Posted on Feb 26, 2019

What exactly takes place (chain of events) between commissioning and CH-BOLC?

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I am a college junior on track to graduate by next May. I am currently working toward my Bachelor's and will be applying for my master's program and enter the Army as a Chaplain Candidate. What exactly takes place (chain of events) between commissioning and CH-BOLC? Thanks.

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Chaplain

56A: Command and Unit Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC)

Edited >1 y ago

Posted >1 y ago

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Responses: 4

CH (COL) Geoff Bailey

Posted >1 y ago

1LT (Join to see) once you’re selected for the chaplain candidate program, your should receive paperwork in the mail with an oath of office and then be assigned to a unit (USAR or ARNG). You’ll attend battle assembly or drill and yearly annual training with your unit while awaiting a confirmed date for CHBOLC. Don’t delay attendance at CHBOLC. That course will teach you the basics of serving as a religious leader and religious advisor to your assigned unit.

Your recruiting officer (chaplain) should be able to provide more detailed information.

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1LT (Join to see)

>1 y

CH (COL) Geoff Bailey Thank you. Will do.

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CH (COL) Geoff Bailey

>1 y

1LT (Join to see) https://m.goarmy.com/chaplain/become-an-army-chaplain/candidate-program.m.html

Chaplain Candidate Program | GoArmy.com

The training and experience you receive as a chaplain candidate will supplement your ministerial education and training. All chaplain candidates are commissioned officers assigned to the Army Reserve in the chaplain branch.

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CH (CPT)(P) (Join to see)

5 y

1LT (Join to see) LTC Bailey has a lot of great advice—follow it. I am a Chaplain Candidate who was just approved for accession—most of us did attend drill prior to CHBOLC. For those with no prior service, that is a great opportunity to learn things about your uniform, customs and courtesies, and even how to get your TA-50 together prior to BOLC. Your NCOs at your unit are a great resource for basic soldiering skills and also teaching you how to treat others. (Your interactions with NCOs at BOLC will be similar to how scared younger PVTs and PV2s treat you as a 2LT.). Although you will be taught everything there, it is kind of nice not having to learn all of that in addition to everything else. There are great videos and blogs online that detail CHBOLC. My first advice is to train physically, break in your boots, and make sure you have gel insoles and good socks. If you’re younger, you may not have the problems some of us had from running in boots the firsts couple of weeks (it’s not far, you just have to move quickly). Listen to the officers in your unit and learn how to be a staff officer (or how not to be one) from them. Again, it will help you at BOLC.

Be prepared to work in a pluralistic environment. Stick to the tenets of your faith but treat others with respect and compassion. One team, one fight.

Let me know what questions you have of someone who recently completed CHBOLC and the Chaplain Candidate program. Peace be with you.

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1LT (Join to see)

5 y

CH (CPT)(P) (Join to see) Thank you for your response! It's good to hear from someone who just went through. I have been training physically, since I felt the call to do this I have lost a total of 60 pounds, I'm getting more and more excited as I get closer to graduation. My dad, a former Jump Master told me the same thing, listen to your NCOs. I really appreciate any more insight you have to help me prepare for next year when, Lord willing, I commission.

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