon! Thanks for the post Father Sparks!
Fr. Sparks,
Thanks for putting this information online. The Army’s website is woefully poor in information about the process after passing a board and becoming a Chaplain Candidate.
One specific question: what happens after graduating from seminary during the 2 years (or perhaps 2.5 years if the first ordination is to the diaconate) of getting ordained experience? Are there just forms and reports to fill with regards to the Army side or what?
The chaplain candidate program in the Army National Guard has distinctive benefits. The $4500.00 tution reimbursement is available as is the ability to earn pay for your once per month drill and two week annual training period.
The accessions process is now streamlined in the Army National Guard and chaplains handle your paperwork from start to finish.
You can drill in a location that is near you while you concentrate on school. Similarly, you can “shadow” other chaplains in your state while in candidate status to learn firsthand what the chaplain mission is all about.
You will be with soldiers both during drill and during your two weeks annual training (in the field). You will be in uniform and involved. There are currently openings in your area for infantry, armor, and other combat arms battalions as well as combat support elements.
The Chaplain Candidate and Chaplain program of the Army National Guard wants you! Call Chaplain (CPT) Paul Douglas (Recruiter) at 478-697-8308 for more details. Or drop me an email at paul.n.douglas@us.army.mil and I’ll get your paperwork started or call you on my dime to answer your questions.
As always, thanks for the post Father Sparks!
CH (CPT) Paul Douglas
Chaplain Recruiter
Army National Guard
Scott, while in the chaplain candidate program after graduating seminary, you would continue to train at CHOBC or practicums, if your schedule allows. Your main priority is being ordained and completing ministry experience. Be sure to stay in touch with the chaplain candidate manager to let him know you are on track with fulfilling these requirements. Whether you do any training or not, don’t fall off the chaplain candidate manager’s screen.
The chaplain candidate manager will occasionally send out email to all candidates in order to update contact information and status. It is imperative that you keep your contact information up to date with the candidate manager and in the Army system!
Is it possible to be enrolled as a chaplain cantidate while attending a foreign university/seminary?
I’m interested in the chaplains program. I have 9yrs active service experience and 4yrs national guard experience. For the last few years I’ve been wondering what direction I’ve been wanting to go in, and I know that this is the direction that I know that I need to go into. I have some college but I’m not sure how many credits hrs I have. I’m in the process of finding an accredited school to pursue ministry. If you have any more helpful hints that would help me in this endeavor I would most definitely appreciate it.
SGT Green,
I’m the regional chaplain accessions manager for NGB. Call me on my cell (478-697-8308) and I’d be glad to provide you with more informaton.
Bryan, as I understand it, no you cannot serve as a chaplain candidate while attending a foreign seminary. You must be enrolled in a seminary that is recognized by a United States regional accrediting body or the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
SGT Green, I recommend that you do call Chaplain Douglas about this. You might also read my article concerning enlisted soldiers becoming chaplains. From the information you’ve shared, the most important thing you should do is determine where you are in completing your undergraduate degree. If you are a long way off, this may limit your options; if you are close, you could be in the candidate program very soon.
Thank You For making this resource available.
My question is in regards to the Reserve Tuition offered. How many years does the tuition assistance cover? I am looking at Covenant Theological Seminary in ST.Louis, MO and the MDIV program is 3years - 103 credit hours.
The Army National Guard candidate program allows up to 6 years for completion of your seminary degree. There is also a new benefit available in the form of a $20,000 student loan repayment that can be used in tandem with the tution reimbursement option. I’d be glad to tell you more if you would call me at 478-697-8308.
Is this student loan repayment available for Army Reserve Chap Candidates?
Luke,
No, I’m afraid not. Similarly, in addition to the $4500.00 per year tuition reimbursement, there are some state-based educational benefits available for National Guard memebers. For example, some states have programs through the Guard that will absorb tuition and or books, etc. There are also scholarships available in many states for Guard members that could be used for other education related costs.
CH (CPT) Paul Douglas
Chaplain Accessions
I am currently a 2LT in the California National Guard (Infantry). I will be entering Liberty Theological Seminary (online) in January. How difficult is it to change from the Infantry to Chaplain Corps?
Stephen,
I am a regional accessions manager for the National Guard Chaplaincy program and I work at NGB. The process is pretty simple and you’ll be interested in some recent developments with regard to tuition assistance and loan repayment benefits. Why don’t you call me and let’s get you squared away. 478-697-8308 my email is paul.n.douglas@us.army.mil.
Blessings!
I am an AGR Soldier that is interested in becoming an active duty chaplain. I am in seminary getting my MDIV with Liberty University. I am currently age 26 and will be graduating in 2009 with my MDIV degree. I need to know how many years of experience are needed and what do the experience entails for active duty chaplains. Also, what is the age limit before one will be required to get an age waiver?
SGT Yanquoi,
If active duty is your goal I have two friends that are USAREC (active duty and reserve)Chaplain recruiters and they would be glad to speak with you. Do you live in VA or elsewhere? Drop me an email at paul.n.douglas@us.army.mil and I’ll be glad to give you the correct POC info (depending where you live).
Blessings,
CH (CPT) Paul Douglas
ARNG Chaplain Recruiter
[...] The Army chaplain candidate program - Miserere Mei blog [...]
Father Daniel -
I sent you an email with questions on behalf of my son who is a graduating HS Senior who believes he is being called to be a Chaplain in the US Army. I realize you are on active duty right now so understand if you can’t get back to me very soon, but he needs some help and advice.
