Catholic Priest - Air Force

Nothing tests religious beliefs more than many situations our Airmen face throughout the course of their service. Providing pastoral care ministry and counseling to those of faith and those of no faith, Air Force chaplains are religious ministry professionals who support the spiritual resilience of our Airmen all over the world. As spiritual leaders, chaplains are relied upon for faith and personal guidance. They are also advocates for our Airmen and consult with leadership on moral, ethical and quality-of-life issues.

• Manage and support spiritual centers on military installations around the world
• Conduct worship services, liturgies and rites
• Advise leadership on spiritual, religious, ethical, moral, morale and quality-of-life issues
• Supervise and manage chapel personnel, operations and religious ministry programs

CAREER TASKS

02 OF 04

• Required Education

  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum of 120 semester hours
  
  Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree with no less than 72 hours from an accredited institution.

• Pastoral Ministry Requirement

  Two years of religious ministry leadership experience

• Denominations

  Christian Protestant
  
  Muslim
  
  Jewish
  
  Orthodox Christian
  
  Roman Catholic
  
  Other faith groups

• Qualifications

  Must be a U.S. citizen
  
  Receive an Ecclesiastical Endorsement from a DoD-recognized endorser
  
  Meet medical and physical fitness standards
  
  No convictions by courts-martial or by civilian courts (except for minor traffic violations or similar infractions)
  
  No disciplinary action for engaging in an unprofessional or inappropriate relationship
  
  No record of disciplinary action for financial irresponsibility, domestic violence or child abuse
  
  Be commissioned by 40 years of age, age waivers may be available

• Personnel Status

  Officer*
  
  *When you join the chaplain corps, you will be commissioned as an officer. Your rank will be based on education level and experience.