From the Army Chief of Chaplains September newsletter:
What’s required to be a US Army Chaplain?
1. An ecclesiastical endorsement from a recognized faith group. This endorsement should certify that the applicant is:
a. A clergy person.
b. Qualified spiritually, morally, intellectually and emotionally to serve as a Chaplain in the Army.
c. Sensitive to religious pluralism and able to provide for the free exercise of religion by all military personnel, their family members and civilians who work for the Army.2. Educationally, the applicant must:
a. Possess a baccalaureate degree of not less than 120 semester hours.
b. Possess a graduate-level degree in religious and theological studies, which includes at least 72 hours.3. Be a U. S. citizen or permanent resident.
4. Be able to receive a favorable background check.
5. Pass a physical exam.
6. As to age, normally less than 40; but there are exceptions. The exceptions can be addressed by a Chaplain Recruiter (call toll free: 1-866-684-1571, press 1, press 1 again, then enter zip code).For more information on qualifications for US Army chaplaincy, visit the website at http://chaplain.goarmy.com or call 866/684-1571 and follow the prompts to reach your local Chaplain Recruiting Team (CRT) who can answer your questions.
A $10,000 bonus for newly accessioned officers, payable upon successful completion of the Chaplain Officer Basic Course (CHOBC) and assignment to a USAR Troop Program Unit (TPU), is currently available.
The USAR provides Tuition Assistance for Chaplain Candidates up to $4,500 per year (contact Dale Spannbauer, Fort McCoy, WI at 608/388-5072).
CH (LTC) Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. Kenneth.beale@usarec.army.mil, (502) 626-0722, Chief. Chaplaincy Recruiting Branch, USAREC.
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