Skip to main content
Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters
Main Content

About CAP Chaplains

About CAP Chaplains

The CAP Chaplain Corps is an organization of endorsed and appointed clergy whose mission is to oversee the moral and spiritual welfare of Civil Air Patrol members and to guide them in living out CAP’s core values.

What is a chaplain and what do we do?

  • A chaplain is an officer who is a member of the clergy and is appointed and endorsed as CAP chaplain

  • Chaplains represent their various faith groups and support the pluralistic ministry of the CAP Chaplain Corps

  • Chaplains are able to advise on religious, ethical, moral, and morale issues confronting the commander and his/her subordinates

  • Chaplains are trained to provide caring and appropriate crisis response

  • Chaplains are also equipped to provide counsel or referral for squadron members who are facing challenges

  • Chaplains have clergy privileged communication protection by law, so the chaplain can provide a safe confidential sounding board

  • It is the chaplain’s job to watch out for the well-being of every person in your squadron, to serve as a unit’s moral and ethical thermostat, and to keep the commander apprised of any issues or concerns

  • It is the chaplain’s job to help ensure the religious liberty of every person in the squadron

  • Chaplains are there to help provide for the religious needs of all squadron members. This can include brief services at events, and helping members find other religious resources

  • Chaplains have rank without command

  • CAP chaplains are the only members of CAP who can directly serve Air Force active, Reserve, and Guard units

  • Chaplains are always addressed as Chaplain, regardless of grade

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I become a CAP Chaplain?

  • CAPR 80-1: CAP Chaplain Corps defines the requirements for CAP chaplaincy.

    • You must meet all requirements for Civil Air Patrol senior membership (see CAPR 39-2, Civil Air Patrol Membership).

    • You must be a fully ordained or qualified clergy/religious professional of their faith group.

    • You must be actively engaged in or retired from a denominationally approved vocation.

    • You must obtain an ecclesiastical endorsement from a faith group listed by the Armed Forces Chaplains Board

    • You must have Bachelor’s Degree from institution listed in ACE Higher Education Directory.

    • You must possess a post-baccalaureate graduate degree of at least 72 semester hours (108 quarter hours) in the field of theological or related studies from a qualifying educational institution.

    • Clergy without accredited graduate degree may ask for a waiver providing they have a minimum of 5 years full time pastoral experience.

    • Contact your wing chaplain for an application (CAP Form 80-1)

  • Will I work with other faith groups in this program?

    • Yes, chaplains help ensure the free exercise of religion for all CAP personnel regardless of religious background

  • What are a Chaplain's administrative requirements?

    • Chaplains are required to track their activities in the CAP Chaplain Corps Reporting System

  • Are there any other chaplaincy resources you recommend?

    • CAP chaplains must be endorsed by a religious endorser recognized by the Armed Services Chaplain Board. Currently there are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist endorsers. There is a Hindu agency that is applying for endorser status but is not yet approved by the AFCB. You may see a list of qualified endorsers here.

  • For more information about CAP chaplaincy, and to contact a chaplain recruiter, go to https://capchaplain.com

 

© 2024 Civil Air Patrol. All rights reserved.