Application Checklist

Phase 1 of the application process covers the submission of core and eligibility documents. 

1. Initiate Ecclesiastical Endorsement

All applicants must obtain an Ecclesiastical Endorsement from a DOW Approved Endorsing Agency

2. Sacred Communication Video

Applications for Active-Duty or Army Reserve Chaplaincy require a 3-5 minute Sacred Communication video submission  

Instructions and Example Videos 

*Applications for the Chaplain Candidate Program do not require a Sacred Communication video submission

3. Initiate DD Form 368 - Conditional Release 

Currently Serving Applicants Only

• Current USAR Chaplains applying for Active Duty - DD Form 368 Instructions

• Currently Serving & applying for chaplaincy in a different component (e.g. RA to USAR) - DD Form 368 Instructions

• Currently Serving  & applying for chaplaincy in the same component  (e.g. RA to RA) - DA Form 4187 

4. Security Statement or JPAS Completion Memo

Currently Serving Applicants Only

Currently serving applicants may utilize their S2 or Security Manager to report their security clearance level and status. 

JPAS Memo Template 

5. Verification of Nonjudicial Punishment MFR

Currently Serving Applicants Only

Currently serving applicants must obtain an MFR from their immediate Commander certifying no UCMJ or flag actions are pending. 

NJP MFR Template 

6. Birth Certificate

All Applicants 

*Birth Certificates in languages other than English must be translated prior to submitting 

7. INS 550 (Naturalization Certificate) or I 551 (Permanent Resident Card) 

If Applicable 

8. Social Security Card

All Applicants 

*Ensure SSC is signed prior to submitting

9. Passport

If Applicable 

*This includes foreign and expired Passports

10. Letter of Acceptance/Enrollment from Graduate Institution

Applications for Chaplain Candidate Only

11. All Official Undergraduate Transcripts

All Applicants

Digital or scanned copies are accepted. 

*Transcripts must be marked "official" 

12. All Official Graduate/Seminary Transcripts

Applications for Active-Duty and Reserve Chaplaincy 

Digital or scanned copies are accepted. 

*Transcripts must be marked "official" 

13. Foreign Degree Evaluation Report

If Applicable

All degrees earned outside the U.S. must be accompanied by a certified education evaluation report by a NACES evaluation agency.

This report must display the U.S. equivalency, GPA and total credits.  

NACES Evaluation Agencies

*Must be a "tier 3" or "Course by Course" evaluation 

14. Foreign and Unaccredited Degree Certification Letter

If Applicable

Applicants with degrees earned outside the U.S. or degrees earned at an unaccredited university must provide letters from 3 accredited universities certifiying their institution would have accepted 90% or more of the earned credits.  

Degree Certification Letter Instructions

15. Marriage Certificate

If Applicable

16. DD 214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge 

If Applicable

17. OER/NCOER - Last 3 

If Applicable

*If not available, please provide an MFR detailing the circumstance

18. DA Form 1059 / All AERs

If Applicable

*If not available, please provide an MFR detailing the circumstance

19. Promotion Orders 

If Applicable

All promotion orders for Officer and Enlisted E-5 and above

20. DA 71 Oath of Office or NGB 337

If Applicable

*If currently a CC re-appointing as a Chaplain, need both 2LT DA 71 & 1LT DA 71

21. Appointment Orders

If Applicable

22. ROTC Contract 

If Applicable

Service obligation of Cadet 

23. PMS Letter

If Applicable

Release by PMS from ROTC program upon commissioning

24. Copy of any Article 15 & all board proceedings

If Applicable

25. Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Certificate

Phase 2 consists of documents preparing for the in-person screening 

26. DD Form 2807-2 - Accessions Medical History Report

All Applicants 

Recruiter generated form 

27. DODMERB Medical Exam

ROTC ED Delay Applicants only

*include DD form 2808 

28. US MEPCOM 680-3A

Applicants attending a MEPS exam Only

Recruiter generated form 

29. Supporting Medical Documentation

If Applicable 

30. DD Form 2808 - Commissioning Physical Results

All Applicants 

This form is provided by the MTF physician after Commissioning Physical 

31. PHA Documentation

Currently Serving Officers Only 

*Must be completed within 1 year of projected board and include IMR with HIV and PULHES

PHA Instructions

32. Vaccine Immunization Advisory Statement 

All Applicants 

Vaccine Advisory Statement

33. DD Form 369 Background Check Authorization

All Applicants 

Recruiter generated form 

34. Height and Weight Screening 

Phase 3 documents are your best opportunity to display your qualifications to the board

35. Chronological Listing of Pastoral Ministry Experience 

All Applicants 

• Ensure all ministry experience is captured starting with the most recent 

• Each entry requires supervisor information 

Professional Work Experience Chronology 

36. Applicant Essay 

All Applicants

Applications for Active Duty and Army Reserve 

Applications for Chaplain Candidate 

37. Multi-Paragraph Application Letter 

All Applicants 

*Please ensure you use the appropriate essay prompt form and address all prompt questions

Active Duty

Army Reserve

Chaplain Candidate 

38. Personal and Professional Memo

Active Duty Applications Only 

Date of birth for all dependents must match what is input in your application 

Personal and Professional Memo

39. Incentive Agreement: Chaplain Loan Repayment Program 

Phase 4 serves as the final step in your process. You will be completing official Department of War and Department of the Army commissioning application forms

40. DA Form 61 - Application for Appointment 

All Applicants 

Recruiter Generated Form 

41. DA Form 160-R - Application for Active Duty 

All Applicants 

Recruiter Generated Form 

42. Service Certificate of Acknowledgement 

All Applicants 

This form is an acknowlegment of ready reserve obligation for all servicemembers. 

Civilians - DA Form 3574

Prior or Currently Serving Applicants - DA Form 3575

43. Certification of Applicant - Security Clearance Application

All Applicants 

Recruiter Generated Form 

*Signature must be in Pen. No portion of the signature can touch or extend outside of the signature box. 

44. Authorization for Release of Medical information 

All Applicants 

Recruiter Generated Form 

*Signature must be in Pen. No portion of the signature can touch or extend outside of the signature box. 

45. Fair Credit Reporting Disclosure Authorization

All Applicants 

Recruiter Generated Form 

*Signature must be in Pen. No portion of the signature can touch or extend outside of the signature box. 

46. Release of Information - SF 86