Posted on Jan 7, 2021
How do I navigate my contractual obligations in switching from Logistics to Chaplaincy?
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Currently working with local Chaplain and Chaplain recruiter for my region, tracking that side of chaplain candidacy program already which is the preferred route for me and all other requirements. Currently discussing this with my commander, they are unfamiliar with the process. Calling my branch manager every hour to see if they'll help.
I commissioned out of ROTC into active duty. If I am interested in becoming a Chaplain how do I get permission or navigate my contract to make that possible? Who's help do I need and who do I need to speak with? Any help or information is appreciated.
I commissioned out of ROTC into active duty. If I am interested in becoming a Chaplain how do I get permission or navigate my contract to make that possible? Who's help do I need and who do I need to speak with? Any help or information is appreciated.
Recruiter
Chaplain
Branch Manager
MOS
Edited 4 y ago
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 3
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1LT (Join to see) so here is the deal. Many of those direct commission opportunities have no pathway from a competitive category commission to that niche direct commission. I tried working this for a QM officer who was coming up on her ADSO and wanted more than anything to be a Equine Veterinarian. Very tough program, had been accepted to Vet School, but there was no program to facilitate that program and a branch transfer. Only way was all the way out, then all the way back in. It got too hard, and she just said screw it. So we lost a combat proven and squared away officer because there was just no bridge to do it. I guess the Army just got enough Animal Docs off the street.
Your ADSO will be an issue. I anticipate you will have to REFRAD, go the divinity route, then apply for direct commission as a chaplain.
CH (COL) Geoff Bailey Sir, is there a bridging program this officer could pursue? I am not up on all the accessions methods for Chaplains.
Your ADSO will be an issue. I anticipate you will have to REFRAD, go the divinity route, then apply for direct commission as a chaplain.
CH (COL) Geoff Bailey Sir, is there a bridging program this officer could pursue? I am not up on all the accessions methods for Chaplains.
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1LT (Join to see)
Well that's disheartening. I am, for very religious reasons, not wanting to pursue the route I am on currently.
The Chaplain recruiter I have been speaking to said it's possible and he has seen it done, but it is certainly difficult. The first issue is to secure an endorsement from a denomination, which I am also working on. But it's hard to get that endorsement when everything is so uncertain about my potential future as a Chaplain.
I believe I made a mistake in branch choice, in thinking out my career, and have unfortunately left myself and my family in a tight spot. I too am afraid that if things remain the same for me and my family, I will be exiting ASAP. My heart isn't in my work, despite my best efforts.
The Chaplain recruiter I have been speaking to said it's possible and he has seen it done, but it is certainly difficult. The first issue is to secure an endorsement from a denomination, which I am also working on. But it's hard to get that endorsement when everything is so uncertain about my potential future as a Chaplain.
I believe I made a mistake in branch choice, in thinking out my career, and have unfortunately left myself and my family in a tight spot. I too am afraid that if things remain the same for me and my family, I will be exiting ASAP. My heart isn't in my work, despite my best efforts.
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1LT (Join to see)
1LT (Join to see) - LTC Jason Mackay Also, to clarify sir, the best option for me is to get into Chaplain candidacy program. So essentially I am asking the Quartermaster branch to release me, put me in the candidacy program, and return me to active duty as a Chaplain to fulfill my commitment. I don't believe I was ADSO and I never had a scholarship, as I used my GI Bill.
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LTC Jason Mackay
1LT (Join to see) - every officer has an ADSO to fulfill on commissioning until they request REFRAD. Work the Chaplain recruiter and see what they can do.
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Have you gone through your local Chaplain or Chaplain recruiter? They are the SME's on this. Have you completed all of the eligibility requirements? Degree? Job experience needed and Denominational endorsements? I would start there but you may have some work to do before going that route.
https://www.goarmy.com/chaplain/become-an-army-chaplain/requirements.html
https://www.goarmy.com/chaplain/become-an-army-chaplain/requirements.html
As the spiritual leaders of the Army, Chaplains must be qualified morally and intellectually to provide Soldiers the free exercise of religion. On this page, you’ll learn about the requirements to become an Army Chaplain.
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1LT (Join to see)
You didn't read all of my posting, tracking all. I am speaking to a regular recruiter this week, hoping they can be of help.
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As far as I know (based on knowing a couple of AF Chaplains well), you need to be ordained by a recognized religious group. That group must agree to certify you and provide you to the Service as a Chaplain. Ordained individuals normally have a license from their state of residence to be a "minister." The Service Chief of Chaplains sets up the directives and rules for each Service. I suspect they are about the same for all the Services and faiths to comply with Federal non-discrimination law. You should look up Army Regulations pertaining the the Chaplain Corps. It probably tells how to get in and how to get out.
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1LT (Join to see)
Tracking all sir. You do not need ordination, only an endorsement. Flipped through 165-1 already with the recruiter, nothing helpful so far. Still looking!
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Lt Col Jim Coe
1LT (Join to see) - I used the term "ordination" to indicate recognition by a religious group that one is qualified and approved to serve others of the faith with spiritual and temporal leadership. In main-line Christian denominations, it's normally referred to as ordination. Perhaps you should work from the other end of the Chaplain pipeline. Start with a senior religious leader in the religious group you want to serve. He or she may be familiar with the process for providing Chaplains. If you represent a traditional Christian denomination, the National Office of the denomination probably has a person who handles Chaplains as part of their job. For other faiths, I have no clue--sorry.
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