I am praying for you and your men.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am currently studying for the Priesthood. I am 22 and an Episcopalian. Prior to about 4 years ago, I belonged to the Church of the Brethren where I first expressed my calling. They told me I could attend Andersonville Theological Seminary (distance ed.) I finished my BA in Theology and will be attending an Episcopalin USA seminary in about 2 years. The problem is that Andersonville is NOT accredited. The Episcopal seminary IS and will accept my BA as meeting the entry into the MDiv program requirements. I know that I am called to become an Army Chaplain, but how can I go about this with an unaccredited BA? A recruiter once told me that as long as a ATS seminary accepts my BA as meeting the entry requirements that an unaccredited degree is then fine. Is there any truth to this? Please advise!!!
Peace
I have been involved in youth ministry for about 8 yrs. Plan on enrolling in seminary this fall. Anyone know how competitive it is to become a coast guard chaplain? This website has peaked my interest in being an Army Chaplain. We’ll see how it goes. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
kumcyouth@bellsouth.net
Oh, I am in Tennessee.
Brad, the Coast Guard and the Marine Corps are provided chaplains by the Navy. If you are interested in the Navy chaplaincy, see http://www.chaplain.navy.mil or http://www.navy.com/careers/officer/clergy/ for information. Generally, the same basic qualifications for the Army apply to the Navy, as these are set by DOD. However, there may be some service-specific differences (such as age waivers, etc.).
You might contact your nearest Navy chaplain recruiting office:
Shawn, I believe what the recruiter told you to be accurate. However, I suggest you contact Chaplain Paul Douglas (a chaplain recruiter) for assistance with this matter. It is something that would probably require a waiver, and a chaplain recruiter is likely one of the few people who can help you get the correct info.
Email for CH (CPT) Douglas: paul.n.douglas@us.army.mil
Thank you Fr. Sparks. I contacted a Chaplain rec. that I found on this site. He forwarded me to the Chap. rec. in my area (from MD). He did confirm that I am still able to join the Chap. Candidate program with my unaccredited BA as long as the seminary that I will be attending is fully accredited and they will write a letter, WASH Letter, to the Army that my BA is on the same level as those of other students and that they will accept it as meeting the admission requirements.
I am graduating Central Bible College in Springfield, MO, and desire to enter the chaplain candidate program as I enter the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary to get my MDIV. The army web page seemed to say that I must be in the chaplaincy prior to my seminary graduation for four years, before I receive my benefits. Is this so? And for my practicum, could I choose the Installation I serve at, such as Fort Campbell?
thanks!
Tony, I’m a Chaplain Candidate currently attending AGTS. We have an active Chaplain Candidate fellowship. You’re welcome to join us. Contact me via my Web Site.
Tony, I’m not sure what you mean by “receive my benefits”; what kind of benefits are you referring to? Once a person is accessioned as a chaplain, he is given all the benefits of an officer upon assuming that appointment. Can you refer me to the specific page which you read this from? I’ll try to give you a better answer.
As for practicums, yes, you can generally choose which installation you train at, with some caveats. You can only go to an installation where there are practicum slots, and you can only go to an installation where practicum slots have not already been filled by other candidates. Each year, the Chaplain Candidate Manager will publish a list of practicum slots. You should review this list as early as possible and submit your request for a practicum as early as possible (and follow up to make sure your paperwork was processed!).
Practicum slots are not always cut and dried. Almost all practicums will be assigned from the list, but there may be some last minute slots available that don’t show up on the list. Also, if there is somewhere you want to go that isn’t on the list, contact the Chaplain Candidate Manager to discuss it. There may be an opportunity for you to participate in an unlisted practicum.
On another matter, I note that many training conferences and classes are now open to chaplain candidates. See the monthly Chief of Chaplains newsletter for a list of these opportunities. When I was a candidate, these training events were not available to me; the Chief’s office is working hard to integrate chaplain candidates as much as possible so that they can gain valuable experience prior to their appointments as chaplains.
Army National Guard Chaplain Candidates can benefit from the following:
1. Immediate integration into soldier life. You come into the program, you wear the uniform, you start learning the ministry right away.
2. Immediate drill pay each month and for annual training pay for 2 weeks. This, coupled with the $4500.00 tuition reimbursement comes in handy for expenses.
3. Your Joint Force HQ will be located in the state in which you serve. If you have a pay problem, personnel problem, etc. you can get to the right person/place to get it resolved quickly. The support people will more than likely know you by name.
4. Incredibly flexible training program. Because you are immersed immediately into the military culture you will need a mentor. Your state chaplain will assign a seasoned chaplain to mentor you. Similarly, you can arrange to train with various COMBAT ARMS units such as ARMOR, INFANTRY, MILITARY POLICE, AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY, COMBAT ENGINEERS, ETC. to see which is the best fit for you. If you want to go the combat support route we have SUPPORT BATTALIONS, PERSONNEL SERVICE BATTALIONS, MEDICAL SERVICE BATTALIONS, ETC.
5. The Army National Guard has COMBAT ARMS UNITS (see above)whereas other reserve components do not.
6. If at some later date you decide to go active duty, the guard will assist you in that transition. The ARNG has always facilitated the transfer of our chaplains to AD if that is their desire.
7. You’re smart enough to get to where you are academically. Be smart enough to look at all the options before you commit to any program. Look at the pros and cons of each. We are confident that our chaplain candidate program will emerge as your choice.
8. You want to be a chaplain so talk to a chaplain. The ARNG has recognized this as essential. I know the candidate program, I know the chaplain program, I’ve been deployed, I’ve been traditional guard, I can talk to you and answer your questions.
9. Your application will be handled right here in the Washington area and I will personally ensure that it gets to the accession board. You won’t be handed off to some body who is distant from the process.
CH (CPT) Paul Douglas
Chaplain Recruiter
National Guard Bureau
703-282-7106
paul.n.douglas@us.army.mil
Hello, I am interested in joining the Alabama National Guard as a Chaplain. i served before while in an R.O.T. C program. I am a graduate from a Seminary program.
my phone number is (404) 242-9652.
