How to Become a Volunteer Military Chaplain
A volunteer military chaplain provides spiritual support for the U.S. military. A volunteer military chaplain can apply to different branches, including the Navy, Army or Air Force. Chaplains of all religious affiliations are accepted, and a military chaplain performs such duties as holding Mass, hearing confessions and providing comfort to wounded soldiers. Although paid military chaplain positions are available, you can also volunteer your services.
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Instructions
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Obtain an undergraduate degree that required a minimum of 120 hours from an accredited university. The bachelor's degree that you hold does not have to be from a religious studies program; however, a graduate degree of a minimum of 72 hours is also required and must be focused in theological studies.
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Hold an ecclesiastical endorsement from your religious house. This endorsement certifies that you have completed the education and training required by your ecclesiastical group. In addition, a volunteer military chaplain should have maintained a leadership position within his church for a minimum of two years.
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Speak to a military recruiter to get started on the process of becoming a volunteer military chaplain. You can visit the website of the specific branch of the military that you want to volunteer with.
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Go through clearance in order to be permitted to serve as a military chaplain. The clearance will come from National Agency Security Clearance. You must also pass a physical exam at a Military Entrance Processing Station.
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Attend the Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course once accepted into the program. As a military chaplain, you don't need to go through basic training. Instead, this 12-week course will focus on both military operations and chaplain duties that are specific to the military.
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