- Providing religious ministry and support to those of your own faith
- Facilitating the religious requirements of those from all faiths
- Caring for all servicemembers and their families, including those with no specific faith
- Advising the command on ensuring the free exercise of religion
- Conducting worship services in various settings
- Performing religious rites and ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, and baptisms
- Counseling individuals seeking guidance
- Overseeing religious education programs, like Sunday school and youth groups
- Visiting and providing spiritual guidance to hospitalized personnel and/or their family members
- Training lay leaders conducting religious education programs
- Promoting attendance at religious services, retreats, and conferences
- Advising leaders regarding morale, ethics, and spiritual well-being
- Pursuing opportunities at institutions like the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
- Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the service colleges
- Have a bachelor's degree from a qualified four-year undergraduate educational institution
- Have a graduate degree in theological or related studies from an accredited educational institution
- Have two years of full-time religious leadership experience compatible with the duties of a Religious Ministry Professional (RMP)
- Be able to obtain an Ecclesiastical Endorsement from a religious faith organization registered with the Department of Defense
Chaplain - Buckeye Lake - Navy
Description
About the Navy Chaplain Corps
The Navy Chaplain Corps comprises over 800 Chaplains from more than 100 faith groups, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and many others. Each Chaplain is a Navy Officer, holding an important leadership role.
Chaplains provide faith leadership, personal advice, and solace while adhering to the guiding principles of the Chaplain Mission:
Responsibilities
As a Navy Chaplain, your job encompasses a broad range of duties. You will support fellow servicemembers during joyful and difficult moments. Your responsibilities may include:
Work Environment
Navy Chaplains immerse themselves in the daily lives of servicemembers, offering guidance and insight whenever needed. You could provide support on land or at sea, presiding over religious ceremonies on a base or conducting services from an aircraft carrier's flight deck.
Training & Advancement
To become a Chaplain, you must attend Officer Development School (ODS) in Newport, RI. Upon completion, you attend a seven-week course at the Naval Chaplaincy School and Center, also in Newport, RI.
Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance. Specialized training and work experience can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields like family counseling and behavioral therapy.
Education Opportunities
Navy Chaplains continue their education throughout their careers. Opportunities for continuing education are available through the Advanced Education Program while being paid full-time as a Navy Officer. Beyond professional credentials and certifications, Navy Chaplains can advance their education by:
If you're starting or completing your graduate theological degree, you might enter the Navy Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student.
Qualifications & Requirements
A candidate seeking to serve as a Navy Chaplain and Officer must:
General qualifications may vary depending on whether you're currently serving, have served before, or have never served before.
To learn more and see if you qualify to serve as a Navy Chaplain, please call 855-904-4002.