What is the best route to take to become a chaplain?

2014-05-27T18:44:55-04:00

When speaking to a chaplain a few weeks ago he told me that he believed I was wasting my time in ROTC.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2014 6:50 PM

2014-05-27T18:50:15-04:00

PFC Cordova, if you haven't already seen this site, you'll probably find this information helpful; also, if you have any questions the Chaplain Recruiting Team number is Toll Free: [login to see] . You can navigate around and find more info at the United States Army Chaplain Candidate website: http://www.goarmy.com/chaplain/candidate-program/candidate-scholarship-program.html

Chaplain Candidate Scholarship Partnership

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2014 1:13 PM

2014-06-18T13:13:39-04:00

You should be able to ADSO (active duty service obligation) to be able to attend seminary before commissioning. It is a three year extra time of active duty, but it doesn't extend your service years. it just means that you do 7 years active and 1 year reserve.

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2017 8:08 AM

2017-05-03T08:08:23-04:00

In general this Ch gave you what he thought was good advice based on his experience. I would disagree though. ROTC will give you valuable training that the Chaplain candidate program CCP probably won't. Chaplain's are also special staff officer's a role in which we are often poorly trained, and execute poorly. ROTC can help with this. You might also consider branching something else while working on your Masters degree. You will not receive the deployment protection, but get lots of valuable military experience.
Finally ROTC and OCS are way easier and more reliable commissioning routes than the Army Chaplain direct commission. I was ROTC could not contact due to vision issue, went to OCS, commissioned as a Chemical officer served as a platoon leader, recommissioned as a Chaplain candidate, and as a Chaplain.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2018 4:50 PM

2018-03-29T16:50:11-04:00

The process involves getting a recommendation from a church, getting your theology degree but go to the US Army chaplain web site. As far as ROTC, it is not a waste of time. Contracting my be a waste but the training will at least give you an appreciation to what offers go through. Good luck.