Chaplain Requirements
What are the requirements to be a Chaplain or Chaplain Candidate?
Chaplain
Obtain a federally recognized ecclesiastical endorsement from your denomination or faith group certifying that you are:
- Less than 45 years of age with or without prior service at the day of commisioning
- Qualified spiritually, morally, intellectually and emotionally
- Sensitive to religious pluralism and able to provide for the free exercise of religion by all military personnel and their family members
- Possess a bachelor’s degree (not less than 120 semester hours)
- Posses a single accredited master’s degree, associated with theology, consisting of no less than 72 semester hours.
Chaplain Candidates
Obtain an ecclesiastical approval from your denomination or faith group certifying that you:
- Are enrolled in or accepted into an accredited graduate program
- Are a U.S. citizen (includes naturalized citizens)
- Are a full-time student working toward a graduate degree in theology consisting of 72 or more hours
- Can pass the military commission physical
- Meet Army height/weight standards
- Are eligible for security clearance
- Are less than 40 years of age at commissioning