I am currently a 92Y, am qualified to become an Officer, and want to be a Chaplain. Can I reclassify as a 56M until I commission?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 15:51:31 -0500

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2017 7:59 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 19:59:00 -0500

Why would you reclass just to go and commission. Also the job of a chaplain assistant is very different from that of the Chaplin.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Nov 21 at 2017 8:09 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 20:09:19 -0500

2LT Private RallyPoint Member You Want to be a Chaplain, Padre? I won't Bust Your Chops but Why? I was a Demon a Navy Spook! I thought the World of My Chaplain on the Mighty Ark but He Knew Just How Evil and Demonic I was Capable Of?

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Nov 21 at 2017 9:13 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 21:13:13 -0500

As a former Chaplain's Assistant for twenty-five years, I might have some knowledge in this matter. Have you've spoken to your unit Chaplain about becoming a Chaplain? They would be your best source, but the Chaplain's Assistant MOS is also a good MOS to be in too.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2017 1:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 13:27:19 -0500

As a Religious Affairs Specialist (We are no longer know as chaplain assistant) for 10 years and still in... I have worked with enough chaplains to know that your experience you would gain as a 56M before becoming a chaplain would be to your advantage. You can have a feel for how you want to be treated as a 56M and as a 56A you will have an appreciation for your 56M

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2018 12:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 12:35:31 -0500

You should look at the Chaplain candidate program. If you are finishing MDIV this allows you to commission, work closely with chaplains and assistants so there is no need to reclass to 56M.

Response by SGT James Swann Jr. made Jan 30 at 2018 6:50 PM

SGT James Swann Jr. — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 18:50:17 -0500

56M is the MOS for Chaplains Assistant, the Chaplain MOS is 56A. Hope this helps.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2018 10:44 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 22:44:42 -0500

In order to reclass you would need to talk to your retention NCO. I can tell you that E4 is over strength right now bc I had a soldier trying to reclass a week ago to 56M.
If you want to become a chaplain I assume you know you need to obtain your MDiv. and have 2 years ministry experience. The best thing you can do is go “chaplains candidate” route. You will spend approx three years in seminary while serving in the guard or reserve. You don’t need to finish your current contract if you have been accepted to a seminary college you can drop your packet and get commissioned as chaplain candidate.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2018 7:48 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 19:48:28 -0500

You can reclass to whatever you want so long as in/out calls line up (good luck, we’ve been over streangth for ever) and you commamd signs off on it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2019 4:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 16:05:22 -0500

I am a 56M and currently a Chaplain Recruiter. Send me a message and I can see if you meet all of the qualifications and get you started if you’re interested. You don’t need to be a Chaplain Assistant to be a Chaplain though. There are different routes and avenues.

Response by SFC Vito Deiure made Apr 9 at 2019 12:15 PM

SFC Vito Deiure — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 12:15:58 -0400

You can, but why would you want to? I think it's a bad Idea for future Chaplains to become Chaplain Assistants. The main reason is because most people think we are Assistant Chaplains and the two roles are VERY Different. Many future Chaplains in the 56M role try to practice their counseling and preaching and that is DEFINITELY NOT the role of a 56M and should be avoided by all means as more trouble will result than good.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2020 1:35 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 13:35:00 -0400

You can become a 56 M , but you may want to be a chaplain candidate istead