I am also 42 years old.
Thank you,
Allen
My e-mail address is asims64_9@hotmail.com
Allen Sims
I am a former Signal Officer (CPT-ETS AD on NOV 05), and currently have about 18 mos. left on my IRR obligation. Currently, I am a law enforcement officer in the Richmond, VA area. If I decide to pursue a career as an Army Chaplain, and begin my Master’s in Divinity, what would be my best option to do so? I may eventually prefer to go back to active duty if I become a Chaplain, but the ARNG and USAR funds would obviously help while in seminary.
Any assistance with this matter would be greatly appreciated. Further, if any Chaplain recruiters in my area read this, I would appreciate your contact information.
Former Signal Officer,
I’m the ARNG regional recruiter for the VA area. Call me on my cell at 703-282-7106 and I’ll tell you about our candidate benefit package.
CH (CPT) Paul Douglas
CH Douglas,
Is there a service length requirement in the ARNG prior to going active duty if one chooses to do so following seminary graduation? In other words, must one serve X amount of years in the ARNG prior to going active duty if s/he chooses to do so following completion of seminary and the chaplain candidate program?
Thanking you in advance,
Nick
Nick,
You can talk to any one of the MANY CCs that have transferred from the ARNG to the AD component after completing seminary and recieving appointment as a Chaplain. We are one Chaplain Corps and, while we desire that you stay with us, we certainly have never stood in the way of anyone going AD. In the ARNG, as with the any component, you incur a mandatory service obligation (MSO) which is normally 8 years for officers (may vary by component). Hope this helps.
CH (CPT) Paul Douglas
703-282-7106
paul.n.douglas@us.army.mil
CH (CPT) Paul Douglas-
I thank you for all the information regarding the difference between Reserve and Guard Chaplain Candidate Programs. I was unable to find it anywhere else on the web. I am currently waiting for my orders from HRC in St. Louis and do intend on making the switch from Reserve to the National Guard in Massachusetts. Thank you again.
-James M. Hairston
PS - Fr. Daniel, thank you for this site. God Bless you!
Hi. I have a question which hopefully someone on this forum can help me with. I am currently an Active Duty Medical Service Corps officer stationed at Fort Campbell serving as a blackhawk MEDEVAC pilot shipping off to Iraq the first week in July for 15 months. I graduated West Point (United States Military Academy) with a Bachelors in Management in 2005 so I have a little over 2 years in the Army and am a 1LT. I really feel the Lord is calling me to the Chaplains Corps but wasn’t sure the process to get there… being an Active Duty officer with about 5.5 years of active duty obligation left due to flight school. I really look forward to my tour in Iraq and would appreciate any information which could help me achieve the calling the Lord has laid upon my heart for when I get back. I know that JAG has a program where they pay you on Active Duty to attend Law School but wasn’t sure if the Chaplains Corp had anything similar to that for seminary for Active Duty guys. My military training thus far has included Airborne School, Air Assault School, Flight School and my time here at Fort Campbell, KY. Any help or information would be appreciated
The Army has a program similar to that for JAG officers–the chaplain candidate program. Read this article (and the rest of the series) to learn more about it.
I suggest that, for your upcoming deployment, you get close to your chaplain to learn more about what ministry is like.
If you have any specific questions, please feel free to email me or leave comments on the site.
I agree with Father Sparks. The Guard has a great candidate program. Please feel free to call at 703-282-7106.
My name is CH Dave Bowlus, Chaplain Recruiter for USAR candidate program, USAR chaplaincy, and Active Duty chaplaincy. If you have specific questions about the CC program or applying to the chaplaincy, please call me at 301-677-3976. It seemed as thought the bulk of the conversation was a bit ARNG heavy, so I would like to offer my assistance for those needing answers about the USAR. We are ONE ARMY and BOTH programs offer huge incentives and are very rewarding if one plans on one day serving as a chaplain.
I would like to make a clarification to an above comment. If a chaplain candidate enters a component (ARNG or USAR) and receives monetary incentives (ie TA, education bonus, etc), they are obligated to serve in that component for four years to “pay back” that obligation. For example, if I am a USAR CC and recieve TA (even $1), I incur an obligation to serve as a chaplain in that component before going AD. I say this to clear up some misperceptions about applying for AD after receiving TA or other incentives offered by other components.
I welcome any comments or further questions!!
Blessings,
CH Dave Bowlus
301-677-3976
david.bowlus@usarec.army.mil
“Here I Am! Send Me!”
Rangers Lead the Way!
Greetings! My name is Chaplain (MAJ) Brian Harki and I am the OIC chaplain of the the 6th Chaplain Recruiting Team in Las Vegas, NV. If you reside in the west coast and want more information about the Army Chaplain
Candidate program or the USAR or AD chaplaincy, my team and I are more than willing to help answer your questions. Please call us at 702-639-2061/2042/2028/2047. You may also want to call me toll free on my cell phone at 1-877-452-6896.
There are many incentives and programs that are being offered by both the ARNG and USAR chaplaincy. Please don’t hesitate to ask about the programs. We want to make sure that you enroll in the program that best fits you and ultimately serves the Army Chaplain Corps which is the proponent of all three components (USAR, ARNG, AD).
I would also like to say Praise God for your servants heart in willing to provide the free excercise of religion and spiritual welfare for those in need.
Blessings,
CH Brian Harki
1-877-452-6896
brian.harki@usarec.army.mil
Reply for Josh Conners (item #40)
Josh! Go Army, Beat Navy! I’m a USMA grad (1993, E-2,E-3) too and an Army Chaplain. If you have further questions about the Reserve candidate program, please call me 301-677-3976.
