56M Chaplain Assistant

About the role

A Chaplain Assistant provides vital support to Army National Guard Chaplains, who are responsible for providing spiritual guidance and support to Soldiers. As a Chaplain Assistant you will primarily provide support to the Unit Ministry Team programs and worship services.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating Unit Ministry Team activities
• Maintaining physical security of Unit Ministry Team facilities/equipment
• Safeguarding privileged communications and offerings
• Arranging religious retreats and memorial ceremonies
• Supporting the Unit Ministry Team readiness program
• Maintaining Chaplain vestments and religious items
• Operating communication equipment and digital reporting systems
• Assisting in planning religious support operations and deployments
• Maintaining reports, files, and administrative data for religious operations
• Conducting specialized peer counseling for combat stress casualties

Qualifications

• Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
• Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
• Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards
• Must meet citizenship requirements (see NATIONALGUARD.com for details)

Helpful skills

• Interest in organization and keeping accurate records
• Experience operating typewriters, computers, and other office machines
• Ability to organize and plan

Training

Job training for Chaplain Assistants requires 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and seven weeks of Advanced Individual Training, where you will learn the roles and responsibilities of Army Chaplains, as well as religious history and background.

Benefits

• Paid training
• A monthly paycheck
• Montgomery GI Bill
• Federal and State tuition assistance
• Retirement benefits for part-time service
• Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage)
• 401(k)-type savings plan
• Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000, for existing loans)
• Health care benefits available
• VA home loans
• Bonuses, if applicable

Pay

Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change.