Seminary and the Chaplain Candidate Program

The Chaplain Candidate Program is an exciting opportunity for seminary and other professional religious school students to evaluate their compatibility and potential for commissioning as a military Chaplain in the United States Navy, United States Air Force, or the United States Army. Programs are offered with intention to Active, Reserve, or National Guard Duty. The focus is on experiencing ministry in the military during summer tours of active duty (or other times as available and prudent). As a chaplain candidate you will draw upon your background, education and experience to function as part of a military Chaplain team. Upon entering the program you will be commissioned as a chaplain candidate, Second Lieutenant (Air Force and Army) or Ensign (Navy). When you graduate, and should the Bishop for Chaplaincies approve you to be ecclesiastically endorsed, you become eligible for reappointment as a Chaplain in the next higher grade with the Reserve, National Guard or Active Duty.

A Discernment/Vocations Committee process is required to determine suitability and call to be an Anglican Priest. The Deanery for the Chaplaincy makes the determination of whether the more stringent requirements to serve as a military chaplain are present in a candidate. Enrollment in the Candidate Program, Commissioning as an O-2 with a service branch, and/or completion of seminary IS NOT an implied promise to ordination; or a guarantee of professional endorsement to serve as a Chaplain. The Deanery is responsible for to exercising the authority in selection and endorsement of Chaplains representing CANA and the ACNA. If you are currently in a discernment process through your parish/diocese, that process is should be adjudicated by the ACNA Suffragan Bishop for Chaplaincies, Bishop Derek Jones, if military chaplaincy is your intention.

Common program requirements between the three services are listed here. There are additional service specific restrictions that apply - This is NOT a comprehensive list. Please contact the Deanery Government Chaplains Coordinator or use the Contact link below to open dialogue on service specific requirements and restrictions...

-- You must be a citizen of the United States, dual citizenship is not accepted.
-- Possess baccalaureate degree with not less than 120 semester hours of undergraduate credit from an accredited college or university.
-- Obtain ecclesiastical approval from the Deanery for the Chaplaincy to enter the Candidate Program.
(NOTE: Entry into the Candidate Program is not a guarantee of future endorsement or a promise to be selected for Chaplain service at the conclusion of the Candidate program.
-- You may only apply when enrolled full time in seminary. Must be eligible to train at least two summers, and it may include the summer folowing graduation. Enrollment must be in an accredited or recognized theological seminary or professional school of religion.
--You must be working toward a professional religious degree such as a Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, or an equivalent. (72 hour minimum single degree program)
-- Be able to complete approximately 100 days of active duty training during at least two summer vacation periods prior to graduation, or within 90 days following graduation from seminary.
-- Meet all military medical requirements and weight standards.
-- Pass a National Security Agency background investigation/check on your personal history and background; and qualify for a security clearance .
-- No drug abuse or criminal record.

There are many benefits to the program that includes, O-2 pay and benefits, paid travel to and from all active duty training tours, and eligibility for Tuition Assistance. Also, organizations such as the The Military Chaplains Association annually award scholarships for Chaplain Candidates of the military services.