CHAPLAIN

Careers Chaplain

Nothing tests religious beliefs more than many situations our Airmen face throughout the course of their service. Providing pastoral care ministry and counseling to those of faith and those of no faith, Air Force chaplains are religious ministry professionals who support the spiritual resilience of our Airmen all over the world. As spiritual leaders, chaplains are relied upon for faith and personal guidance. They are also advocates for our Airmen and consult with leadership on moral, ethical and quality-of-life issues.

As defenders of the First Amendment's right to the free exercise of religion in the Air Force community, the chaplain corps traces its roots to the very beginning of our nation. On July 29, 1775, the Continental Congress established the military chaplaincy. General George Washington issued this order at Valley Forge on May 2, 1778: "The Commander in Chief directs that divine services be performed every Sunday at 11 o'clock on each bridge which has chaplains, while we are duly performing the duty of good soldiers, we are not to be inattentive to the highest duties of religion." Worship for the military members was voluntary, and chaplains of all faiths cooperated with each other, always being sympathetic to the beliefs of others. On September 18, 1947, the National Security Act made the USAF a separate branch of the military. Subsequently, the USAF Chaplain Corps transitioned from the Army Air Corps under the leadership of Chaplain Charles Carpenter, the first Air Force Chief of Chaplains, in 1949.

Qualifications Chaplain Standards

As the spiritual anchors of the Air Force, our chaplains are carefully selected based on various criteria. View below to learn more about our requirements.

• 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.
• Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB
• Two years of religious ministry leadership experience
• Christian Protestant Muslim Jewish Orthodox Christian Roman Catholic Other faith groups
• Must be a U.S. citizen Receive an Ecclesiastical Endorsement from a DoD-recognized endorser Meet medical and physical fitness standards No convictions by courts-martial or by civilian courts (except for minor traffic violations or similar infractions) No disciplinary action for engaging in an unprofessional or inappropriate relationship No record of disciplinary action for financial irresponsibility, domestic violence or child abuse Be commissioned by 42 years of age, age waivers may be available
• Officer* When you join the chaplain corps, you will be commissioned as an officer. Your rank will be based on education level and experience.
• The Air Force Chaplain Candidate Program is an exciting opportunity for seminary and other professional religious school students to evaluate their compatibility and potential for commissioning as an Air Force Chaplain.

• Chaplain Enrique Jackson
• Chaplain Molly Hayes
• Serving Those Who Serve
• A Life of Faith, Balance and Service

When you join the Air Force as a chaplain, you will be called upon to enhance the spiritual resiliency of today's Airmen. A diverse chaplain corps is crucial to support the needs of the many because chaplains are responsible for religious observances in a culturally, racially and religiously diverse environment.

1. Applicant Screening
   • An Ecclesiastical Endorsement (DoD Form 2088)
   • An initial screening from an Air Force Recruiting Service Chaplain Recruiter
   • A religious leadership experience skills set résumé
2. Application Review
   • Official academic transcripts from your educational institutions
3. Final Processing
   • A Department of Defense physical at the nearest Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS)
   • Submission of a security clearance and credit check screening

What academic requirements must I meet to become a chaplain?

You must have a baccalaureate degree with no less than 120 semester hours from an accredited institution and a post-baccalaureate degree in the field of theology or related studies from a qualifying graduate degree program with no less than 72 semester hours (or 108 quarter hours) from an accredited institution.

Your future is waiting. Apply now.