What is the age limit to become a chaplain? I'm 54

2016-02-15T14:47:15-05:00

I graduated from Concordia Seminary in 2015 with a MA in Theology. At 54, is it too late to be a Chaplain?

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Feb 15 at 2016 4:30 PM

2016-02-15T16:30:52-05:00

"Must be at least 21 years of age, but younger than 42 at time of Regular Army commissioning or less than 45 at time of Army Reserve commissioning. Prior service applicants with at least 3 years of prior AFS or creditable USAR service must be younger than 47 at time of Army Reserve commissioning."

It appears too late by a few years.
http://www.goarmy.com/chaplain/about/requirements.html

Requirements

Learn what is required of you when you decide to answer the Call in the Army Chaplaincy.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 15 at 2016 4:34 PM

2016-02-15T16:34:44-05:00

Always glad to see the source quoted. Helps keep urban legend stuff down. The age limit is there for a purpose in that your shelf life is limited to 60 so do the math. It isn't worth it to the system to spend the money for at best a 6 year return. They also don't like 55 year old O-3s unless they're previous ENL and went the LDO route. Slots are limited for that as well. The AR looks pretty similar to other services restrictions.

If you're looking to serve but can't go military, please consider Chaplain services for law enforcement and firefighting organizations. Major hospitals, universities, and other organizations have slots for them as well. And yes, Red Cross and other service organizations have a demand.

Response by CPL Rahsaan Jones made Nov 13 at 2022 12:17 PM

2022-11-13T12:17:00-05:00

When there is a need be ready. GOD can change anything he wants. Don't give up War is coming and you will be needed trust me. Try the Reserves or national guard if you have a master's degree and the need arises due to your Prior services it is possible. Be in shape, be ready. GOD BLESS YOU for desiring to give your life this way. The army should reconsider this position anyway as many young chaplains don't have the life experience and wisdom to talk to 25 to 30-year service members who are their Commanders and elders. I could be wrong but I don't believe senior officers talk to younger unmarried chaplains about their work-life issues or spiritual dilemmas with orders. Just be ready the army is getting older and recruitment is at an all-time low.

Response by SPC Bob Scout made Sep 12 at 2023 1:25 PM

2023-09-12T13:25:50-04:00

The Navy will take Chaplains up to age 58 (it's a process), with the understanding you will not be able to serve long enough to earn a retirement. However, if you want to get back in uniform, there is a huge need for military chaplains. If you have, or get the right skill set while in, you might be able to extend your service past 62 based on the needs of the service...or, get out and go to work as a VA Chaplain and transfer your military years of service and work through your 20 to earn your federal retirement. Just a few thoughts...

Response by SPC Bob Scout made Sep 12 at 2023 1:26 PM

2023-09-12T13:26:01-04:00

The Navy will take Chaplains up to age 58, with the understanding you will not be able to serve long enough to earn a retirement. However, if you want to get back in uniform, there is a huge need for military chaplains. If you have, or get the right skill set while in, you might be able to extend your service past 62 based on the needs of the service...or, get out and go to work as a VA Chaplain and transfer your military years of service and work through your 20 to earn your federal retirement. Just a few thoughts...