Chaplain

Overview

As an Army National Guard chaplain you will have the responsibility of caring for the spiritual well-being of Soldiers and their families. An Army National Guard chaplain's flock can consist of over 1,500 people.

Job duties

• Chaplains are non-combatants and do not carry a weapon. As an Army National Guard chaplain, you'll lead a Unit Ministry Team (UMT), consisting of you and a trained Religious Affairs Specialist (an enlisted combatant Soldier trained to support chaplains during their missions and everyday activities).
• If you're already a religious ministry professional serving a faith group, you can earn your commission within weeks and begin your ministry to Army National Guard Soldiers as soon as you complete the Chaplain Direct Commission course and all phases of the Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course (CHBOLC) . If not yet fully qualified as a chaplain, you may apply to begin serving as a chaplain candidate.
• Army National Guard chaplains receive excellent pay as well as additional incentives.
• Conduct religious ministries, including workshops, counseling, religious education, and special events
• Officiate at worship services, funerals, memorials, and other military functions
• Provide religious support to all military personnel in foreign lands while on deployment
• Advise the Commander on all matters of religion and morale

Training

When you join the Army National Guard as a chaplain, you'll be a commissioned officer. If you join prior to qualification as a chaplain, you may enter as a chaplain candidate. In either case, you'll attend the Chaplain Direct Commission Course and Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course (CHBOLC) You will learn fundamental military tasks and how to perform religious duties in a military environment. The three-month course can be completed in one block or in several phases over a 24-month period.

Civilian career relevance

The technical and leadership experience developed in this role may support related civilian career pathways.