Requirements for the Military Chaplaincy

Active Duty

• Must be an ordained minister in good standing with his/her conference, and have ecclesiastical endorsement
• Have a bachelor’s degree and a Master's Degree, or equivalent 72 semester graduate hours from an accredited institution
• Pass a complete commissioning physical
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Pass a National Agency Check for security
• Have 2 years of ministry experience
• Age requirements:
  • Navy–appointed prior to 36th birthday
  • Army–appointed prior to 39th birthday
  • Air Force–appointed prior to 40th birthday
    (Age requirements may be adjusted for prior military service)
    

Reserve Chaplain Program

Chaplains are directly commissioned as officers in the Reserves with a commitment to attend two-day monthly drills plus two weeks of annual training.

There is also the Individual Mobilization Augmentee Program, which allows a reservist to do only one day a month with the Active Duty Force and two weeks of annual training. Retirement benefits can be achieved in this program as well.

The Civil Air Patrol

Endorsements in this civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force are handled the same as those of DOD. There are no age, physical or security criteria. Brochures and information are available upon request from the Director of Chaplains Ministries.

The Veterans Affairs

The Veterans Affairs requires an endorsement before a pastor or minister can be appointed a VA chaplain. The educational requirements are the same for armed forces chaplains, plus CPE training. However, there are no age, physical or security criteria. Brochures and information are available upon request from the Director of Chaplains Ministries.