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Army Chaplain

Female Caucasian Army Chaplain in uniform with closed eyes and standing has one hand on seated Soldier with eyes closed in prayer Female Caucasian Army Chaplain in uniform with closed eyes and standing has one hand on seated Soldier with eyes closed in prayer

Army Chaplain

Care for the spiritual, moral, and emotional wellbeing of the Army—and make it stronger from the inside out.

Caucasian male Chaplain CPT Stene Talking to a Soldier wearing OCP outside during the day. Caucasian male Chaplain CPT Stene Talking to a Soldier wearing OCP outside during the day.

Nurturing the Soul of the Army

Since 1775, Army Chaplains have acted as spiritual counselors who support, motivate, and provide emotional guidance to Soldiers and their families.

  • Tend to the spiritual needs of every Soldier both at home and while on deployment
  • Recognize the physical, mental, and spiritual challenges Soldiers must face every day
  • Leverage innovative approaches to counseling, spiritual care, religious programs, and services

The Army Chaplain Advantage

As a member of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, you’ll feel fulfillment in ways that you wouldn’t in a civilian career.

Challenging Work

Help the Army Family build inner resilience as they deal with unique physical, mental, and spiritual challenges. Support Army leaders as they manage difficult decisions that ensure the safety and future of our country.

Religious Diversity

Observe the distinctive doctrines of your faith, while honoring and ensuring the right for others to observe their own. Join a team that represents hundreds of denominations and faiths, from ministers and priests to imams and rabbis.

Spiritual Calling

Enjoy the deep satisfaction of performing a vital service for your country, making not only a profound difference in the lives of Soldiers in the Army, but in the lives of their families, friends, and communities.

Black male Army Chaplain gives a sermon to Army Soldiers seated in front of him Black male Army Chaplain gives a sermon to Army Soldiers seated in front of him

Many Ways to Make a Difference

Chaplains serve almost every type of unit in the Army, from infantry and intelligence to hospitals and community ministries.

  • Provide marriage and family counseling
  • Serve as a staff chaplain at a medical facility, correctional facility, or combat hospital
  • Become an instructor at one of several Officer service schools
  • Get advanced training for additional duties including staffing Chaplains in needed locations, and managing Chaplaincy-related personnel, finances, logistics, and facilities

Army Chaplain Jobs
An Army Chaplain stands in front of seated Army members, all in uniform An Army Chaplain stands in front of seated Army members, all in uniform

We’ll Pay for Your Education

The Chaplain Candidate Program (CCP) is designed for ministry students who want to explore or get a head start on a career in Army Chaplaincy while still in school. By participating in CCP, you’ll gain valuable experience and make a real impact in the lives of Soldiers and their families.

  • Gain valuable ministry education and training
  • Enjoy benefits and privileges associated with being an Officer
  • Receive up to 100% of tuition costs

Outside image of Army Chapel with grassy yard and trees, during the day. Outside image of Army Chapel with grassy yard and trees, during the day.

Working as an Army Chaplain Part Time

As a Chaplain in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard, you’ll serve part time in support of your community, state, and country. You’ll be able to pursue a civilian ministry while you serve and train near home, spending one weekend a month on Chaplain duties and two weeks a year in training.

Caucasian female Officer CPT Chaplain O'Malley and Medical-Surgical Nurse standing bedside with male patient inside a hospital. Caucasian female Officer CPT Chaplain O'Malley and Medical-Surgical Nurse standing bedside with male patient inside a hospital.

Army Chaplain Requirements and Next Steps

Whether you’re looking to start your career or you’re already well into your journey, there are certain requirements and steps you’ll need to take.

  • Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or are a current graduating college senior
  • Secure an endorsement for military service from your faith group
  • Enroll or get accepted as a full-time student in an accredited graduate program that qualifies you for ordination

Caucasian male Chaplain CPT Stene Talking to a group of Soldiers wearing OCP outside during the day. Caucasian male Chaplain CPT Stene Talking to a group of Soldiers wearing OCP outside during the day.

Support Army Chaplains as a Religious Affairs Specialist

The Army Chaplain’s team relies on the support of Religious Affairs Specialists, who honorably coordinate religious programs and worship services. They’re also responsible for performing administrative duties and for bearing arms to protect the Chaplain during times of combat.

Religious Affairs Specialist

Common Questions About Army Chaplains

Do Army Chaplains have to go to Basic Training?

As a Chaplain, you won't participate in the Basic Training that enlisted Soldiers complete. Instead, you'll attend the Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course (CHBOLC), a required training course that focuses on your professional, physical, academic, and spiritual growth as a military Chaplain.

Do Army Chaplains have to pass a fitness test?

Yes, you must meet Army height and weight standards, and pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).

Do Army Chaplains have to fight?

No, Chaplains are not issued weapons and are not allowed to engage in combat. During times of combat, Chaplains are protected by Religious Affairs Specialists.

What religions are included in the Army Chaplaincy?

The Army Chaplaincy is a multi-faith program—ministers, priests, imams, rabbis, and more, make up the Chaplaincy. While each Army Chaplain is a clergy person in their specific denomination or faith group and won’t be asked to perform services or duties outside of their denomination, their role is to promote spirituality and faith as a whole, and serve all Soldiers, regardless of background and religion.

Talk to a Recruiter

Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.

Thanks for reaching out,

Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

Who will reach out to me?

One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

What is the time commitment for part-time service?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?

How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

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Thanks for reaching out,

Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can I join ROTC at my age

Can I join as an Officer?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

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Thanks for reaching out, .

We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.

Topics to Explore

Questions you may have right now

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you

How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?

Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

What are the ways to serve part-time?

You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

How do I become a health care provider in the Army?

You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.

What types of medical careers are available in the Army?

There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

What are the benefits of joining ROTC?

ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.

How do I prepare to join ROTC?

When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.

Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?

Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.

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