Becoming a Chaplain
Through an exciting and varied pastoral ministry, chaplains are the visible reminder of the holy. You are considering the most unique spiritual opportunity that is often more enhancing than one would ever expect.
Currently, there are over 500 active duty Air Force chaplains and nearly 600 in service with the Reserves and Air National Guard. Each chaplain is endorsed by his or her own religious group and remains faithful to the tenets of that body. Chaplains also offer a broadly based ministry aimed at meeting the diverse pastoral needs of the pluralistic military community. Active duty and Reserve chaplains are responsible for supporting both directly and indirectly the free exercise of religion for all members of the Military Services, their dependents, and other authorized persons. (Referenced from DOD 1304.19)
Accession Guidance & Process Information
Accession Guidance
Force shaping has a direct impact on chaplain accessions. The Chaplain Corps outlines force management chaplain personnel requirements, establishing a limited number of individuals that can be accessed each fiscal year. As a result, Air Force Recruiting Service must have in place flexible and time-sensitive procedures capable of responding to these critical personnel requirements.
Accession Process
1. Air Force Recruiting Service and Denominational Endorsers make every effort to discuss and coordinate on personnel requirements and perspective individual applicants prior to the completion of DD Form 2088. (Use form dated May 2006).
2. Upon the reception of the DD Form 2088, the applicant is screened to ensure that appropriate Chaplain Corps personnel management and accession requirements are met.
3. The appropriate Air Force Agencies review and ensure Air Force requirements are met; agency must recommend accession.
Accession Requirements
- Ecclesiastical Endorsement, DD Form 2088 (May 2006).
- United States Citizenship (No Dual Citizenship).
Academic Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree with no fewer than 120 hours from an accredited institution.
- Post-Baccalaureate degree in the field of theology or related studies from a qualifying graduate degree program with no less than 72 Semester Hours from an accredited institution.
Pastoral Ministry Requirement
- Two years of religious leadership experience.
Age Requirement
- Must enter active duty (EAD) prior to 42.
Grade Requirement
- Commissioned officers must be the grade of Captain (0-3) and below.
AF Commissioning Requirements
- Be within AF height and weight standards.
- Meet qualifying standards for a Commissioning physical.
- Pass Background Security Investigation.
- Satisfy all appropriate commissioning requirements.
Religious Professional Scholarship Program
The Religious Professional Scholarship Program is designed to assist the Air Force with future faith group accessions. Scholarships are awarded to applicants who are qualified and meet Air Force faith group needs.
To qualify for the program, applicants must:
- Meet Air Force commissioning requirements
- Receive written permission from a listed DoD ecclesiastical endorser
- Be in good academic standing
- Be younger than 39 upon completion of theological studies
- Be a US citizen, no dual citizenship
Vocation Discernment Retreat