Perhaps one of the most difficult steps of becoming a Chaplain or Chaplain Candidate is finding a recruiter to speak to face to face. Not because recruiters do not want to talk to you or give you information, recruiters typically go out of their way to get you information you need, but because the typical recruiter in your hometown is set up to recruit enlisted personnel. Not only are you asking the recruiter about becoming an officer, you are asking about becoming a Chaplain. Some of you who live in larger cities may have an actual officers recruiting office, this may make things a little easier for you, but the reality is they do not send many Chaplains through. You may experience some slight delays as the recruiter searches to put you in contact with the right individuals. Rest assured, these men and women are professionals at what they do and they will get you the information you need and put you in contact with a Chaplain recruiter.
Once you have been contacted by a recruiter, he or she will send you information packets usually through email and regular mail. One of the first things you will be asked to submit is a pre-screen questionnaire. This allows the military to find out basic information about you such as your age, height and weight, whether you are ordained, your faith group, educational history, prior or non-prior service, and medical history. This information will allow the Army to pre-determine if you are potentially eligible to serve in the military. Once you return this questionnaire, the recruiting team will begin the application process. If everything looks good on your questionnaire, you will receive notification from a member of the recruiting team, and they will send you a FedEx package with the forms needed to begin the application process.
The packet you receive is an application you will need to complete. Other items you will need to include in this packet before returning it to the recruiting team is a short essay (one page) on why you want to serve as a Chaplain, previous work experience (ministry), questionnaire for national security clearance, and a full length photo of yourself. Clear instructions will be provided as to how to complete this packet. You can have all of this information complete within a day. Once you sent it back, the recruiter will request a copy of your academic transcript. You need to be enrolled in graduate school to be accepted as a Chaplain Candidate (or a graduate of graduate school to be accepted as a Chaplain). Once you have completed this step, you will need to begin working on receiving your endorsement from your denominational endorser.
This step of the process will most likely vary depending on the endorsing body. I can tell you, based on my experience, this is a somewhat lengthy process. The recruiter will provide you with the name and a contact at your endorsing body. Once you contact the endorser, they will provide you with the instructions to begin the application for endorsement process. In my case, I was able to log on to my endorser’s website and complete the application electronically. This required writing several paragraphs which clarified my beliefs. Once you complete the application, you will most likely have to be interviewed by your endorsing body. In my case, a phone interview took place; active duty may require an in-person interview. This process can take 1 week to 6 months to complete, depending on the endorsing body.
So now you have been endorsed by your endorsing body. You can begin the actual military application process now. Your recruiter will send you a medical pre-screen questionnaire. Complete this as soon as possible, and get it back to your recruiter so he can schedule your military physical. Your recruiter will set you up an appointment at your local MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) for your physical. Plan on being there early and remaining there most of the day. It is nothing difficult, just usually a lot of waiting. Once you complete/pass your physical, MEPS will forward your results to your recruiter. Your application is now complete and will be verified for completion of all required items.
Your recruiter will let you know when the Accession Board will meet to review applications. The Accession Board will meet and review your application. If you are accepted, your recruiter will call you to notify you and congratulate you. Typically you will receive your Oath of Office 30 -60 days following the board. Once you execute your oath, you will be a commissioned officer. This wraps up the appointment process. Next you will be contacted by the Chaplain Candidate Manager who will assist you in setting up training and getting you assigned to a unit.
In the article the Chaplain Candidate process and the Chaplain commissioning were a little mixed together. It seemed as if you were saying that you need an endorsment to be considered for the Chaplain Candidate Program. Where could I get more information on this process? Would a program administrator at my school have this kind of information? Thank You.
Andrew,
Thank you for your question. You do need to have endorsement from your endorsing body to be eligible for the Chaplain Candidate Program. Most likely a school administrator would not have this information. If you contact a chaplain recruiter he or she will be able to give you the contact information for your endorser. The endorsing body is different for each faith group, for example my endorsing agency was the North American Mission Board (Southern Baptist).
