What Qualifications Does Chaplain Need?

A Chaplain is an ordained Priest, Minister, Imam, Rabbi, Or Pastor. Are you

qualified to become an National Guard Chaplain?

To be eligible for the National Guard Chaplaincy, you must be able to meet

the following requirements if you are an ordained member of the clergy. Ask your

recruiter about anything you do not understand.

AGE REQUIREMENT

You should have sufficient time to be commissioned prior to your 40th 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 50 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: 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: Must have successfully completed three

years of resident graduate study in theology or related subjects, normally

validated by the possession of a Master of Divinity, equivalent degree, or 90

graduate semester hours (that would lead to an ecclesiastical endorsement) from

an approved seminary or graduate school. The school must be listed in the

Directory of Post secondary Institutions, the Association of Theological Schools

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

Schools Directory, or from a graduate school whose credits are fully accepted by

one of the above listed schools. Correspondence courses are not acceptable.

ECCLESIASTICAL ENDORSEMENT FOR THE MILITARY CHAPLAINCY

You must be ordained and endorsed 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. All Chaplain Recruiters are

ordained members of the clergy.