Becoming An Endorsed Chaplain in the AMS.

OVERVIEW: a Catholic priest seeking to serve in the US military as a chaplain, whether on active duty, the Reserve or National Guard, or to serve as a contract chaplain at a military installation, or to serve as a chaplain at a VA facility, must first obtain written permission from his Ordinary or Religious Superior (which is addressed to the Military Archbishop but mailed to the AMS Vicar General).  The applicant then completes several pieces of documentation as required by both the specific Service, listed below, as well as by the AMS Vicar General.
 
The AMS is the final authority as to whether a priest will be endorsed for application as a military, VA, or contract Catholic chaplain.

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Process common to ALL applicants:

Address a letter of request stating your desire to serve to:

Rev. Msgr. James R. Dixon
Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA
P.O.Box 4469
Washington, DC 20017-0469
202.729.3600
E-mail: Endorsements@milarch.org

At the same time, you would also contact the appropriate agency listed below indicating your desire to serve as a Catholic chaplain.
Air Force ... Army ... Navy ... VA

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The process for becoming an Air Force Chaplain?

Fr. Chad Zielinski (Ch, Maj, USAF)
Ph: 800.803.2452
Fax: 210.565.4917
E-mail: chad.zielinski@rs.af.mil

When a priest expresses interest in becoming an Air Force chaplain, he is encouraged to work with a spiritual director to discern if this is what God is calling him to do. After he discerns his call, he must:

	Get the permission of his bishop or religious superior to join the Air Force chaplaincy for three years. This permission must be renewed every three years.
	Complete a medical and psychological pre-screening process.
	Meet with an Air Force chaplain recruiter, who will help him complete the application package.
	Collect three to five letters of recommendation.
	Submit the completed application package to a board, which decides whether he will be chosen for the chaplaincy.

On average, the process takes two to three months. The Air Force requires that men who want to become chaplains be U.S. citizens, 35 years old or less except in special cases. The Archdiocese for the Military Services requires priests to have a minimum of 3 years of priestly pastoral experience before they can be considered for endorsement as a military Catholic chaplain.

The process for becoming an Army chaplain?

	Request the permission of his bishop or religious superior to be released for a three-year tour of duty.
	Complete an application package, which includes the endorsement of his diocese, a number of essays, proof of degrees earned, information that will be used to earn a security clearance.
	Undergo a physical exam at a military entrance station.
	Submit the completed application and supporting materials to the Chief of Chaplains office, which reviews applications eight times a year and decides whether to invite the candidate to become an active duty, reserve, or National Guard chaplain.

On average, the process takes three to six months. Every three years, an Army chaplain must go through the board review process again. While most Army chaplains are under 40, the position is also open to older priests. If a man has prior military service, he can be up to 50 years old in some cases. The Archdiocese of the Military Services requires a priest to have three to five years of pastoral experience before he can be considered for endorsement as a military Catholic chaplain.

The process for becoming a Navy chaplain?

	Get the permission of his bishop or religious superior to be released to serve for three years.
	Complete security clearance procedures with the Department of Defense.
	Submit a resume, letters of recommendation, and take part in an interview.
	Undergo complete physical and psychological exams.
	Submit the completed application and supporting materials to the Chief of Chaplains board.
	If selected as a candidate, take part in an interview in Washington, D.C.

The final decision is made by the Chief of Chaplains. The process usually takes at least three months. Candidates must be U.S. citizens. In addition, the Archdiocese of the Military Services requires a priest to have three to five years of pastoral experience before he can be considered for a position as a chaplain.

The process for becoming a VA chaplain?