Is there an educational waiver for military chaplaincy?

Cpl Phillip Taylor — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 02:28:31 -0400

According to the DODO 1304.28, chaplains are required to have qualified graduate degree of at least 72 hours. I have a 48 hour MTS. But with credits from two other seminaries, I actually have well over 80 hours. Can I get a waiver to stack my transcripts? Even if it’s possible, is it likely? Any branch.

Response by Cpl Phillip Taylor made Oct 20 at 2020 2:46 AM

Cpl Phillip Taylor — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 02:46:10 -0400

DODI 1304.28

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2020 8:11 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 08:11:41 -0400

as short as the military appears to be on Chaplains, I'd think they would be willing to grant any number of waivers.....

My unit hasn't had a chaplain for nearly 8 years since the last one retired.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 20 at 2020 9:26 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 09:26:22 -0400

CH (MAJ) William Beaver and insight?

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Oct 20 at 2020 10:59 AM

SGT Javier Silva — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 10:59:49 -0400

DODI 1304.28 does not allow for waivers on educational requirements. Para 6.1.4 requires that an RMP have a Bachelor's degree with no less than 120 hours. Then you must have a graduate degree in theological, or related, studies with no less than 72 hours.

Enclosure 2.1.9 defines an RMP. It partially states: "An RMP is a fully qualified member of the clergy for those religious organizations that have a tradition of professional clergy or their equivalents."

Enclosure 2.1.10 defines a religious organization.

Enclosure 3.1.2 states, in part, "The religious organization shall be able to submit documents to permit endorsement of chaplains for the first time only when they are endorsing a fully and professionally qualified candidate not currently endorsed by another religious organization, without requirement for waivers of the standards specified by the applicable Military Department."

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2020 7:11 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 19:11:09 -0400

Talk to a specialty branch recruiter and ask. Reading the regulation, it doesn't seem like you meet the criteria as written, however it may be possible for your recruiter to submit for an ETP from the Chaplain Corps. I would assume that your chances would be favorable given the lack of qualified chaplains and the amount of graduate credits you have obtained.