The Royal Canadian Chaplain Service - Become a Chaplain

What is a CAF Chaplain ?

What is a CAF Chaplain ?

CAF chaplains attend to the needs of all members of the CAF and their families, whether they identify with a particular Faith Tradition, have no specific spiritual/faith practice, belief or custom, or are spiritually curious. CAF chaplains attend to the spiritual needs of people by providing an active, personal, and supportive presence, spiritual counseling, encouraging individuals in understanding themselves, interpreting spiritual/theological/moral issues and ethical questions, educating CAF members in such areas as ethics, anger management, suicide prevention etc., by facilitating the spiritual/religious needs of CAF members and their families, and by visiting and caring for the sick, troubled, and challenged.

What Does a CAF Chaplain Do?

All CAF chaplains work within inter-Faith Tradition chaplain teams. One must therefore have the desire, strength of character, and a strong sense of personal spiritual/religious security to enjoy, and to be energized by, working in harmony with chaplains from a wide variety of spiritual and religious backgrounds. 

CAF chaplains are responsible for fostering the spiritual, religious, and pastoral care of CAF members and their families, regardless of religious affiliation, practice, and/or belief.

CAF chaplains have privileged access to CAF members of all ranks, have no command authority, and are prohibited from bearing arms. Their responsibilities include:

  • Providing an active, personal, and supportive presence
  • Officiating at special functions, service, events, and ceremonies
  • Advising the Chain of Command regarding spiritual/religious accommodation issues, ethical dilemmas, as well as spiritual and moral issues pertaining to the Formation/Unit/Squadron 
  • Applying knowledge in general military administration and RCChS policies
  • Liaising with local area civilian Faith Tradition leaders
  • Referring CAF members and their families to other helping professionals, such as social workers, psychologists, or medical personnel, as required
  • Providing compassionate and caring support during, and following, significant life events and incidents
Interfaith Committee on Canadian Military Chaplaincy (ICCMC)

The Interfaith Committee on Canadian Military Chaplaincy (ICCMC) supports the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service (RCChS) in its mission within the unique context of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The ICCMC is the body through which RCChS chaplain requirements and standards are set, Faith Tradition communities of Canada exercise their support to the CAF, and represents and reflects the work of the RCChS to member Faith Tradition communities throughout the country.

In the role of provision of spiritual/religious oversight of chaplains, the ICCMC provides advice to the Chaplain General and the MND, exercising a vital role within the RCChS. 

Recruitment - Regular Force (RegF)

What they do

CAF chaplains are responsible for fostering the spiritual, religious, and pastoral care of CAF members and their families, regardless of religious affiliation, practice, and/or belief.

CAF chaplains have privileged access to CAF members of all ranks, have no command authority, and are prohibited from bearing arms. Their responsibilities include:

  • Providing an active, personal, and supportive presence
  • Officiating at special functions, service, events, and ceremonies
  • Advising the Chain of Command regarding spiritual/religious accommodation issues, ethical dilemmas, as well as spiritual and moral issues pertaining to the Formation/Unit/Squadron 
  • Applying knowledge in general military administration and RCChS policies
  • Liaising with local area civilian Faith Tradition leaders
  • Referring CAF members and their families to other helping professionals, such as social workers, psychologists, or medical personnel, as required
  • Providing compassionate and caring support during, and following, significant life events and incidentsCAF chaplains work in all military environments with members of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, and the Royal Canadian Air Force.

CAF chaplains provide an active, personal and supportive presence, and offer spiritual and personal growth programmes and events throughout the year. Public services and military ceremonies typically require the chaplain to participate and offer inclusive spiritual reflections. CAF chaplain can work in Canada, or may be required to go abroad during operations.

Qualification Requirements

RegF Direct Entry Officer (DEO) minimum standards for enrollment:  

a. Canadian citizenship;

b. Must be between 18 and 53 years old and prepared to sign and complete the term of an initial 6-year contract, which may be renewed until the mandatory retirement age currently set at 60. Please note that while the recruitment process may take up to 12 months to complete, the date of enrollment must be prior to one’s 54th birthday [Source: DAOD 5002-1, Sect.4];

c. Baccalaureate degree in any discipline;

d. Graduate level degree (Master of Divinity or its equivalent) from an institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools or equivalent, providing professional training and formation for Faith Tradition leaders;

e. Faith Tradition leadership credentials (i.e. ordination, pastoral mandate, or your Faith Tradition’s equivalent) as recognized by the Interfaith Committee on Canadian Military Chaplaincy (ICCMC);

f. Member in Good Standing of a Canadian-based National Faith Tradition Governing Authority as recognized by the ICCMC;

g. Two years of post-credential, fulltime paid, Faith Tradition leadership experience; and

h. Must meet all CAF military enrollment requirements.

