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
- Coordinate Unit Ministry Team activities
- Maintain physical security of Unit Ministry Team facilities and equipment
- Safeguard privileged communications and offerings
- Arrange religious retreats and memorial ceremonies
- Support the Unit Ministry Team readiness program
- Maintain Chaplain vestments and religious items
- Operate communication equipment and digital reporting systems
- Assist in planning religious support operations and deployments
- Maintain reports, files, and administrative data for religious operations
- Conduct specialized peer counseling for combat stress casualties
Helpful Skills
- Interest in organization and keeping accurate records
- Experience operating typewriters, computers, and other office machines
- Ability to organize and plan
Civilian Opportunities
In civilian life, the skills learned as a Chaplain Assistant can be applied to similar positions assisting clergy members in churches, synagogues, or mosques.
Training
Job training for Chaplains 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. Training includes earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.
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
- VA home loans
- Bonuses, if applicable
Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change.
Requirements
- Military enlistment in the Army National Guard
- 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)
Programs and benefits are subject to change. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.