Are you looking for a ministry that goes beyond the walls of a traditional church? The United States Navy is seeking faithful, driven, and compassionate spiritual leaders to serve as Navy Chaplains.
As a Navy Chaplain, your congregation consists of Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and their families. You will provide spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and ethical leadership to men and women serving our country worldwide—on ships at sea, on bases at home, and on deployments abroad.
For Current Seminary Students: Through the Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO), you can commission as a Navy Officer while still in school. This allows you to experience Navy ministry during your summer breaks, receive officer training, and transition seamlessly into full-time or reserve chaplaincy upon graduation only if you decided to join the Navy.
Core Responsibilities
Navy Chaplains operate under a unique four-fold ministry model, serving people of all faiths (and those of no faith) with absolute confidentiality:
PROVIDE: Conduct religious services, sacraments, and ordinances according to your own faith tradition and ordination.
FACILITATE: Ensure all personnel have the freedom to practice their respective faiths, helping arrange care or resources for those of other traditions.
CARE: Provide compassionate, 100% confidential pastoral counseling to service members and their families dealing with stress, deployment, relationship challenges, or grief.
ADVISE: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and commanders on matters of morale, ethics, religion, and the well-being of the command.
Opportunities & Benefits
The Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO): Earn an officer rank and gain hands-on ministry experience during summers while completing your degree. No military obligation is required during seminary.
Global Ministry Impact: Minister to a young, diverse, and vibrant population in dynamic environments across the globe.
Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive salary, tax-free housing allowances, comprehensive medical/dental care for you and your family, and 30 days of paid vacation earned annually.
Post-Graduation Educational Assistance: Potential eligibility for tuition assistance, loan repayment programs, or the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education: Currently enrolled in or a graduate of an accredited seminary or theological school, pursuing an Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent theological degree (minimum 72 semester hours).
Ecclesiastical Endorsement: Must be able to obtain an endorsement from a recognized religious faith group certifying your education, ordination, and fitness to represent your faith tradition in the military.
Citizenship & Age: Must be a U.S. citizen. Age limits apply based on active duty vs. reserve components (generally under 42 for direct commissioning, though waivers may apply).
Fitness & Character: Must meet Navy physical, medical, and security clearance standards.
How to Apply or Learn More
If you are ready to take your ministry where it is needed most, contact nearby Navy Officer Recruiting station to discuss the Chaplain Candidate Program or Direct Commissioning pathways.
Contact Information:
Name/Rank: Lingyao Ye/AE1
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 646-656-5569
Office: Navy Talent Acquisition Group Empire State
