Chaplain

The Calling

As a Navy Chaplain, your "congregation" consists of Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and their families. This is a unique, high-impact ministry where you provide spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and ethical leadership in diverse environments—from the chapel to the deck of an aircraft carrier or a field hospital.

You are more than a religious leader; you are a commissioned Naval Officer and a strategic advisor to commanders on matters of morale, ethics, and well-being.

Key Responsibilities

• The Ministry of Presence: Live and work alongside service members to provide support where they are—whether at sea, on base, or deployed.
• Religious Services: Facilitate and conduct worship services, sacraments, and rites according to your own faith tradition.
• Pluralistic Support: Ensure the "Free Exercise of Religion" for all personnel, regardless of their religious background.
• Confidential Counseling: Provide 100% confidential counseling to service members facing personal, professional, or spiritual challenges.
• Advisory Role: Advise senior leadership on the spiritual and ethical health of the command.

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive Salary: Competitive base pay plus tax-free allowances for housing and meals.
• Insurance: 100% medical and dental coverage for you; low-cost options for your family.
• Education: Continued professional development and opportunities for advanced degrees.
• Retirement: Access to the Blended Retirement System and a pension after 20 years of service.
• Travel: Opportunity to serve in various global locations.
• Work-Life Balance: 30 days of paid vacation earned every year.

Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Education: * A 120-credit Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• A Master of Divinity or equivalent theological graduate degree (minimum 72 semester hours).
• Professional Experience: Minimum of two years of full-time professional experience in a leadership role within your religious organization following your graduate degree.
• Ecclesiastical Endorsement: Must be endorsed by a religious organization recognized by the Armed Forces Chaplains Board (AFCB).
• Physical & Age: Must be able to pass a physical examination and meet Navy body composition standards.
• Must be at least 21 years old and able to commission by age 42 (age waivers may be considered for highly qualified candidates).

How to Apply

Ready to take your ministry where it’s needed most?

Please contact Petty Officer Ye at

646-656-5569

• Lingyao.ye.mil@us.navy.mil