Job Description
As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands
of Sailors and Marines, supporting and uplifting the brave men and women who have chosen
to serve their country. The Navy Chaplain Corps boasts more than 800 Navy Chaplains from
more than 100 different faith groups, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and many
others. APPLY HERE.
RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Navy Chaplain, your job spans a broad range of duties. You will support fellow service
members during their most joyful and most difficult moments. Your responsibilities might be
to:
Conduct worship services in a variety of settings
Perform religious rites and ceremonies such as weddings, funeral services and
baptisms
Counsel individuals who seek guidance
Oversee religious education programs, such as Sunday school and youth groups
Visit and provide spiritual guidance and care to hospitalized personnel and their
family members
Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs
Promote attendance at religious services, retreats and conferences
Advise leaders at all levels regarding morale, ethics and spiritual well-being
PAY AND BENEFITS
Active duty Chaplains receive:
Competitive salary
Free health insurance
Free housing
A retirement plan
30 days paid vacation
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
If you’re in the process of starting or completing your graduate theological degree, you could
potentially enter the Navy Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student.
Active duty Navy Chaplains can advance their education by:
Post-9/11 GI Bill
Navy Tuition Assistance Program
Pursuing opportunities at institutions such as Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or
Navy War College (NWC)
Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various
service colleges
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
U.S. citizen
Graduate degree in theological or related studies from an accredited educational
institution
Have two years of full-time religious leadership experience
Must be able to obtain an Ecclesiastical Endorsement from a religious faith
organization registered with the Department of Defense
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Navy Chaplains immerse themselves in the daily lives of service members. In what can be
best described as a ministry of presence, they are there to offer guidance and insight in the
moment, whenever they’re needed. You could provide support while on land or at sea, when
presiding over religious ceremonies on a base or when conducting services from the flight
deck of an aircraft carrier.
PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES
There are part-time opportunities as a Navy Chaplain. Serving part-time as a Reserve
Chaplain gives you the flexibility to minister in the Navy while maintaining responsibilities to
your congregation at home.
Additional Requirements
US Citizenship Required