AIR FORCE CHAPLAIN CANDIDATE PROGRAM

The chaplain candidate program allows individuals to explore the military ministry option while attending a seminary. It is designed to expose seminarians to the diverse and demanding role of Air Force chaplains in a variety of ministerial settings. Chaplain candidates are appointed as a Second Lieutenant.

Qualifications

• Be a citizen of the United States

• Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university

• Be less than 35 years of age at time of appointment (Allow six months for processing)

• Obtain approval from the agency of your denomination/faith group which endorses chaplains for the Armed Forces

• Apply when enrolled full time in seminary, but no later than the third semester before graduation. Enrollment must be in an accredited or recognized theological seminary or school of religion

• Must be a full time student working toward a Master of Divinity or equivalent degree

• Be able to complete approximately 100 days of training during their summers

• Be physically qualified, as determined by a USAF commissioning physical examination. ( Including Height and Weight Standard Chart)

• Pass a security background investigation

INDIVIDUAL MOBILIZATION AUGMENTEE PROGRAM

Reserve chaplains in this program serve within active duty Air Force chapels. They train and assist in ministry to an active duty community under the supervision of a Wing chaplain. They serve a minimum of 24 days a year. This is a great opportunity to augment an active duty chapel staff and to share spiritual gifts and talents in a pluralistic ministry setting. Reserve chaplains are appointed as a First Lieutenant.

Qualifications

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Possess a bachelor’s degree of not less than 120 semester hours from an accredited college or university

• Possess a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent (certified by an accredited institution) with not less than 72 hours from an accredited graduate or seminary

• Obtain approval from the agency of your denomination/faith group which endorses chaplains for the Armed Forces

• Be less than 40 years of age at the time of initial appointment (less than 42 years with prior military service)

• Be actively engaged in pursuit of a religious vocation

• Be physically qualified, as determined by a USAF commissioning physical examination (Including Height and Weight Standard Chart)

• Pass a security background investigation

• Qualified spiritually, morally, intellectually and emotionally to serve as an Air Force chaplain.

• Sensitive to religious pluralism and will provide for the free exercise of religion by all military personnel, their family members, and other authorized personnel the military services serve.

Height and Weight Chart