Which Service Branch?
The AMS does not recommend any branch of the military. Priests are needed in each service branch. Because each branch of service offers a different experience and unique opportunities, it is recommended to contact the recruiter from each service and talk about the mission of that particular service. Priest recruiters may share the names of current and past chaplains who are willing to discuss their experiences. Discussions with chaplain recruiters and current and past chaplains are helpful in aligning the would-be chaplain’s own goals for ministry with the particular military mission.
General information about each service branch chaplain corps can be found here:
Army: https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/specialty-careers/chaplain
Navy: https://www.navy.com/careers/chaplain-support/chaplain.html
The Navy Chaplain Corps provides chaplains for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Air Force: https://www.airforce.com/chaplain
The Air Force Chaplain Corps provides chaplains for the Air Force and Space Force.
National Guard: https://www.nationalguard.com/chaplain
Because National Guard units serve under the direction of the state’s governor, priests commissioned as National Guard chaplains remain under the direction of the local diocesan bishop. Nevertheless, as National Guard chaplains can be federalized at any time, the endorsement of the Archbishop for the Military Services is required before they can be commissioned.
The following is a list of current military chaplain recruiters, all priests, who would be glad to assist in answering questions or begin the accession process.
CH (CPT) Father Martin Novitzky, USA – Army, Northeast
martin.w.novitzky.mil@army.mil
Cell: (785) 492-1747
CH (CPT) Jeffrey Paveglio, USA – Army, South, West
jeffrey.a.paveglio.mil@army.mil
Cell: 603-966-7805
LCDR David Hammond, CHC, USN – Navy
navypriestusa@gmail.com
Cell: 301-367-3439
Ch, Capt Nicholas Reid, USAF – Air Force
nicholas.reid.6@us.af.mil
Cell: 573-338-5242
Ch, Maj William Vit, Jr., USAF – Air Force
william.vit.1@us.af.mil
Cell: (701) 747-5673
Opportunities to Explore
Some of the chaplain corps sponsor no-cost opportunities to explore what Catholic ministry involves in its service branch. Contact the priest-recruiters above to see if a Catholic opportunity is possible.
Which Component?
In addition to the service branch, military personnel select a component for their service: active duty, Reserve, or National Guard. An active-duty chaplain is a full-time member of the military with a 24/7 position. He wears the uniform to work every day and is subject to the needs of the military for his temporary and permanent assignments.
The Reserve component of the military generally meets for training one weekend a month and for a two weeks of active-duty support each year. Reserve units are subject to being called up for active duty and assignments around the world as needed.
The training requirements of the National Guard are similar to the Reserve. The state governor is the Commander-in-Chief. National Guard units can be mobilized by the governor to assist with natural disasters or any other emergency requiring their expertise. Some National Guard units are also temporarily federalized to assist the active-duty military.
Accession Requirements
Each service branch establishes its own age limits and physical requirements to be commissioned as a military chaplain. In general, the age limit is the early forties; and while waivers are possible, each military branch has different reasons for granting them. Physical requirements vary, as do waivers from these standards. The service branch recruiter is the best source for answers to questions about accession requirements.
Regardless of service branch, active-duty chaplains must be U.S. citizens. Dual citizenship is not permitted. Some service branches access priests into the Reserve component who are permanent U.S. residents (Green Card holders).