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  • Applicants to the Regular Force (full-time) must pass a Chaplain Suitability Board interview. Additionally, chaplain applicants must follow the same recruiting process as for all applicants to the CAF which is completed through a local Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre (CFRC). It is highly recommended, however, that this process with the CFRC not be initiated until after contact with a Regional Chaplain Recruiter in order to ensure clear communication of information.
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  • A key component of all applications to serve as a CAF chaplain is an endorsement for Faith Tradition leadership through the ICCMC. The first step in receiving ICCMC Endorsement begins by being recommended by one’s ICCMC Faith Tradition Representative. The application for ICCMC Recommendation and Endorsement is processed through the Director of Chaplain Services (DChapSvcs).

RegF Direct Entry Officer (DEO)

This is the plan of entry the most utilized into the Chaplaincy. Since the recruitment process is complex, involving both the CAF and Faith Tradition authorities, applicants will receive guidance from the Chaplain General's office in all aspects of the process.

Working Environment

As a chaplain you will be in the privileged position to work with a multi-faith team that provides spiritual care to all CAF members and their families, regardless of rank or position. You will be responsible for facilitating the spiritual wellbeing and religious needs of CAF personnel, as required. You will learn to recognize specific psychosocial and spiritual challenges of military life and to make recommendations for referral to other helping professionals, as necessary.

Chaplains provide an active, personal, and supportive presence, and offer spiritual teaching opportunities. Military ceremonies and unit parades often require the chaplain to offer inclusive spiritual reflections. Liaising with Faith Tradition leaders in the civilian community is expected. The chaplain is an important member of the command team of the unit by providing spiritual, religious, and ethical insights and recommendations.

The relationship between the chaplain and all members of the unit can be profound, spiritually intense, and privileged. Only the chaplain can achieve this special trust because he or she has privileged access to all members, has no commanding authority, and is prohibited from bearing arms.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact your Regional Chaplain Recruiting Officer.

Recruitment - Reserve Force (ResF)

What they do

CAF chaplains are responsible for fostering the spiritual, religious, and pastoral care of CAF members and their families, regardless of religious affiliation, practice, and/or belief.

CAF chaplains have privileged access to CAF members of all ranks, have no command authority, and are prohibited from bearing arms. Their responsibilities include:

  • Providing an active, personal, and supportive presence
  • Officiating at special functions, service, events, and ceremonies
  • Advising the Chain of Command regarding spiritual/religious accommodation issues, ethical dilemmas, as well as spiritual and moral issues pertaining to the Formation/Unit/Squadron 
  • Applying knowledge in general military administration and RCChS policies
  • Liaising with local area civilian Faith Tradition leaders
  • Referring CAF members and their families to other helping professionals, such as social workers, psychologists, or medical personnel, as required
  • Providing compassionate and caring support during, and following, significant life events and incidentsCAF chaplains work in all military environments with members of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, and the Royal Canadian Air Force.

CAF chaplains provide an active, personal and supportive presence, and offer spiritual and personal growth programmes and events throughout the year. Public services and military ceremonies typically require the chaplain to participate and offer inclusive spiritual reflections. CAF chaplain can work in Canada, or may be required to go abroad during operations.

Qualification Requirements

ResF Direct Entry Officer (DEO) minimum standards for enrollment:  

a. Canadian citizenship;

b. Must be between 18 and 53 years old and prepared to commit to an initial period of service, which subsequently can be renewed up to the age of 60; 

c. Baccalaureate degree in any discipline;

d. Graduate level degree (Master of Divinity or its equivalent) from an institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools or equivalent, providing professional training and formation for Faith Tradition leaders;

e. Faith Tradition leadership credentials (i.e. ordination, pastoral mandate, or your Faith Tradition’s equivalent) as recognized by the Interfaith Committee on Canadian Military Chaplaincy (ICCMC);

f. Member in Good Standing of a Canadian-based National Faith Tradition Governing Authority as recognized by the ICCMC;

g. Two years of post-credential, fulltime paid, Faith Tradition leadership experience; and

h. Must meet all CAF military enrollment requirements.

