Washington Army National Guard
Chaplain Corps
When you join the Army National Guard as a Chaplain, you will be a commissioned officer. Chaplains are the non-combative, spiritual leaders of the Army National Guard, providing emotional and religious support to Soldiers and their families. You'll perform religious ceremonies, offer guidance and help Soldiers adjust to their military lives and experiences. | |
| Chaplains are the spiritual leader in the unit. They will provide religious service responsibility and be available for Soldiers in need of pastoral counseling. In addition, WAARNG Chaplains have a responsibility to be familiar with most of the duties of the men and women in their unit(s). This requires Chaplains to go through much of the training in which the rest of the Soldier in their unit participate. | |
Chaplain Corps: Chaplain (56A) Chaplain Candidate (56X) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Army Chaplains have to go to Basic Training?
As a Chaplain, you won't participate in the Basic Training that enlisted Soldiers complete. Instead, you'll attend the Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course (CHBOLC), a required training course that focuses on your professional, physical, academic, and spiritual growth as a military Chaplain.
Do Army Chaplains have to pass a fitness test?
Yes, you must meet Army height and weight standards, and pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).
Do Army Chaplains have to fight?
No, Chaplains are not issued weapons and are not allowed to engage in combat. During times of combat, Chaplains are protected by Religious Affairs Specialists.
What religions are included in the Army Chaplaincy?
The Army Chaplaincy is a multi-faith program—ministers, priests, imams, rabbis, and more, make up the Chaplaincy. While each Army Chaplain is a clergy person in their specific denomination or faith group and won’t be asked to perform services or duties outside of their denomination, their role is to promote spirituality and faith as a whole, and serve all Soldiers, regardless of background and religion.
Do you need to talk to a Chaplain?
- Chaplain Contact Information: Army Chaplains are assigned to units so please seek guidance from your unit Chain of Command as needed to get connected to your assigned Chaplain. WANG Phone Directory
- Chaplain Leadership Contact Information: External entities seeking operational support please contact our Washington National Guard Joint Operations Center which can be reached at (253) 512-8225
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is confidential, free, and available to anyone. Support personnel can be reached by calling or texting 988, 24 hours a day /7 days a week /365 days a year. Get support for:
- Thoughts of suicide
- Mental health crises
- Substance use concerns
- Any other kind of emotional distress
Contact Us
Address: Building 81 Camp Murray, Tacoma, Washington 98430
Email: ng.wa.waarng.mbx.rrb-osm-specialty@army.mil
Specialty Branch Work Cell: (253) 442-4348
Specialty Branch Office: (253) 912-3135
Office of Strength Management: (253) 512-1400