What is a Chaplain Candidate?

A Chaplain Candidate is enrolled in a Seminary, Rabbinical School, School of

Islamic Sciences, or other graduate-level theological school. He or she is

training to become an ordained Priest, Minister, Imam, Rabbi, or Pastor. Are you

qualified to become an National Guard Chaplain Candidate?

You should be able to meet the following requirements if you are a graduate

student to be eligible for the National Guard Chaplain Candidate Program. Ask

your recruiter about anything you do not understand.

AGE REQUIREMENT

You should have sufficient time to be commissioned prior to your 34th birthday.

The accessioning process usually requires three to six months.

An age waiver may be granted equal to the number of good prior service years.

Roman Catholic priests will be considered up to age 47 because of the critical

shortage of Catholic chaplains. You should also ask your recruiter about an age

waiver for yourself, as you may be eligible for an exception.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

COLLEGE: You must have a baccalaureate degree of not less than 120 semester

hours from a college or university listed in the Directory of Post secondary

Institutions.

SEMINARY or GRADUATE DIVINITY SCHOOL: You must be enrolled or accepted for

enrollment in the next entering class in an approved graduate program. You must

be a full-time resident student working toward three years of graduate study in

theology or related subjects, normally validated by the awarding of a Master of

Divinity or equivalent degree. The school must be listed in the Directory of

Post secondary Institutions, the Association of Theological Schools Bulletin

(Part 4), or the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools

Directory. Correspondence courses are not acceptable.

ECCLESIASTICAL ENDORSEMENT FOR THE MILITARY CHAPLAINCY:

Must be able to be approved by a Faith Group or denomination that is recognized

by the Department of Defense (DOD) Armed Forces Chaplains Board.

CITIZENSHIP:

Must be a U.S Citizen or non U.S. Citizens if you possess an Alien Registration

Card (Green Card).

ARMY MEDICAL STANDARDS:

You must be within the Army height/weight standards and be able to pass the Army

medical exam. Ask your recruiter for additional information.