Requirements of Military Branches and Federal Bureau of Prisons for Chaplains 

The general requirements for the different branches of the military and for the Federal Bureau of Prisons are as follows. (Please consult with the actual documents.)

U.S. Army :

To be a potential chaplain in the U.S. Army the following requirements are essential to be fulfilled.

  1. The potential chaplain must be an ordained priest (minister, rabbi, imam); a qualified spiritually, morally, intellectually and emotionally to serve as a chaplain in the Army; and is sensitive to religious pluralism and able to provide for the free exercise of religion by all military personnel, their family members, and the civilians who work for the Army.
  2. The potential candidate must have a baccalaureate degree of at least 120 semester hours and a master’s degree in divinity or a graduate degree in theological studies with at least 72 hours of theological coursework.
  3. The potential candidate must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, be able to receive a favorable background check, be able to pass a physical exam, and meet current age guidelines.

U.S. Navy :

To be a potential chaplain in the U.S. Navy the following requirements are essential to be fulfilled.

  1. The U.S. Navy requires ecclesiastical endorsement by a religious organization recognized by the Department of Defense.
  2. The potential candidate must hold a baccalaureate degree of at least 120 semester hours and a master’s degree in divinity or a graduate degree in theological studies with at least 72 hours of theological coursework plus two years professional experience after attending seminary.
  3. The potential candidate must be under 40 years old when reporting for active duty.
  4. Must be a U.S. citizen, be able to receive a favorable background check, be physically qualified under Navy standards, and be able to successfully complete an in person interview conducted by the Selection Board members in Washington, DC.

U .S. Air Force:

To be a potential chaplain in the U.S. Navy the following requirements are essential to be fulfilled.

  1. The potential candidate requires ecclesiastical endorsement by a religious organization recognized by the Department of Defense.
  2. The potential candidate must be a U.S. citizen, have a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent in a three-year in-residence program.
  3. Must pass a commissioning physical and a background security investigation, and be commissioned prior to the age of 40.

U .S. Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Prisons ):

To be a potential chaplain in the U.S. Navy the following requirements are essential to be fulfilled:

  1. The Federal Bureau of Prisons requires ecclesiastical endorsement by a religious organization recognized by the Department of Justice.
  2. The applicant must be a fully qualified member in good standing of the clergy of that organization and has had an official, ecclesiastical relationship with this endorsing body for a minimum of two years.
  3. The applicant has no legal, moral or ecclesiastical barrier to congregational ministry, is mature enough in his faith to minister to persons of all faiths without compromising or projecting personal beliefs.
  4. The candidate must be fully eligible and available for pastoral appointment with this endorsing faith group.
  5. The potential candidate must authorize by this endorsing body for secular work and ministry on the weekly day of religious observance and traditional holy days.
  6. The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree and a 90-credit hour Master of Divinity degree or equivalent with specific numbers of credits in four areas specified by the Federal Bureau of Prisons
  7. Must be a U.S. citizen, and be is able to pass Federal Bureau of Prisons physical requirements and successfully complete their security training,
  8. The candidate is able to receive favorable background checks, and meets the age requirements of the Federal Bureau of Prisons