Battalion Chaplain
Battalion Chaplain
Posted on May 11, 2020
I am considering the chaplaincy. What are the pros/cons of being an active duty Army Chaplain?
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I am married with kids.
Chaplain
Brigade Chaplain
Battalion Chaplain
Edited 4 y ago
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 9
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Good chaplains are invaluable to the mission and the command. Bad chaplains can really hurt a unit. But that means you also have to be prepared to support service members with different or no religion too. Some chaplains can't handle that. The best chaplain I knew was an Episcopalian who arranged for someone to tend to the spiritual needs of a pagan. The worst was a Baptist who had problems helping Roman Catholics. (That is not an endorsement of one sect over the other, I've also met Baptists who were good, and Episcopalians who were not)
And unless there is an overwhelming desire to go Army, look at the other services too. Both the Air Force and the Navy also have needs for chaplains. In all cases, you have to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and sometimes a master's degree. I believe that they prefer some prior ministry experience. In any event, good luck.
And unless there is an overwhelming desire to go Army, look at the other services too. Both the Air Force and the Navy also have needs for chaplains. In all cases, you have to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and sometimes a master's degree. I believe that they prefer some prior ministry experience. In any event, good luck.
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SPC Joshua Schiff
Thank you for your response. When you said that the Air Force and Navy are in need of chaplains were you just saying that in general or do you know any specifics? I only ask because I read that the AF was making reductions in its chaplain corps.
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Capt Gregory Prickett
SPC Joshua Schiff - your information would likely be better than mine, I was basing it on historical patterns.
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PFC Kimberly Staiti
You will need more than a Bachelor's degree. You'll need a 90 hour M. Div. (Master's of Divinity) plus a set of CPE classes that are specifically for chaplains. It's likely that you'll need Hebrew and Greek classes and possibly CPR certification. The best chaplain I knew volunteered for two tours in Nam. Later he taught at the War College, West Point. If you want more education, the Army paid for it all. He ended up with a D. Min. (Doctorate of Ministry) and a Ph. D in something else... Leadership, I think. Thank you for thinking of caring for the whole service member.
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Capt Gregory Prickett
PFC Kimberly Staiti - That's not correct. The Army requires that the person vas "completed their basic theological education for their denomination or faith tradition (often the Master of Divinity degree)." They have to have a bachelor's degree to enter the candidacy program while they are in grad school. To obtain a direct commission, they have to have 72 graduate hours. Chaplains have no requirement for Hebrew or Greek classes unless their faith tradition requires it. Navy and Air Force requirements are similar.
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I can’t speak to a Chaplains challenged outside those of other Soldiers, I can say that they are a very valuable part of the units and the Army. A good Chaplain is God sent, no pun intended.
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CH (MAJ) William Beaver
The pros are for me, greatest ministry career I’ve ever had. Plus, stick with it long enough and your life is changed gor the better forever. Cons would be you and your spouse myst both be called by God to this challenging ministry. Not just you. But if you text CHAPLAIN to GOARMY you will learn details.
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