The Process for all Navy Chaplain Programs

This is from our official Navy Chaplain Corps site on Navy Knowledge Online. This gives a great comprehensive outline of what is required for Navy Chapalin and Chaplain Candidate programs, active and reserve, and whom to contact. Please note the age limits and religious education requirements, these seem to be the biggest obstacles for Buddhist chaplain inquiries.
__________________________________________
The process for all Navy Chaplain Programs, to include the Chaplain Candidate Program, Active Duty, or Reserves, takes time. The names of all individuals seeking a commission in any service must be placed on a scroll, or list, that periodically goes up to the SEC of Defense for approval. This takes approximately 12 weeks. Only after this list is approved can we request commissioning documents on individuals who have been selected. There are also a number of documents that must be turned in/ and evolutions that must be completed before a person's kit (application package) can be processed. Some of the major things that applicants will need to submit/ and compete are as follows:

--An application
--Ecclesiastical Endorsement/ or for students, an Ecclesiastical Approval
--Resume
--At least 3 work related Letters of References; 3 Peer references
--Transcripts from undergrad/grad schools in sealed envelopes to recruiter
--Academic Degree Completion Plan for seminarians signed off by academic your academic advisor
--Copies of FITREPS/ EVALS and DD 214 for prior service
--DD368 Conditional Release for those currently in the military
--Physical
--Background Check
--Interview with a Chaplain 0-4 or Above
--Interview with the appropriate Chaplain Program Manager

There are only 3 opportunities a year for individuals who are going to Officer Development School with follow on Navy Chaplain School:
January, May and September. CCPOs train in May and July.

All Application packages go before the CARE Advisory Board, which is a professional Board made up of senior Chaplains, and one line officer. Active Duty applicants will be flown to Washington DC for a live interview via the CARE Advisory Board. The CARE Advisory Board will review the applications of all other applicants but a live interview is not conducted with Reserve or CCPO applicants.

The CARE Advisory Board will make a recommendation and final selection will rest with Commander Navy Recruiting Command. Once a person is Final Selected, and the scroll that individual was on is approved, commissioning documents will be requested.

Again, this process takes time, and the faster an applicant can gather and turn in the required paperwork, the better chance we have of hitting the target.

Officer Development School is located in Newport, RI, while the Naval Chaplain School has relocated for Fort Jackson, Columbia, SC.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Requirements for military chaplaincy:

Ecclesiastical Endorsement from applicant's denominational endorser (this certifies experience and degree requirements meet the standards of the respective ecclesiastical group applicant is representing)

A minimum of two years religious leadership experience consistent with clergy in applicant's tradition. This means that if clergy in your tradition preach/ Teach/perform weddings, funerals, baptisms/counsel, etc, you must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience. If an applicant requires an age waiver, the professional Board reviewing the application will expect experience to be commensurate with Age.

United States citizenship (No dual citizenship)

Bachelor's degree (120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours) from an accredited school.

A graduate degree in religious studies of no less than 72 semester hours (or equivalent) from a qualifying (accredited) institution, consistent with the respective religious tradition of the applicant. Endorsers are free to exceed the DoD standard per ecclesiastical requirements, but cannot go below the minimal DoD requirements, e.g. many endorsers specifically require the Master of Divinity degree..

Commissioned and on active duty before age 42. Prior to age 44 if prior service. Age waivers are considered on a case by case basis. Though we Value the wisdom that comes with age and experience, the reality is that The Navy has to bring in individuals young enough who will be able to fill senior leadership positions down the line requisite with Big Navy's Mission. By Title10 law Navy Chaplains must retire no later than The first day of the first month after their 62nd birthday. To be Eligible for retirement, individuals must be able to put in 20 years of Service before their 62nd birthday.

Pass a military commissioning physical

Pass a security background investigation.

Ability to work in the DoD directed religious accommodation environment.


Recruiter - Points of Contact

Below are our (6) Chaplain Program Officers and their contact information. They are attached to Regions East and West, and strategicially located throughout the United States. These individuals ensure that all applicants are connected to the appropriate boots on the ground recruiter in their area, and, mentor applicants through the process. They are:

CDR PETER MUSCHINSE
NAVY RECRUITING REGION WEST
NOSC ST LOUIS
10810 LAMBERT INT’L BLVD
BRIDGETOWN, MO 63044
peter.muschinske@navy.mil
(314) 263-6480 (office)
(314) 261-6456 (cell)
(314) 263-6488 (fax)

LCDR JEFF LOGAN
NAVY RECRUITING REGION WEST
NORS IRVINE
4255 CAMPUS DR, SUITE A255
IRVINE, CA 92612
Jeffrey.logan@navy.mil
(949) 509-7679 (office)
(949) 769-1775 (cell)
(949) 509-9718 (fax)

LT MARGARET E. SIEMER
NAVY RECRUITING REGION WEST
1803 Doolittle Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76127
817 782-1990 office
817 320-4310 cell
margaret.e.siemer@navy.mil

CDR MICHAEL MUELLER
NAVY RECRUITING REGION EAST
6525 BELLCREST RD. STE 450
HYATTSVILLE, MD 20782-2024
Michael.g.mueller1@navy.mil
(301) 394-0502 ext. 228 (office)
(518) 339-2021 (work cell)
(301) 394-0510 (fax)

LCDR DAVID BROWN
NAVY REGION EAST
2400 HERODIAN WAY, STE. 400
SMYRNA, GA 30064
david.r.brown4@navy.mil
(770) 612-4360 ext. 2803
(770) 238-9715 (CELL)

LT GREGORY PETERS
Chaplain Programs Officer
Navy Recruiting Region East
3990 E. Broad St. Bldg 10 Ste 13
Columbus, OH 43218
(614) 693-3072
Fax: (614) 693-3039
Cell: (614) 301-3747
gregory.r.peters@navy.mil
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHAPLAIN CANDIDATE PROGRAM OFFICER PROGRAM MANAGER

LTJG Daniel A. Sorensen, CHC, USN
Chaplain Candidate Program Office
US Fleet Forces Command, N01G
1562 Mitscher Ave.
Norfolk, VA 23551-2487
Com: 757-836-0059
Fax: 757-836-7928
daniel.a.sorensen@navy.mil