This website has some good information on it regarding the Army Chaplaincy Program . http://www.carroll.edu/forms/academics/chaplain.pdf
For God and Country,
2LT Jeff Grimes
Does previous ministry experience affect what rank I will be commissioned as? I have been in full time ministry for 11 years, 5 as an Associate Pastor and 6 years as a Senior Pastor.
Pastor Sisco,
Thank you for your question. The military will first look at your educational background. To be eligible for a direct commission as a Army Chaplain you must have a post graduate degree consisting of 72 hours in religious studies. If you are currently enrolled in seminary working towards a masters degree you can be commissioned as a Chaplain Candidate. In this case you will be commissioned as a second lieutenant. If you already have your masters degree and taking into consideration the experience you have, plus whether or not you are prior service, you would most likely be commissioned as a first lieutenant or a Captain. A chaplain recruiter in the branch you are interested in serving in can give you a definite answer for this question. Hope this helps. God Bless.
For God and Country,
2LT Jeff Grimes
I have just passed my physical and awaiting the board (May 11-12) to approve my chaplain candidacy, and getting in shape for the September CH-BOLC. Is there anything else I should be doing other than waiting? I have three years prior service, will this help me in any way regarding rank?
Love God Love People
Ryan,
Congratulations on passing your physical. It is an exciting time awaiting the board. Only thing to do now is wait. If you are currently an enlisted soldier attending seminary you will most likely enter the Chaplain Candidate (CC) Program as a 2LT. If you have already completed your master degree or if you are already an officer, you may enter at a higher rank. Your recruiter can clarify this for you. Congratulations on following the call to serve God and your country!
Pro Deo et Patria
2LT Grimes
What if a person was convicted of a crime (assault) at 18 years old and served 12 years in jail for it but is now a jail chaplain with a bachelor’s degree in theology? The crime was committed in 1989 and the man is now 37 years old working on his Master’s after being out of prison for about 10 years now.
Timothy, my guess is that it is unlikely that this man could become a chaplain. However, he should speak directly with a chaplain recruiter about the specifics of his situation. There are some waivers granted for legal issues, but a felony conviction will probably put him out of consideration.
Timothy,
Thank you for your question. I was unsure on this question so I contacted a chaplain recruiter, he told me an individual in this situation would not be eligible. It would be best to contact a chaplain recruiter to discuss if there are any possibilities for a waiver.
Blessings,
2LT Grimes
Sir,
I am also a Southern Baptist and am in my Senior year of my Bachelors of Pastoral Studies. I plan to attend SEBTS in Wake Forest for Seminary. I also plan to apply for the Chaplain Candidate program as soon as I receive my endorsement. However, at this moment I am an Active Duty Army E-5. I have just over a year left in the Army so I was wondering have you ever heard of or dealt with a direct cross-over from Active Duty to Chaplain Candidate status? If so how would this process work? Do you know a contact who has done this? My worry is with the new policy that has come out regarding the extension for deployments or the early involuntary seperation. I dont think it would behoove me to have an involuntary seperation on my record much less loss of my VA benefits. I am currently stationed In Korea and should be returning to CONUS soon. What is one to do who wishes to ETS simply to stay in the Reserve as a Chaplain Candidate?
Sincerely,
Matt
Matt,
Sorry to take so long getting back to you, I have been TDY. I was just at annual training with some guys who had made some jumps and move in the Army, one was a former drill sergeant who has become a chaplain candidate and the other was a Captain who moved into the Chaplain Corps. There seems to be a lot of different possibilities. Best bet would be to contact a Chaplain Recruiter that could better explain this process. They will probably recommend going ahead and getting your endorsement since it can take some time. Have you contacted the NAMB already to begin the endorsement process? If you need contact information for a recruiter please let me know. God bless you in your calling to serve God and country.
Pro Deo Et Patria,
2LT Grimes
Sir,
I have recently been notified that the selection board approved my packet for chaplain candidate. The recruiter notified me that I would here from a candidate manager in 30 to 60 days. Will I take my oath prior to 60 days? Also I have been enlisted for 16 years in combat arms. Four years active duty Marine Corps and three active (AGR) recruiter for the National Guard. I have also completed my MBA recently. Will I enter as a 2nd LT or a 1st LT?
