Recruitment Information: Air Force

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS AIR RESERVE PERSONNEL CENTER (ARPC)DENVER, COLORADO

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL ENDORSERS
5 September 2003

FROM: HQ ARPC/HC
6760 E Irvington Pl #5100
Denver CO 80280-5100

SUBJECT: Recruiting Air Force Reserve Chaplains and Chaplain Candidates

1. Thank you for your steadfast support this past year by endorsing many chaplain candidates and Reserve chaplains. Because of critical needs in the Air Force Chaplain Service, our doors are wide open for qualified personnel.

2. Our recruiting need is great because we are the main pipeline for new active duty chaplains. Currently 50-65 percent of active duty Air Force chaplains come from chaplain candidate and Reserve chaplain programs. Please assist us in the following ways:

1. Search for excellent young men and women who would be outstanding chaplain candidates or Reserve chaplains in the Air Force. Attached are the qualifications they need to apply for the Air Force programs.
2. Chaplain Candidate’s Benefits: Following their first summer training in the Air Force, $3,500/year tuition assistance. In addition, earn approximately $3,000/month as a second lieutenant during summer training.
3. Advertise in key publications. If your faith group has magazines, journals, etc., to reach young adults, please email the name of journal, point of contact, and phone number to Ch Dave Markwalder at david.markwalder@arpc.denver.af.mil.
4. Brochures Available: Please contact Ch Phil Miller with your request when attending conferences or seminaries: philip.miller@arpc.denver.af.mil.
5. Web Link: Share our web site http://arpc.afrc.af.mil with potential candidates/chaplains and advertise our web site on your web page.
6. Deadline: Endorsements for chaplain candidates who desire to do summer training in 2004 are due not later than 1 December 2003. It takes 4 to 6 months to process applicants. Please send all endorsements for chaplain candidates and Reserve chaplains to: HQ ARPC/HCX, 6760 E Irvington Pl #5100, Denver CO 80280-5100.

3. If we had to send this letter to you by snail mail, please send Ch Phil Miller your email address for future correspondence. Thank you for your tremendous support in the strategic mission of recruiting the best personnel possible to minister to the needs of the men and women who serve in the greatest Air Force in the world.

//signed//
RICHARD A. JOHNSON, Ch, Col, USAF
Director, Chaplain Service Individual
Reserve Programs

AIR FORCE CHAPLAIN CANDIDATE PROGRAM

The chaplain candidate program allows individuals to explore the military ministry option while attending a seminary. It is designed to expose seminarians to the diverse and demanding role of Air Force chaplains in a variety of ministerial settings. Chaplain candidates are appointed as a Second Lieutenant.

Qualifications

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Be less than 35 years of age at time of appointment (Allow six months for processing)
• Obtain approval from the agency of your denomination/faith group which endorses chaplains for the Armed Forces
• Apply when enrolled full time in seminary, but no later than the third semester before graduation. Enrollment must be in an accredited or recognized theological seminary or school of religion
• Must be a full time student working toward a Master of Divinity or equivalent degree
• Be able to complete approximately 100 days of training during their summers
• Be physically qualified, as determined by a USAF commissioning physical examination. ( Including Height and Weight Standard Chart)
• Pass a security background investigation

INDIVIDUAL MOBILIZATION AUGMENTEE PROGRAM

Reserve chaplains in this program serve within active duty Air Force chapels. They train and assist in ministry to an active duty community under the supervision of a Wing chaplain. They serve a minimum of 24 days a year. This is a great opportunity to augment an active duty chapel staff and to share spiritual gifts and talents in a pluralistic ministry setting. Reserve chaplains are appointed as a First Lieutenant.

Qualifications

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Possess a bachelor’s degree of not less than 120 semester hours from an accredited college or university
• Possess a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent (certified by an accredited institution) with not less than 72 hours from an accredited graduate or seminary
• Obtain approval from the agency of your denomination/faith group which endorses chaplains for the Armed Forces
• Be less than 40 years of age at the time of initial appointment (less than 42 years with prior military service)
• Be actively engaged in pursuit of a religious vocation
• Be physically qualified, as determined by a USAF commissioning physical examination (Including Height and Weight Standard Chart)
• Pass a security background investigation
• Qualified spiritually, morally, intellectually and emotionally to serve as an Air Force chaplain.
• Sensitive to religious pluralism and will provide for the free exercise of religion by all military personnel, their family members, and other authorized personnel the military services serve.

Height and Weight Chart