You might consider becoming an Army chaplain if you want to serve as a spiritual counselor to US Army soldiers. You can choose between two types of Army chaplain service: full-time chaplaincy, which requires you to commit to three years of active service, and Army Reserve chaplaincy, which requires you to submit to periodic Army training but allows you to continue working until called into service. While the requirements for becoming an Army chaplain differ slightly between these two groups, you must be a US citizen and pass security and fitness tests. You must also meet educational and age requirements, have at least two years of ministry experience, and have a spiritually fit personality. After that, depending on the type of chaplaincy you’ve chosen, you’ll go through training before taking up your position.
To become an Army chaplain, you must meet a number of requirements. To begin, you must be either a US citizen or a permanent resident of the United States. It should be noted that full-time chaplaincy positions are only open to US citizens. Only permanent residents are eligible to apply for Reserve positions.
You must also be between the ages of 21 and 42. Chaplains over the age of 42 may be hired on occasion, depending on the Army’s current needs. However, no one over the age of 50 will be considered.
You must also pass a physical examination administered at a military entrance office as a chaplaincy applicant. A security screening is also required, which you must submit to and pass. These tests ensure that you are physically and ideologically capable of meeting the Army’s demands.
You must also meet certain educational requirements before becoming an Army chaplain. You must have both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Graduate work in a spiritual field, such as theology, must be spread out over at least 72 credit hours.
You must also provide a statement from your religious group in addition to meeting these educational requirements. This statement should attest to your status as a clergyperson. It should also confirm that you have the right personality for Army chaplain work. This includes the ability to function in a high-stress environment, to withstand the separation imposed by deployment, and to be sensitive to soldiers of all faiths.
You must have at least two years of prior ministerial experience if you want to become an Army chaplain full-time. Your religious group must provide proof of this experience. Note that Army Reserve chaplains are exempt from this requirement.
You will go through training after being accepted as an Army chaplain candidate. You must complete the 12-week Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course if you want to work as a full-time chaplain (CBOLC). Army Reserve chaplain candidates are required to attend monthly training as well as a yearly two-week training session.