  • Applicants to the Reserve Force (part time) must pass a Chaplain Suitability Board interview. Additionally, chaplain applicants must follow the same recruiting process as for all applicants to the CAF which is completed through a local Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre (CFRC). It is highly recommended, however, that this process with the CFRC not be initiated until after contact with a Regional Chaplain Recruiter in order to ensure clear communication of information.
  • A key component of all applications to serve as a CAF chaplain is an endorsement for Faith Tradition leadership through the ICCMC. The first step in receiving ICCMC Endorsement begins by being recommended by one’s ICCMC Faith Tradition Representative. The application for ICCMC Recommendation and Endorsement is processed through the Director of Chaplain Services (DChapSvcs). Applicants will be expected to meet Canadian Forces physical and medical standards and go through a Canadian Forces and RCChS selection process, and that includes tests, interviews and an acceptance board.

 

Working Environment

As a chaplain you will be in the privileged position to work with a multi-faith team that provides spiritual care to all CAF members and their families, regardless of rank or position. You will be responsible for facilitating the spiritual wellbeing and religious needs of CAF personnel, as required. You will learn to recognize specific psychosocial and spiritual challenges of military life and to make recommendations for referral to other helping professionals, as necessary.

Chaplains provide an active, personal, and supportive presence, and offer spiritual teaching opportunities. Military ceremonies and unit parades often require the chaplain to offer inclusive spiritual reflections. Liaising with Faith Tradition leaders in the civilian community is expected. The chaplain is an important member of the command team of the unit by providing spiritual, religious, and ethical insights and recommendations.

The relationship between the chaplain and all members of the unit can be profound, spiritually intense, and privileged. Only the chaplain can achieve this special trust because he or she has privileged access to all members, has no commanding authority, and is prohibited from bearing arms.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact your Regional Chaplain Recruiting Officer.

Cadet Training Centres

The Sea, Army and Air Cadet Training Centres across Canada require recognized Faith Tradition leaders, and Faith Tradition lay workers to provide spiritual care to their cadet population. For many of the cadets it will be their first experience away from home and many will appreciate the friendly face of a chaplain to help them through a challenging, exciting, and, for some, a high stress experience.

Your duties will center on care for all officers, staff, and cadets. As well, you will provide opportunities for meaningful, voluntary spiritual/religious services for those expressing an interest to participate. That duty will include arranging for, and facilitating, the diverse practice and observance of many spiritual, religious, and Faith Traditions.

While you are free to practice according to your Faith Tradition within the context of a voluntary religious services, public ceremonies are an entirely different situation. You will be working in a multi-faith and multi-cultural setting and any public prayers will therefore be inclusive of all. Your primary duties will be pastoral support to all regardless of culture, gender, sexual orientation, spiritual practice, or Faith Tradition.

One of your important duties will be to provide instruction in the Cadet Life Skills Program. Each week of training has a lesson that is directed and relevant to issues related to being a young adult growing up in a complex world. The Life Skills program is not religious in nature, but rather it seeks to provide a holistic approach – moral, ethical, spiritual – to youth development.

Time Commitment: Cadet Training Centers run from late June until the end of the third week in August. The longer the period of time you can commit the better, but a minimum of two weeks is required.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact your Regional Chaplain Recruiting Officer.

Training

How will I get the training I need in order to be an effective chaplain within the Canadian Armed Forces ?

In the CAF, training is an on-going process. While much training is received on the job, experienced chaplains on your team will show you the ropes, and your Senior Chaplain supervisor will take a special interest and an active role in your training plan. Additionally, you will participate in simulation exercises designed to hone your skills under the most adverse and challenging circumstances.

The CAF Chaplain School and Centre (CFChSC) will train you for the responsibilities you will take on at each critical stage in your career. Opportunities for professional development and continued scholastic upgrading are also made available to chaplains. Post Graduate Studies in Ethics, Pastoral Counselling, and Conflict Management, and Pluralism are made available to selected candidates.

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