Blessings,
CH (MAJ) Dave Bowlus
I am 36, am married with a 2 year old and I live in Arkansas. I have been an ordained minister for 7 years. I am interested in becoming an Army Chaplain in the reserves. I wil have all the requierments as far as education next year, Maters with 72 hours. I am a traveling minister and professional power lifter and am in good shape but will not be able to pass the 19 minute 2 mile. I am 6 foot 5 inches and weigh 300 pounds. My questions, how long will I be deployed as a reserve Chaplin, about the time I will be in Iraq or Afganisatn? Will I be able to travel as minister from base to base using my gifts of feats of strength? It sound crazy but I have been on the Power Team type ministry for almost a decade. I am just wondering, thanks.
Hayden Hendrix
Hayden, if you are unable to maintain the basic physical fitness of the Army, you will not be able to serve. If you cannot meet that requirement now, you need not be discouraged, however; there is training you can do before you go to the Chaplain School and training that you will receive at the schoolhouse that will prepare you physically.
How long will you be deployed? That can vary, but generally, Reserve and Guard units are deployed for 12 months. How often will you deploy? That’s another story altogether, and one that doesn’t have an easy answer. The goal of DA right now is to decrease the number of deployments for Reserve and Guard soldiers. However, with current troop requirements, it is hard to do.
Army chaplains are pastors. Just as a civilian pastor has a congregation, an Army chaplain has a congregation. For the chaplain, that congregation is his unit. Chaplains aren’t travelling evangelists or motivational speakers. Sure, there are some occasional opportunities for this with certain chaplains who have attained higher rank over time and have become known for their ministry gifts and dedication. However, battalion chaplains don’t hop from one location to another to present programs to various units. Instead, they focus on meeting the needs of their parishioners–the soldiers in their battalion.
There are other opportunities for chaplains to minister. For example, there are retreats and programs that may be coordinated with other units or on military installations. There are also chapel services and chapel-sponsored events. Yes, you could theoretically use your strength gifts in ministering in these types of programs.
But, again, the function of a chaplain is to pastor, on a day by day basis, the several hundred soldiers who make up his flock. That is what distinguishes the ministry of chaplains: ministers who go wherever their congregation goes–from Sunday morning service to working on trucks, from Bible study to cleaning toilets, from prayer meeting to being shot at, from pastoral counselling to the 130-degree heat and dust of Baghdad. While a chaplain’s mode of ministry may sometimes seem a lot like that of a circuit rider, he isn’t a travelling salesman. I think this constant participation in the life of soldiers is a part of what it means to be a servant, as Christ taught.
I don’t mean to suggest that your ministry is superficial or insincere. Instead, I encourage you to consider the fact that the model of ministry that you currently have will not work in the military. If you are so compelled to military ministry that you wish to embrace the Army method of pastoral ministry, then you should definitely pursue the chaplaincy. If you do not find yourself motivated toward committing to a single flock of young men and women for a few years at a time, then you should probably continue in your current ministry without seeking to become a chaplain.
I hope this is helpful, and I pray that you will be led by the Holy Spirit of God in the way that will bring honor to his name.
I am 22 and i juststumbled across this blog. I have been considering Seminary, and the Chaplain Candidate Program too. The questions i have are what oppertunities do you have for schools like Airborne or Air Assult as a Chaplain or Chaplain Candidate. Also what oppertunities do you have for CPE or practicums in the program. Do these oppertunities differ for USAR and ARNG.
Jason
Jason, yes, there are opportunities for Airborne school and Air Assault school. You may attend Airborne school as a chaplain candidate. You may attend Air Assault school as a chaplain, with permission of your chain of command.
As a chaplain candidate, you may participate in a 75-day CPE course. This is equivalent to one credit of CPE. As a chaplain, you may participate in a CPE or continue CPE training begun as a candidate. CPE participants are selected by a board because of limited slots.
These opportunities generally are the same for regular Army, USAR, and USARNG. If you are a USAR or USARNG chaplain or candidate, participation will depend upon availability of funds.
I heard that if you had more than 10 yrs as Active duty, you will not be able to come in as an Active duty chaplain, is this true? Here is my situation; I will have about 11 yrs of active duty service time as a chaplain assistant before I get out and go into chaplain candidate program. As a chaplain candidate that would make me a reserve component, and once I finish my seminary I would like to come back in as AD chaplain.
Dave
Dave, to serve as an AD chaplain, you must be able to complete 10 years of active federal service at the time of accessioning. In other words, you must be able to complete 10 years of service as a chaplain before hitting your mandatory retirement date. There are also age restrictions; with prior service, you must be accessioned to AD as a chaplain prior to age 44.
Have a guestion to anyone who can answer it. I am a Quartermaster officer who is going back into the National Guard after a 16 year break. I am 45 years old and have often considered the Chaplaincy. I have a BA degree (History) and of course need a degree from a seminary. I cannot attend a seminary full time because of my current job and family commitment. Can you attend a seminary on a part time bases until you complete it? Because of my time already invested at my current job, I would not be able to preach full time in the civilian world except as a fill in or when a church is inbetween ministers. I am a devoted Christian who takes part in my church. I would like the chance to spread the word of God to soldiers in the National Guard.
Thanks
For everyones information:
I am willing to become a full time Chaplain. Here is what I have: Age 43, MBA, currently on active duty as enlisted with 9.5 years of service. I was once commissioned a 2LT in the Reserves.
John
Hello,
I am a 31 year old seminary student who is prior service. I am in great shape as well. I left the military with a general under honorable conditions discharge for misconduct. My RE code is 3, which means I need a waiver, but I am curious whether it is even worth the time to attempt to get into the chaplaincy. I left 10 years ago, and now also have some allergy issues which at times can cause difficulty breathing.
