At a glance
- Officer
- Specialist
- logistics
The most important part of the Army is its people. The role of the chaplain or non-religious pastoral officer is to care for those people.
- £54,379The minimum amount you’ll earn during training
- £54,379Your pay after completing basic trade training
- AgeFrom 26 years to 50 years
- QualificationsSee qualification details
The Royal Army Chaplains’ Department recruits both religious and non-religious personnel.
Life as an Army Chaplain or non-religious pastoral officer is a calling like no other. Belonging to a remarkable organisation of young men and women, sharing your life with them and serving alongside them wherever they go brings tremendous opportunities and challenges. It is a vocation that is both demanding and rewarding.
Chaplains or non-religious pastoral officers are Professionally Qualified Officers who deliver pastoral care, provide or facilitate spiritual support and give moral guidance to the whole force and their families irrespective of faith, world philosophy or status. Chaplains wear British Army uniforms, provide leadership but do not command, are non-combatant and do not bear arms.
A list of the Endorsing Authorities recognised by the MOD and additional application criteria can be found here.
Key Responsibilities
Play a key role in improving the Army’s culture and behaviours to forge a winning team
Deliver pastoral care to everyone at home and abroad
Provide or facilitate spiritual support publicly and privately, at every level of the Army
Offer moral guidance and ethical leadership to Service personnel and the Chain of Command
Live and work with your unit and travel with them wherever they go
Opportunities to study postgraduate qualifications
Have any questions? Talk with us
Regular (full time)
Entry requirements
Age:
From 26 years to 50 years
Qualifications:
Minimum of 2-3 years’ post-accreditation experience, or equivalent, in a full-time leadership capacity in a pastoral context.
Be (or eligible to be) endorsed by an Endorsing Authority representing your belief or faith community.
You must be under the age of 50 at the time you commission into the RAChD.
Basic physical fitness assessment:
Mid Thigh Pull 76kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
MSFT (beep test) level 8.07
Training for the role
Step 1
Initial training is completed at the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre, Beckett House, Shrivenham.
Step 2
Complete commissioning course (short) at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.
Qualifications you could get after training
Master of Theology in Chaplaincy Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Education
Pay & benefits
On commissioning you will earn £54,379
You will also get:
38 days paid annual leave
Subsidised accommodation
Free medical and dental care
Enrolled in a non-contributory pension scheme
How to Apply
If you've got your qualifications, then apply online. Your application will be passed to our specialist team, who will help guide you through the process towards joining in this role. You'll need to pass a specialist skills interview to check that your skills are in line with our needs.