Chaplain Recruitment

Primary Chaplain Branch Badge

Alternate Formats

Foster the religious, spiritual and moral well-being of members and their families
Offer a ministry of presence in a multitude of environments (at home and abroad)
Participate in the life of the worshipping community
Officiate at special functions
Advise the Commanding Officer regarding the spiritual and ethical well-being and morale of their unit
Liaise with civilian religious faith groups
Collaborate with other care providers
Provide directed care after critical incidents

As of 2013, the Canadian Forces Chaplaincy has approximately 220 Regular Force Chaplains and 125 Reserve Force Chaplains.

Must be an ordained minister, a Roman or Eastern Catholic Pastoral Associate or a religious leader mandated by a nationally registered faith group
Must receive approval from a representative of the Interfaith Committee on Canadian Military Chaplaincy (ICCMC), the endorsement of the ICCMC and be selected by the Chaplain General
Must have a Master of Divinity preparing for ministry or equivalent
- The Master of Divinity is a university degree accredited by a Province or Territory of Canada and recognized by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
- The Faith Group is the final authority setting the minimum standards for pastoral ministry in its religious jurisdiction
- For candidates of Academic institutions from outside Canada, a recognized Canadian University determined by the ICCMC must conduct a prior learning assessment
Must have at least 2 years of supervised experience in a civilian ministry

Direct Entry Officer – Regular and Reserve Forces. This is the usual plan of entry into the Chaplaincy. Since the recruitment process is complex and involves both the ecclesiastical authorities and the Canadian Forces, it is essential that the applicants communicate first with their Regional Recruiting Chaplain who will guide them in all aspects of the process.
Reserve Entry Scheme Officer (RESO) and Cadet Camp Chaplain: contact your Regional Recruiting Chaplain by November 1st for employment the following summer.

Regular Force Chaplain
- Full time ministry
Reserve Force Chaplain
- Part time ministry in a Reserve unit
Reserve Entry Scheme Officer (RESO) program
- A program for full time students in Seminary or Theological School to experience chaplain duties
Cadet Camp Chaplain during the summer

Military/Chaplain training
Second-language training
Graduate studies
- Possibility of Graduate studies in pastoral counselling, ethics, ecumenism and canon law (2-3 year programs)
- Clinical Pastoral Education (1 year program)
Full health and dental care
Comprehensive pension program
20 days of paid vacation per year (increases after five years of service to 25 days)
Excellent fitness programs and facilities
Three days for annual spiritual retreat
Opportunity for advancement
Remain connected with your own faith group