I just need some straight forward advice about my situation and what the normal respose to the situation is going to be. Thanks for your time and help.
Shalom
Thanks Fr. Sparks
All the information about chaplaincy the site contains are much better than those of the Army’s site.
I’m a full time local pastor in a United Methodist Church in OR. I’m serving in my 2nd year and graduated from a seminary last year. I’ve been interested in being an army chapain for years. However, due to my immigrant status, I’m a permanent resident, I’m not eligible for AD chaplain, so thinking to join in Reserve Army. Is it possible to serve as a full-time reserve chaplain?
Greetings!
I was at CHBOLC this summer and told by the NGB that they were publishing a National Guard Chaplain Candidate SOP on the web. Does anyone know anything about this and how I can get it, I would love to read it.
Thanks,
LT Main, SS
Can a chaplain candidate go to Ranger school? Thanks for the info.
And by the way, what is the protocol for the army paying for a Ph.D. degree for chaplains? Can it be done at a school in Europe? Thanks so much.
I am currently processing to become a Chaplain Candidate and I am not getting clear information on the educational requirement. Do I absolutely have to have an MDIV or can I have a Master of Theology plus 10 credit hours that I am hearing about? Thanks for any info.
Daniel,
Greetings! You may remember me - CH Bowen. Came across this website and was happy to see your face. It seems like it was just yesterday when you were shadowing me at Fort Rucker when you were a candidate. Hope you are doing well - I don’t miss the Army a bit
Take care,
Scott
i have applied to become a reserve chaplain. Chaplain recruiting has my paperwork, and i’m in the process to get ready for the PT test. I understand i must be commissioned before my 50th birthday (i have 4 years prior service) and am 49 now. Will i need to complete all the chaplain training phases at ft. jackson, before being deployable? I already have to two Masters and a Dmin too. thanks for a reply.
I currently been approved for the CC program in the Army Reserve. I am wondering about the strings attached to the Tuition Assistance offered throught he reserve. I know that if I take money from the Reserve I have to serve in the Reserve after I assess as a chaplain. However, what happens if I choose to go AD after graduation? Is this not an option or can I geta waiver? What happens? Any advice would be appreciated. . .please contact me via e-mail.
Sorry, my e-mail address is andrewjd1982@gmail.com
Brian,
The requirements are:
Possess a graduate-level degree in religious and theological studies of at least 72 hours, 36 of which must be theology based.
These are the requirements of the Army. There are some Endorsing Agencies that adhere to these requirements and some that require the MDiv Degree, check with your endorser to see what they require.
If you have any questions, give me a call
CH(CPT) Scott R Ehler
NGB Regional Chaplain Recruiter
(770) 363-0253
Dillion
To be deployable you must be qualified. To be qualified you must graduate from CHOBLC at Fort Jackson. Hope that helps. Good luck with that PT test.
CH(CPT) Scott Ehler
NGB Regional Chaplain Recruiter
(770) 363-0253
I am a 39 year old, active duty 14Z MSG with 18.5 years in service. I have already graduated from USASMA but have elected not to compete for SGM. I am teaching ROTC MIL SCIENCE in NY and the Lord has called me into ministry therefore I will depart into full time ministry at the end of this assignment. I earned a BS from Liberty University this year (in March I finish my last two classes) and begin matriculation at Liberty Theological Seminary in April. Coming home from work tonight Army Chaplaincy crossed my mind and it’s got my attention, although this is not something that I had considered before. Am I eligible?
Hello,
I am an ROTC cadet in my senior year of undergraduate. I am also in the National Guard. I am seeking to become a Chaplain, and thus am currently applying to M Div programs. When I get in I will acquire the requisite letter from my church (I’m aa UU) and submit my papers to be a candidate.
My questions are these:
- When do I have to pick my BOLC dates, and if it is sooner than my Chaplain’s Candidacy goes through, what happens to CHBOLC?
- How much of CHBOLC is required for ROTC commissioned officers? I hear that the first couple of weeks at Ft Jackson are basic military bearing.
- I understand that a Chaplain’s Candidate has a non-deployable status. Is there a way for me to deploy with my Guard anyways, if I so wish? And, if so, what would be my duty description?
Thank you and Blessed Be,
CDT Dunklee
CDT Dunklee,
Give me a call and we can talk about your questions.
CH(CPT) Scott Ehler
(770) 363-0253
MSG Eddie Sauerwald
I can give you the name of the Chaplain Recruiter in your area and he can answer all of your questions about the Chaplaincy. You are young enough to enter the Chaplain Candidate Program. The only thing to keep in mind is that you would commission as a 2LT. You would need to do 10 more years to retire as an officer or revert back to your highest enlisted rank. Give me a call.
CH (CPT) Scott Ehler
(770) 363-0253
I am a 38 year old female. I have my bachelors - graduated Cum Laude in 1997 - and after much prayer and soul searching I am ready to enroll in Liberty University’s graduate program for chaplaincy. Am I too old to qualify for the Chaplain Candidate Program or to become a chaplain in the army? I noticed that there was an age limit of 42 years. This will help me determine which graduate program will be my best choice.
Thanks for your help.
Brooke Larson
Shoreline, WA
206-508-2800
I have a question about joining the chaplain corps after completing seminary. What rank do you earn at that point? Is there a benefit to joining the candidate program as far as rank is concerned? My initial thought was that as a M.Div graduate one would enter as a CAPT but I’ve read a few things which has me believe one enters as a 2LT.
Brooke,
To enter the Chaplain Candidate Program you must have a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited University of at least 120 hours. You must be enrolled full-time in an accredited seminary (Liberty is). The age limit is through your 42 year, but before your 43rd birthday. Please give me a call if you have any questions. I can put you in touch with the recruiter in your area.
