For centuries the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department (RAChD) has ministered to soldiers and their families in times of war and peace. Chaplains are honoured to provide spiritual support, pastoral care, and moral guidance to all, irrespective of religion or belief.
Who we are
Chaplains are Professionally Qualified Officers who have been ordained in one of the recognised Sending Churches and have been selected to hold a commission in the Army.
Chaplains wear the uniforms of the British Army and accompany their soldiers wherever they go. They exercise leadership and management but do not command. They are non-combatants and do not bear arms.
Chaplains initially receive a twelve-year commission with a minimum period of three years’ return of service. With satisfactory service this can be extended in stages to age 60 (Regular and Reservist) or 65 (Army Cadet Force).
For Regular chaplains, assignments to units generally last between two and three years. Over time this enables chaplains to experience ministry in a wide variety of settings.
The role of Army Chaplains
Chaplains minister to soldiers and their families in three key areas:
- Spiritual support, both publicly and privately, at every level of the Army.
- Pastoral care at home and abroad.
- Moral guidance through formal teaching, counsel, and personal example.
A vocation as an Army Chaplain
Regular Chaplain
You should be under the age of 49 years and be medically and physically fit, although applications up to 56 may be considered. The selection process involves endorsement by your Sending Church and a familiarisation visit to meet serving chaplains at an Army base. There are security, child protection, and medical checks and clearances.
You then attend the Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB) at Westbury, presided over by the Chaplain-General. The board does not assess your vocation in general, but rather your aptitude for exercising that vocation in a military context.
If you are offered a commission, you will undertake initial training at the Armed Forces’ Chaplaincy Centre. You then spend a few months at your first unit before undergoing military training on the ten-week Professionally Qualified Officers’ course.
Reservist Chaplain
You should be under the age of 49 years and be medically and physically fit, although applications up to 56 may be considered. The selection process involves endorsement by your Sending Church and a familiarisation visit to meet serving chaplains at an Army base. There are security, child protection, and medical checks and clearances.
You then attend the AOSB at Westbury. The board does not assess your vocation in general, but rather your aptitude for exercising that vocation in a military context.
If you are offered a commission, you will be assigned to a Reserve unit as close as possible to your place of civilian ministry. Your ministry will involve visiting your soldiers on their week night training, accompanying them on weekend training and on annual camp. With the consent of your church you may be mobilised on operational duty.
Army Cadet Force Chaplain
You should be under the age of 55 years (or 60 with previous military service).
You must have at least one year's experience of ordained ministry and be able to offer a three-year commitment. There are security and child protection checks and clearances.
You will be attached to a county or area ACF, where you will undergo your basic familiarisation. You will be required to attend a five-day New Entrant ACF Chaplains’ Course at the Armed Forces’ Chaplaincy Centre.
Your principal commitment is to the annual camp which generally lasts from 10 to 14 days. You would also be expected to visit training evenings and weekends.
Timeline - Past to Present
From before 1066 armies have taken clergy with them to war. The roles of chaplains within the military have changed significantly but their presence has remained as important as ever.
Contact details
Contact us to find out more about a vocation to serve in the Royal Army Chaplains' Department.