What is a chaplain candidate? Published Aug. 15, 2007 By 2nd Lt. Jeremy Caudill Vance Chapel VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- What is a chaplain candidate? Have you ever asked yourself that question? No, I didn't think so. If you are like most people, you've never heard of a chaplain candidate. A chaplain candidate is similar to a student in pilot training - you get to do a great deal that a pilot does, but you don't receive your wings (in my case a cross) until completing a lot of training. Becoming a chaplain is a unique experience, and it's the only career path in the Air Force that lets you try it out before making it a career. The first step is to be enrolled at an accredited seminary for a minimum of one year and be working toward a degree. In my case, I am enrolled at Dallas Theological Seminary working on my Master of Theology. Next, potential candidates must be indorsed by a Department of Defense recognized Religious Endorsing Agency. What is an REA? A REA is a religious organization that puts its stamp of approval on chaplains. They basically say they have faith in a person, (no pun intended) and they are qualified to serve the Air Force. After the individuals are indorsed (which is usually the longest step in the process), potential candidates must contact an Air Force Reserve recruiter. The recruiter puts together a mountain of paperwork, schedules a physical at the Military Entrance Processing Station and submits the package. Once the package is approved, candidates are sworn in as second lieutenants in the Air Force. All of that is just the beginning, a mere baby step along the marathon. After receiving a commission, candidates must attend Commissioned Officer Training for five weeks at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., and later attend a two week Chaplain Candidate Course. Once that is accomplished, they must complete two follow on tours with an active-duty chaplain for 35 days. Once candidates have carried out these steps and have graduated seminary, they are ready to reapply for a commission in the Air Force. If accepted, they have the option of being re-commissioned to active duty, the Reserves or the Air National Guard. I will graduate in December and hopefully be reappointed as an Air Force chaplain in January. It is a long process, but one that is incredibly rewarding. As chaplain candidates, we get to experience first hand what ministry in the Air Force is all about and are able to glorify God, honor Airmen and serve all. If you have any interest in learning more about becoming a chaplain or know anyone who is, then call the chapel office at 213-7211 or use the following resources: http://www.afrc.af.mil/library/chaplain/howtojoin/candidate/index.asp http://www.usafhc.af.mil/ Toll free: 1(800) 223-1784, Ext. 72270, commercial: (478) 327-2270, DSN: 497-2270