Military Chaplaincy
Former VP of Military Chaplains Rafael Lantigua speaks in this video about his chaplaincy work with the US Air Force.
“And it isn’t for the Believers – that they proceed altogether to war. So why not proceed from each group a party among them that they may acquire understanding in the religion and that they may warn their people when they return to them, that they may beware?”
[Qur’an, 9:122]
The United States of America Armed Forces maintain chaplaincies to accommodate religious needs, to provide religious and pastoral care, and to advise commanders on the complexities of religion with regard to its personnel and mission, as appropriate. As military members, chaplains are uniquely positioned to assist Service members, their families, and other authorized personnel with the challenges of military service as advocates of religious, moral, and spiritual well being and resilience. Military chaplains are protected personnel in their function and capacity as ministers of religion. Service regulations further prohibit chaplains from bearing arms and classify chaplains as noncombatants.
Requirements & Education
The specific requirements for a military chaplain depend on the branch of the Armed Forces a chaplain is interested in working in.
US Army Chaplain Corps
A candidate seeking to serve as an Army Chaplain and Officer must obtain an ecclesiastical endorsement from your religious organization.
US Navy Chaplain Corps
A candidate seeking to serve as a Navy Chaplain and Officer must:
Have a bachelor’s degree from a qualified four-year undergraduate educational institution
Have a graduate degree in theological or related studies from an accredited educational institution (note that a qualifying degree program requires no fewer than 72 semester hours or 108 quarter hours of graduate-level work with 2/3 of those course hours completed in residence; also note that related studies may include graduate courses in pastoral counseling, social work, religious administration and similar disciplines when one-half of the earned credits include topics in general religion, world religions, the practice of religion, theology, religious philosophy, religious ethics and/or the foundational writings from the applicant’s religious tradition)
Have two years of full-time religious leadership experience that’s compatible with the duties of a Religious Ministry Professional (RMP) in their respective Religious Organizations (RO) and relevant to the settings of military chaplaincy
Hold an ecclesiastical endorsement from a religious faith organization registered with the Department of Defense
US Air Force Chaplain Corps
A candidate seeking to serve as an Air Force Chaplain and Officer must:
Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum of 120 semester hours
Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree with no less than 72 hours from an accredited institution
Two years of religious ministry leadership experience
Must be a U.S. citizen, no dual citizenship
Receive an Ecclesiastical Endorsement from a Department of Defence-recognized endorser
No violations of privileged communication and/or confidentiality
No violations or compromises of noncombatant status
No convictions by courts-martial or by civilian courts (except for minor traffic violations or similar infractions)
No record of disciplinary action for failure to exercise sound judgement with respect to morale or welfare of subordinates
No disciplinary action for engaging in an unprofessional or inappropriate relationship
No record of disciplinary action for financial irresponsibility, domestic violence or child abuse
Must be between the ages of 18 and 40
For further information please visit: www.afrc.af.mil/library/chaplain/index.asp and www.goang.com/Role/Chaplain