CH(CPT) Scott Ehler
(770) 363-0253
Frank
You enter the Chaplaincy as a 1LT, the Chaplain Candidate program as a 2LT. The benefits of entering as a Chaplain Candidate is the Federal Tuition Program which pays up to 4500 a year for school (250 limit per credit hour). There are other benefits of entering after graduating from seminary. Please give me a call so we can talk about this.
CH(CPT) Scott Ehler
(770) 363-0253
Hello my name is CW2 Hampton and I am currently serving in Iraq. I am a licensed minister and serve as the assistant pastor here. I am currently enrolled with Liberty University and should finish my BA within the next year. I just need some guidance on how to become a Army Chaplain ( AGR,active, etc). I am 32 years old and have been on active duty for 13 years.
V/R
Anthony
Anthony
Contact me via email and we can discuss the steps needed to enter into the Chaplain Corps.
scott.ehler@us.army.mil
Hello all,
This website is just what I’m looking for, it took me a while but I’m glad I found it.
Here’s my story. I’m an E5 with a few months left on active duty, with a bachelors degree, and I would like to become a chaplain. I meet all the standard officer requirements, but I do not have the graduate degree needed, and I’m looking for information about ROTC, Green to Gold, etc. Essentially, I don’t have too much money, so I’m wondering if there is a program out there that will pay for my masters degree, and pay me while I’m on active duty. Something similar is out there for Soldiers looking to get a bachelors degree and become an officer, I’m just not sure if it’s out there for a situation like mine. Unfortunately I’m on a small post, Natick, MA, it’s about a square mile, and there isn’t anyone here who can answer this question. Any input would be greatly appreciated, you can contact me at mike.stepien@hotmail.com. Thanks, SGT Mike Stepien
Hello everyone, my name is Trevor Mitchell. I am currently deployed to Iraq but I am very serious about becoming a chaplain. I’ve heard about the chaplain cadidate program. I’m active duty, so how will everything work if the candidate program is for the national guard? I have an undergrad degree and I know which seminary I will be attending but due to our deployment and mission rotation, I am a 19D cav scout, we are not at the fob very much. we rotate back to the fob for 3 days and are generally on missions 8-12 days. Any help would be great. Thanks
Trevor Mitchell
Chaplain Sparks,
It is a blessing to see your ministry on this website to those seeking Chaplain Candidate program possibilities. Congratulations on your recent deployment and return.
In what ways did you practicum time at Fort Rucker prepare you for active duty ministry?
Now that you have been deployed and returned, what suggestions would you give to those overseeing practicums of our Chaplain Candidates?
Very respectfully,
Chaplain Barry Bowden
Trevor
Please email me when you get the chance. I would love to walk you through the Chaplaincy
CH(CPT) Scott Ehler
scott.ehler@us.army.mil
I had a quick question about medical requirements. I have been accepted to seminary and am working on my paperwork for the Candidate program. I had meningitis when I was a young boy and it left me deaf in my left ear. However, no one notices it, and it doesn’t cause any impedement day to day. Most people never know unless I tell them.
Will this be disqualifying, and if so, will I be able to obtain a waiver?
God Bless,
John
John, you should schedule your appointment with MEPS as soon as possible. My educated guess is that you will not be able to join the military with this issue. However, the medical staff at MEPS would be able to test your hearing and determine whether you are medically qualified for service.
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HELLO! I am a Chaplain Assistant wanting to become a chaplain, I am stationed at Ft. Bragg, an E3 with NO college, i am currently working online for credits. I want do put in a chaplain candidate packet, but im not sure what to do here. i am active duty so being enrolled in a full time seminary like the website says is not possible.
I’m currently going through the process right now to become a chaplain candidate, and I was curious about something. I was told that when I became a chaplain after I finished seminary they would repay 30k in student loans. My question was can I take the tuition assistance and then use the loan repayment as well? Also what qualifies? Could I take out a student loan to help pay for living expenses and then have that repayed? Thank you very much for your help!
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PFC Blair, you will not be able to put in a chaplain candidate packet until you are in your last semester of college AND have already applied to seminary AND have an acceptance letter from the seminary for enrollment in the next calendar semester. If you are at this place in your studies, and you do not want to leave active duty at this time, you should NOT apply to the chaplain candidate program because you will leave active duty for the Reserve. Instead, forget the candidate program for now, and continue seminary by distance learning (many recommend Liberty University’s programs, for example). When you are in your last semester of seminary, apply to the candidate program. Then you can leave active duty to fulfill your pastoral ministry experience. After at least two years of civilian ministry experience (more if your denomination requires), you could then return to active duty as a chaplain.
Adam, you should get specific information about this from your chaplain recruiter.
If you receive tuition assistance while you are in seminary, you will owe the Reserve one year of service as a chaplain for every year you receive tuition assistance. Otherwise, if you receive the tuition assistance and then want to go on active duty, you will have to repay the money to the Reserve before you can go on active duty. In my case, my goal was to go straight to active duty, so I did not take tuition assistance.
If you are not receiving tuition assistance and want to serve in the Reserve, the student loan repayment incentive is a good deal for you. If you do not want to serve as a chaplain in the Reserve, the student loan repayment incentive is not available (assignments to active duty chaplaincy currently come with no monetary incentives; the Army is trying to attract chaplains to the Reserve and Guard to fill large vacancies).
Again, talk with your recruiter for specifics. Here’s my understanding, but it may not be correct. The student loan repayment incentive will repay $20,000 of student loans for seminary (I don’t know if it also covers undergraduate loans). There is also a $10,000 commissioning bonus you can receive for becoming a Reserve chaplain. Together, this is the $30,000 you mention.
