How to Become a Navy Chaplain

Thank you for your interest in the Navy Chaplain Corps!

Below are the general qualifications necessary to become a chaplain in the United States Navy. Also below is the contact information for the Navy Chaplain Corps Recruiter to answer your specific questions.

May God bless you in your spiritual journey and desire to serve.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE NAVY CHAPLAIN CORPS

1. Ecclesiastical endorsement (certifies experience and degree requirements meet the standards of the respective ecclesiastical group)
2. Two years religious leadership consistent with clergy in applicant’s tradition (strongly recommended)
3. United States citizenship (No dual citizenship)
4. Bachelor’s degree (120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours from an accredited institution)
5. A graduate degree to include a minimum of 72 semester hours (or equivalent) from a qualifying (accredited) institution.
6. Not less than 36 hours must be in theological/ministry and related studies, consistent with the respective religious tradition of the applicant. Endorsers are free to exceed the Department of Defense standard per ecclesiastical requirements, but cannot go below the minimal Department of Defense requirements, e.g. many endorsers specifically require the Master of Divinity degree.
7. Active Duty Chaplains: Commissioned and on active duty prior to age 42; Commissioned and on active duty prior to age 44, if prior service; Reserve Chaplains: Commissioned and on active duty prior to age 40.
8. Pass a military commissioning physical.
9. Pass a security background investigation.
10. Ability to work in the Department of Defense directed religious accommodation environment.

CHAPLAIN CANDIDATE PROGRAM OFFICER (CCPO)

Individuals interested in the Navy Chaplaincy who do not currently meet all of the above requirements may be interested in the Chaplain Candidate Program Officer program.

1. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and must be of such an age that they will be qualified for superseding appointment as an active duty or reserve officer in the Chaplain Corps prior to their 39th birthday.
2. Receive a letter of approval from a recognized religious faith group.
3. Have a baccalaureate degree of not less than 120 semester hours from an accredited college or university.
4. Be matriculated in a program of professional study in theology or related subjects offered by a qualifying educational institution. A qualifying degree program will require no less than 72 semester hours of graduate level work. (The school is considered accredited if listed in the Directory, American Theological Schools, Bulletin Part 4. You can also check on line at http://www.chea.org)
5. Maintain a satisfactory full time standing of the graduate theological school in which enrolled and in any training program prescribed by their religious faith group.

FOR SPECIFIC QUESTIONS, CONTACT THE CHAPLAIN CORPS RECRUITER:

Navy Recruiting Command
5720 Integrity Drive
Bldg. 784, Code 316
NSA Millington, TN 38054-5057

Phone: (901) 874-9216
DSN: 882-9216

Diana.L.Meehan2@navy.mil