56 Chaplain

OVERVIEW
Army National Guard Chaplains 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.

The Army National Guard chaplaincy is a religiously diverse population reflecting the diversity of the Army National Guard, yet each chaplain ministers according to the tenets of his or her distinctive faith community. Unlike most officers in the Army National Guard, a Chaplain begins serving as a staff officer immediately. 

JOB DUTIES

• Advise in matters pertaining to religion, morals and morale
• Oversee a full program of religious ministries, including workshops, counseling sessions, religious education and special events
• Officiate at official ceremonies such as military functions, funerals and memorials
• Provide religious ministry to a variety of armed service personnel and civilians from the U.S., foreign nations and agencies 

REQUIREMENTS
To be an officer in the Army National Guard Chaplain Corps, you must obtain an ecclesiastical endorsement from your religious organization. 

This endorsement should certify that you are:

• A clergy person in your religious organization
• Qualified spiritually, morally, intellectually and emotionally to serve as a chaplain in the Army National Guard
• Sensitive to religious pluralism and able to provide for the free exercise of religion for all military personnel, their family members and civilians who work for the Army National Guard
• Possessing a baccalaureate degree of not less than 120 semester hours
• Pursuing or possessing a graduate degree in theological or religious studies, with at least a total of 72 semester hours in graduate work completed in these fields of study

TRAINING
Chaplains do not go through Basic Combat Training. 

Instead, they attend the Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course, which is a 12-week course taught at Fort Jackson, SC. This course provides an introduction to the non-combatant common core skills, Army National Guard writing and chaplaincy-specific training.

HELPFUL SKILLS

• Self-discipline
• Physical fitness
• Ability to perform under physical and mental pressures
• Ability to make decisions quickly and on your own

COMPENSATION
Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time.
You could earn up to $40,000 in cash bonuses just for enlisting under certain Military Occupational Specialties.

EDUCATION BENEFITS
In the Army National Guard, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships; allowances for books and fees; and an annual stipend for living expenses.

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
Officers in the Army National Guard Chaplain Corps have the same qualifications to practice their specialty in the civilian world.