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Requirements

(Please note that requirements are subject to change in order to meet the needs of the Army.)

Members of the Florida Army National Guard truly understand what community means. They dedicate their time and talent locally and globally to help others in times of need. They are continually called upon because of their unwavering dedication to service.

Chaplains inspire these very Soldiers in mind, body and soul. They guide them in faith and bring the Soldier closer to God in times of need.

In the Florida Army National Guard, you will train a minimum of one weekend a month and two weeks a year so you will be ready should your community or nation need you.

Unit Commanders consistently coordinate with their chaplains to make sure they can be with their civilian congregations and still provide for the religious needs of the Soldiers. Congregations often reflect a sense of pride in their pastors who also serve their community Soldiers.

For additional information please contact the Florida National Guard’s Chaplain’s Office at (904) 823-0105.

Requirements

Chaplain

Obtain an official ecclesiastical endorsement from your denomination or faith group.  This endorsement will certify you are:

  • An ordained minister.
  • Qualified spiritually, morally, intellectually and emotionally.
  • Sensitive to religious pluralism and able to provide for the free exercise of religion by all military personnel, their family members and civilians who work for the Army.
  • Possess an accredited baccalaureate degree of not less than 120 semester hours
  • Possess an accredited MDiv or Master’s level that has 72+ semester hours in one degree
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be able to receive a favorable background check for a security clearance
  • Pass a physical exam
  • Be no older than 44 years old (up to 46, with prior military service)

Chaplain Candidate Program

You do not need to wait until your ordination to join the Army National Guard Chaplaincy. You can train to become a chaplain at the same time you are training for the ministry. The training and experience you will receive as a chaplain candidate will add a special dimension to your seminary education. Additionally some seminaries offer academic credit for your training as a Guard Chaplain Candidate.

By joining the Chaplain Candidate Program, you will get a head start on National Guard training, as well as all the benefits of being a Guard officer while still in seminary.

Requirements for Chaplain Candidates:

  • Obtain an ecclesiastical approval from your denomination or faith group
  • Enrolled or accepted at an approved seminary
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Full-time student working toward a graduate degree in theology consisting of 72 or more hours
  • Pass military entrance physical
  • Meet the Army height/weight standards
  • Eligible for secret security clearance
  • Less than 39 years of age at commissioning (regardless of prior service)

Tuition Assistance Program

While attending seminary, Chaplain Candidates may apply for Army National Guard tuition assistance. Candidates may be eligible for up to 100% of their tuition costs, up to $250 per credit hour with a maximum cap of $4500 per year.

Chaplain Assistant

The Chaplain Assistant is part of the Unit Ministry Team (UMT). This specialty is open to men and women of high moral character who wish to provide religious support for all Soldiers and their families.

After completing Basic Combat Training, Chaplain Assistants attend a seven-week course of instruction in how to support the Army’s religious ministry and how to respond to Soldiers during their times of personal crisis. You’ll also be responsible for performing administrative duties, bearing arms and providing protection for the Chaplain.

Additional Qualifications:

  1. Type at least 20 words per minute.
  2. Possess a valid driver’s license.
  3. Be willing to bear arms.

Your local recruiter can help you find out more about this Army enlisted specialty available in the Florida Army National Guard.

Additional Chaplaincy Training

Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) training is provided during the Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course and prepares chaplains to conduct marital education and communication workshops. Chaplains completing the training are certified as PREP instructors.