Job Snapshot
Location:
Terre Haute, IN 47802
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Other Pay:
Guard Enlistment:Officer Bonuses of up to $30,000 are available
Industry:
Military
Not for Profit - Charitable
Job Type:
Government
Nonprofit - Social Services
Professional Services
Experience:
Not Specified
Description
Be a Commissioned Officer in the Army National Guard
Commissioned officers in the Army National Guard hold positions of great authority. They're decision-makers with a profound responsibility to their country and themselves.To become an Officer, you must demonstrate character attributes including integrity, courage, leadership, intelligence, the ability to make major decisions and the willingness to accept moral responsibility for your decisions.
Chaplain
Commissioned officer. Spiritual counselor. Religious leader.
As a chaplain in the Army National Guard, you're the pillar of spiritual strength for Soldiers and their families. You'll bring them closer to God in times of need, help prepare them for the difficult challenges they'll face and counsel them when those tough times arise.
You'll be there to support them through life's blessings and trials—weddings, births, funerals, couples therapy, grief counseling and more.
Chaplains consult and assist in matters including:
- Suicide prevention
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Marriage and relationship enhancement
- Clinical pastoral education (for hospital chaplains)
- Overseeing religious ministries, including workshops, counseling sessions, religious education and special events
- Officiating at military functions, funerals, memorials and other ceremonies
- Providing religious ministry to a variety of armed service personnel and civilians from foreign nations and agencies
Salaries & Benefits
Serving your calling and your country is a noble endeavor. While making a difference in countless lives, you'll also be making positive changes in your own.
Financial Rewards
The Guard will compensate you for the time and contributions you make. Financial benefits of part-time Guard service include:
- $40,000 Chaplain Loan Repayment Program (Educational Loans)
- Up to $10,000 signing bonus
- Officer's pay and allowances
- A 401-K type savings plan (TSP)
- A retirement plan in recognition of your part-time service
- Discounted grocery and shopping privileges at post exchanges and commissaries
- Tri-Care Reserve Select healthcare coverage
Family Matters
When you become a member of the Guard family, we help you look after your family, too:
- Medical and dental care for you and your family (Tri-Care Reserve Select)
- Up to $400,000 in low cost life insurance
- Free academic testing and counseling for spouse
- Access to recreational facilities on military installations
Career Enhancement
The Guard is an excellent vehicle to enhance your career path:
- Additional certifications in chaplaincy-related specialties
- Valuable training and leadership experience
- Continuing education opportunities
- Retirement pay for part-time service, with no paycheck deductions
Training
Chaplain Officer Basic Leadership Course (CH-BOLC)
When you join the Army National Guard as a Chaplain, you will be a commissioned officer. If you join prior to ordainment, you will enter as a Chaplain Candidate.
In either case, your initial training will include CH-BOLC, where you'll learn fundamental military tasks and how to perform religious duties in a military environment.
CH-BOLC consists of three segments:
- Phase I
In this two-week course you'll learn Army writing and correspondence.
- Chaplain Initial Military Training
In this four-week resident course, you’ll learn core non-combatant skills such as map reading, military customs and courtesies, operations in field conditions and combat survival.
- Phases II and III
These two three-week courses will train you in Army-specific chaplain duties and applying your civilian skills to the Army National Guard environment.
Education
A higher education takes you a step closer to your higher calling. The Army National Guard understands this, so we have several programs that make college, seminary or divinity school affordable:
- Up to $4,500 a year in federal tuition assistance (not to exceed $223.00 per semester hour)
- Up to 100% tuition costs may be covered by scholarships provided by schools in partnership with the National Guard.
- The Montgomery G.I. Bill provides extra money to pay for books, expenses and lab fees
- Up to $40,000 in student loan repayment under the Chaplain Loan Repayment Program (CHLRP)
- Drill pay to offset monthly expenses
- Tri-Care Reserve Select insurance program helps cover medical costs while in school. Family coverage is less than $275.00 per month.
- Some states offer state-based aid to students who serve in the National Guard. Contact the National Guard State Education Officer for more details
Requirements
Chaplain Eligibility Requirements
Chaplain
Obtain a federally recognized Ecclesiastical endorsement from your denomination or faith group certifying that you are:
- Less than 47 years of age if not prior service (up to 50 years of age if prior service)
- Qualified spiritually, morally, intellectually and emotionally
- Sensitive to religious pluralism and able to provide for the free exercise of religion by all military personnel and their family members
- Possess a Bachelor's Degree (not less than 120 semester hours)
- Possess an accredited Master's Degree of not less than 72 semester hours (36 semester hours must be in Theology)
Chaplain Candidates
Obtain an Ecclesiastical Approval from your denomination or faith group certifying that you:
- Are enrolled in or accepted into an accredited graduate program
- Are a U.S. citizen (includes naturalized)
- Are a full-time student working toward a graduate degree in theology consisting of 72 or more hours
- Can pass the military commission physical
- Meet Army height/weight standards
- Are eligible for security clearance
- Are less than 43 years of age at commissioning