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Chaplain FAQs
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You must have a baccalaureate degree with no less than 120 semester hours from an accredited institution and a post-baccalaureate degree in the field of theology or related studies from a qualifying graduate degree program with no less than 72 semester hours (or 108 quarter hours) from an accredited institution.
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Yes. Chaplains are noncombatants who deploy all over the world, taking care of Airmen and ensuring their First Amendment right to worship.
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The Department of Defense requires ecclesiastical endorsement for clergypersons who serve as chaplains in the armed forces. If you are interested in becoming an Air Force chaplain, contact your religious body or denomination to learn about their endorsement requirements.
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No. However you will be required to complete Officer Training School (OTS). Officer Training School is a nine-week, four-phase program designed for prior-service Airmen and civilians with a college degree who are ready to take the next step as a leader in their lives and careers. Throughout each week, you’ll be challenged mentally and physically while acquiring the skills and confidence needed to lead the men and women of the U.S. Air Force.
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Chaplains may be authorized to take up to 15 days each year to attend a spiritual retreat, ecclesiastical conference or to consult with ecclesiastical superiors
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Yes. You must have two years of religious leadership experience.
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In many cases, you will have opportunities to live on or off base.
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You will need to determine whether full- or part-time military ministry is best for you. To find out more about the Air Force Reserve Chaplaincy, visit the Air Force Reserve chaplain website.
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Yes. You must be a U.S. citizen. Dual citizenship is not authorized.
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The Air Force accepts endorsed and qualified applicants from faith groups that include Roman Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox Christian, Jewish and Muslim clergy. To qualify, you must have an ecclesiastical endorsement from your Department of Defense–listed endorsing agent.
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The Air Force offers excellent quality of life. Our bases offer the most modern and comprehensive recreation facilities, grocery and department stores, libraries, childcare centers and housing. Our medical facilities are state of the art, and our chapel facilities are pretty special too. Plus, Airmen aren’t your typical coworkers—they are more like family.
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Yes. The Air Force Reserve Chaplain Corps oversees the Chaplain Candidacy Program, which offers seminary and other professional religious school students the opportunity to evaluate their compatibility and potential for commissioning as an Air Force chaplain. Learn more about the Chaplain Candidacy Program.
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The Air Force offers competitive pay augmented by a full package of benefits that offer excellent quality of life. Benefits include:
- 30 days of vacation with pay every year
- Comprehensive medical and dental for you, and if married, your immediate family
- Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]
- Tax-free food, clothing and housing allowances
- Discounted shopping at base department and grocery stores
- Low-cost life insurance
- Noncontributory retirement after 20 years of qualifying service
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Airmen live and work around the world. Chaplains serve right alongside them, leading worship services and observances, providing pastoral care and advising leadership.
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You must enter active duty before turning 42.
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As members of a diverse community, chaplains primarily provide ministry to persons of their own faith group. They also, however, act as guardians of the free exercise of religion for all Airmen and their families. In other words, chaplains directly provide religious ministries to those of like faith and indirectly provide for the needs of others from differing faith traditions. Furthermore, chaplains are expected to maintain faithfulness to their ecclesiastical body by serving in a manner consistent with their denominational faith and practice.