Also as a guardsman we are allowed to do additional duty called “Man Days” or ADSW (Active Duty Special Work). Can you do RMA days in the Army Reserve like we do in the guard as a candidate? If so is there a limit?
Respectfully,
Lou
Galatians 2:20
** Sent from my HTC Hero**
CH Grimes -
My best friend is currently an active duty 1LT serving in the Signal Corps. We had a recent conversation in which he expressed interest in becoming an Army Chaplain, but is unsure of how to go about it since he is currently on active duty. Does the Army offer a program where they select Officers to go to school to earn a degree in Divinity in order to serve as Chaplains? Thanks in advance.
R,
Collin A. Smith
1LT(P), OD
Lou,
Congratulations on being accepted to the CC program. You should be receiving your oath of office in the mail shortly. I cannot remember exactly but I believe it was just over 30 days before I received mine. You then have I believe 90 days to execute your oath of office. This information will be included in your package. I believe you will come in the program as a 2LT, your recruiter can verify that for you. In the Reserves we have RST where we are allowed to re-schedule our normal battle assembly days. I am not sure about the additional duty days for the National Guard. Your Chaplain Candidate Manager will be able to provide more information for this question. Once you submit your oath of office you will be contacted by the Chaplain Candidate Manager.
Blessings,
2LT Grimes
1LT Smith,
I know of instances where officers in one branch transfer to the Chaplain Candidate program. Much of it will most likely depend on how much time the member has remaining on current service obligation. I would recommend taking this question to a Chaplain Recruiter. If your friend would like to contact a chaplain recruiter I can provide some contact information if needed, just send me message through this site. Your friend can go ahead and begin working on some basic requirements if he is wanting to move forward. Being enrolled full time in a graduate program in theological studies at an accredited seminary or graduate school is the first step. Ecclesiastical Endorsement is next. A Chaplain Candidate or someone seeking to enter the program must obtain an official letter of endorsement from their denomination or faith group. These are two big things to start looking into while considering a move into the Chaplain Candidate program.
Blessings,
2LT Grimes
I am a E-5 on active duty and my ETS is 2012. I will finish my Bachelor’s degree in the Spring of 2011. Can I leave active duty early for the Chaplain Candidate program before my ETS?
Sir,
I am currently persueing my M.Div and have 52 hours completed with 44 hours to go. Therefore I should have my Masters in about two years. Do you remomend that I get the process of becoming a chaplin started now or should I wait until the degree is completed? I also have another question concerning endorsement. I read above thae you were endorsed by the sbc. I attend MidWestern Baptist Thological Seminary which is SBC, however I am employeed by a Methodist church as a yout.h pastor. I would like to be endorsed through the SBC since that is the denomination that I am theologically in line with. Do you think that my being associated with the Methodist church could hinder an SBC endorcement?
Thank you,
Mike
I am currently getting ready for my senior year in Bible college. I am very interested in joining this program but I do have a few questions. I was a youth pastor for 3 years. Would that be enough to fulfill the experience requirement? Also i have an eye condition that would cause me to fail the physical. Is it possible to get a waiver for my eye? the condition is called Coats’ disease which means that i am mostly blind in one eye, but it is stable and will not move to the other eye. if so how would i go about and who would i talk to about getting that waiver?
Hi Jeff,
Thank you for the wonderful information provided on becoming a chaplain. This has assisted me greatly as I pursue the calling God has placed on me. One question I do have is this:
1. What security level clearance do chaplains need to receive?
2. If we are one of those people in the housing crisis (having to move for work, and losing a house) is there a good chance of the security clearance getting denied?
3. What are the physical requirements needing to be met at the test?
Thanks!
Do you have to be a Full-Time student EVERY semester to be a Chaplain Candidate? How long do you have to finish your education?
Thanks!!
Do yopu have to be a Full-Time student EVERY semester to be a Chaplain Candidate? How long do you have to finish your education?
Thanks!!
I am prior service, six years enlisted. I ETS’ed at the rank of SGT. Would this affect pay as a chaplain candidate, even as an O1? That is, would my prior service count for more than just base pay as a 2LT?