You can only receive tuition assistance as a chaplain candidate, which means that you may not be eligible for the student loan repayment option. (Talk to your recruiter–and make sure he gives specific answers to your questions, not simply offering his best guess.) Regardless of whether being already enrolled in the candidate program affects your eligibility for student loan repayment, be assured that you cannot “double dip”; you cannot be paid twice for the same thing. So, if you are receiving tuition assistance, you cannot receive student loan repayment for the same thing. I do not know how it works if you have student loans that go beyond the total amount of the tuition assistance; my guess is that the repayment incentive would cover that.
With all of this said, unless it is absolutely necessary, do not take out additional student loans solely in an effort to increase your standard of living while in seminary. Don’t count on money you haven’t yet received (student loan repayment) to pay back money you don’t need to spend.
CH Bowden, I’m sorry for my long delay in replying. Thanks for your comment. I still remember fondly my short time of training at Fort Rucker. It prepared me for active duty chaplaincy in ways nothing else could. It is my understanding that you will be completing your time there soon; I’m not sure if you’re retiring or moving to another position, but I wish you the best wherever you go–and I’m sure you will continue to be an inspiring and thoughtful leader whatever you undertake.
The practicum at Fort Rucker prepared me for active duty in several ways. First, and most importantly, I was allowed to step up to the full plate of active duty ministry. Whether it was preaching, counselling, actively participating in meetings, planning, or leading field services, the UMTs at Rucker made sure I was fully engaged. The fact that I was already ordained and received accession orders for active duty while I was there surely had some bearing on this, but I believe that the Rucker UMTs know how to use chaplain candidates more than any other installation I’ve been to or know of. It is a shame that, in times past, Rucker did not fill all its slots for candidate training. I am convinced that it is the biggest chaplain candidate training secret in the Army.
Second, I was also challenged in the administrative areas of ministry. I prepared an abbreviated mock CMRP and actually briefed it to a battalion commander. I prepared my own OER support form and was able to receive constructive and meaningful feedback on it. I was placed in charge of planning and executing a special holy day service. These and other things like them helped me see the staffing side of ministry as a chaplain. It helps to see that the administrative tasks are directly related to the interpersonal tasks of ministry.
I was grateful that I didn’t have to sit in an office staring at the walls while a chaplain checked his email or counselled while I waited. From my previous experience, too much chaplain candidate time is spent doing this instead of productive training. No chaplain has time to sit in his office doing nothing (at least no competent chaplain does), and candidates do not need training in this. I know it is a difficult thing to provide meaningful training for candidates that uses their time most efficiently and not having too much down time between tasks. The UMTs at Rucker managed to tackle this with efficiency. I was allowed to move between UMTs to where I could minister at the moment. This allowed me to see a broad perspective of ministry but it did not mean that I simply shuffled from one chaplain to another while really learning nothing. Being shuffled from one UMT to another often produces candidate training that is a mile wide and an inch deep; Rucker did not have this problem.
Finally, the ride in the helicopter was great. What more can I say? Gator-spotting is an opportunity every chaplain candidate should have.
How should candidate practicums be planned in anticipation of deployment? I recommend that more emphasis be given to ministry to the sick and dying. I received some of this at Fort Knox in 2003, thankfully, and I believe it prepared me for Iraq in some way. The only other thing I can suggest is that the candidate supervisors find some way for the candidates to become assimilated as much as possible with battalion-level ministry; set the candidate up so that he can build relationships with Soldiers–this is the only way he can begin to know what they deal with on a daily basis and the only way that he will experience the trust Soldiers have in an effective chaplain, and it will allow him to do some real, hands-on military ministry. Oh, one more thing: as you did at Rucker, make sure the candidate has to serve time on the duty roster for at least a couple of days.
Thanks again for a wonderful experience. Because of your kindness, effective leadership, and the camaraderie of all the UMTs at Fort Rucker, I am a better pastor to my Soldiers. Because of your investment in training me, I have been able to minister at gut level with my Soldiers in Iraq and in garrison. I still have Rucker on my dream list; maybe the Lord will tell the Army to send me there someday.
Dear Sir: My name is Marshall .I completed 20 years of Active Federal service in 1995 . 10 years RA 10 years AGR (Recruiting).I retired as an E-7. I am currently 53, a Pastor, and I have completed the Master of Divinity program. The Army Chaplain program they say I cannot apply after age 50. Would the criteria be the same for the AGR program? Could you point me in the right direction please. Thank you.
Marshall, there are age waivers available for prior service applicants. However, I believe that, because you have more than 16 years of prior service, the age waiver does not apply. This is based on my cursory reading of the current waiver policies, and my understanding could be incorrect.
I am emailing you two files from the Chief of Chaplains; these files address the conditions for waivers. You should thoroughly review these documents, and then call your regional chaplain recruiter to discuss them with him. Ask him if one of the waiver situations would work for you.
AGR chaplain slots are governed by the same rules as Reserve slots. While there is more leniency for RC than for AD, I don’t think there will be a significant enough difference in your case. All of the AGR chaplain slots that I know about are for experienced chaplains, not new chaplains. There may be some out there that are different, but you shouldn’t expect to be able to get one of these slots as a new chaplain.
Dear sir: I called the USAREC Chaplain recruiting in Il. They said since I had more than 16 years of AD and that I was drawing a retirement that I was not eligible to apply. I worked 10 years in the recruiting( usarec) and it seemed that there was always an exception if individuals were otherwise qualified. If you know another avenue please enlighten me. I have 20 wonderful years of a variety of Army training and experience and my calling to the ministry field came later in my life and I thought what a wonderful way to serve God and country especially when our country has a shortage and needs Chaplains.Thanks for your help and time. May God bless.
Father Sparks,
I’m off for Nashotah House in August and will be commissioned a Chaplain Candidate in September in the WIARNG. My question is, upon graduation and ordination may I immediately apply for active duty, or must there be a 2 yr pastoral period before I can become an actual Chaplain? Also, I will be going through the Anglican Province of America, should you know if they too may have any requirements regarding the chaplaincy.
Finally, what is the current status of your devotional?
In Hoc SIgno Vinces.
Marshall, that was as I thought based on the policy statements. I’m sorry that it turns out that way for you. The age limits and exceptions to policy are managed by DOD; if DOD hasn’t approved exceptions that you fall under, there is essentially nothing else that can be done–except lobby for and wait for a change to policy.
If you are serious about working with Soldiers, however, there are always other options. Consider the USO, offering ministry programs to military installations (contact the installation chaplain office), or work with such organizations as the Navigators. There are numerous churches and organizations around that continue to support and minister to Soldiers. I pray that the Lord will guide you in the way toward this goal.
Matthew, the devotional is at the printer and should be in hand within two weeks. Sorry for the exceptional delays.
Good luck with seminary and the candidate program. The Army wants 2 years of post-seminary, post-ordination ministry experience. In some cases, OCCH will grant waivers; however, this requires your church to sign off on it. In my case, which was very unusual, I had a break in seminary of 2 1/2 years; I only needed 2 Hebrew classes to finish my degree. The bishop ordained me, and I served in the priesthood prior to finally receiving my degree. After receiving my degree and later applying for AD, I had over 3 years of ordained ministry completed. OCCH granted me a waiver on this (because I did not have at least 2 years of post-seminary ministry) but my endorser was required to state in the DD2088 that he was aware of and approved of this.
I do not know what the APA position is on this. You should talk with the APA endorser about it. In my experience, endorsers are very reluctant to approve it in advance, but will consider it on a case-by-case basis after the fact.
On another issue, if you want to accession to AD, make sure you know ahead of time what is your obligation to the WIARNG. For example, if you are locked into 6 years in the Guard, but you want to go AD in 4, you may not necessarily be released to do so. Most of the time, Guard units will work hard to make it happen, but there are no guarantees, and the process is usually slow because it requires coordination between AD and RC.
I am a Recruiter for the Army National Guard and would love to answer any questions you might have about the process, the entitlements, and the incentives. Give me a call!
CH Ehler
(770) 866-3630
Dear Fr. Sparks:
I am writing this to ask for some advice. (I am sorry this comment is so long.) I had thought I felt the Lord tugging on my heart to go into full time vocational ministry. I DO NOT feel the tug on my heart to be a traditional pastor of a church. For about the past 18 months I have been looking at being a chaplain in the military. I have not had an “open door” with any recruiter (Navy or National Guard). The main problem is that I do not have a M.DIV degree, and nobody wants to talk to me, without the degree.
I have a B.A. in psychology (1986) and a B.S. in electronics technology (1998). I will be 44 years old in October 2008. I have been saved for almost 30 years (you can visit the above web page if you like). I have a tremendous amount of life experience (they used to call it “hard knocks”). I have been married for 6 years and have a 4 year old daughter.
I have given the chaplaincy serious thought, but I seem to be getting nowhere fast. I come from a penticostal/protestant/independent background. As a child and teenager I was raised in the catholic church until just after I got saved. I have looked at online education. Liberty University seems to be the only decent option. However, there are two problems. First, I work full time (sometimes more than 40 hrs/wk), and I have a family. Second, I already have student loans from my above education. Unless the Lord does a financial miracle, I might be paying back my student loans until I am in my 70’s!! (I will be in my early 60’s when I am done with my electronics loans, and the only thing Liberty University has is more student loans for the M.Div degree.) And last but not least I do have some medical issues (high blood pressure/prescription). Can somebody give me some advice or at least pray for me?!
May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.
Bruce Steo
jackofalltrades@email.com
brucesteo@yahoo.net
http://www.geocities.com/brucesteo
404-372-2864
Bruce, the only fast way to the chaplaincy is if you already possess all the qualifications.
In your case, your age is an issue. According to current policy, to become a chaplain, you must be accessioned by age 47 (under current waiver guidelines). In other words, you would need to have a master degree in hand and all other qualifications met before your 47th birthday. I assume, based on your comment, that you have no graduate courses completed at this time; thus, it would be difficult to earn a master degree within 3 years in your situation.
While the chaplain candidate program does offer tuition assistance, they aren’t going to pay for your education with the knowledge that you won’t be able to finish your degree before you turn 47. (The 2008 fiscal year waiver to accept chaplains for active duty up through age 47 may not necessarily carry over in future years; so there is no guarantee at this time that you would be able to serve, even if you meet all the requirements by age 47.)
Apart from the education matter, there are still several hurdles. You would need ordination, at least 2 years of pastoral ministry experience, and a favorable determination that your health issues wouldn’t bar your service would be needed.
Hello and God bless you all,
I am wondering about what would happen should a Guard soldier serving an enlistment enter seminary and apply for entry into the chaplain candidate program. Does he lose the incentive benefits offered him in his enlistment contract, like GI Bill and student loan repayment? Or would those be included into his commission? Thank you for your time!
Mark, in those circumstances, the Soldier would definitely not lose his GI Bill benefits, as those are also applicable to officers. While he would not be required to pay back the student loan repayment funds or an enlistment bonus, ordinarily, he might be bound to complete his enlistment contract before becoming an officer. While I cannot answer with certainty in regard to the chaplain candidate program, I do not believe this would be an issue, so long as the state Guard authority approves the move. This is not an uncommon situation, and such a transition is certainly possible. Please contact a chaplain recruiter for more information, as the specifics may differ from case to case.
Mark,
Give me a call and we can talk about your options.
CH(CPT<