Do You Know the Right Someone?
My son Michael wants to finish his Masters in Divinity and join the military to serve as a chaplain among those in need. He has been trying to contact someone in the military to discuss the requirements, the expectations and basically – how to get this done. But he has run into one roadblock after another, mostly with people who do not call back or who simply send him on to someone else.
So, I wonder if any of you in the community know who he can talk to who would be able to actually help him get into this role. Hopefully, someone who really can make the decision and get the ball rolling. The branch of the service is not so important as his desire to be involved with those in his own age group.
If you do know someone, please send me a name and contact information. Thank you.
the governor of Florida will get his request to the top person in charge.
Skip,
What channels has your son gone through that he is getting such a run around? Recruiter? Is he located near any major military bases where he may be able to contact a Chaplin directly to get some input?
I have several friends that are officers in the military or serve the military community. I got this back from one of them..
With Michael having his Masters in Divinity, he would most likely go to a “90 day “ wonder” class for those who already have their degree…teaches them the military way of life. Also, I would talk to a chaplain who is already serving in the military…he can get some pointers and understand what is entailed in the position. Also, there must be a position open in the particular service…with the greater need being Army since they are the largest. Be prepared to deploy.
Hope this help,
I can get a POC for WP if you want me to pursue this further.
Blessings,
Michael
WP is Wright-Patt Air Force Base in Ohio. If you want a POC from there, they might be able to point you to a chaplain to speak with in Florida.
I am not intentionally being negative, but as soon as I read this request the thought ran through my mind that this might be God’s way of saying to Michael that He has other plans for him.
I recall talking with Michael while we were in Israel in May about this topic. I am retired Army and helped a couple of fellows thru the process but things may have changed some. Basically, a person must be sponsored thru a denomination to a military service. Then the person is essentially on loan from that denomination to the service for the duration of their service. So, contacting some denomination may be a step towards working within their process to bring this about.
Alternately, Michael may investigate attending OCS for a service with the intent of applying for the Chaplaincy once, or while he is completing that 6-9 month course. For the Army, I believe
OCS at Fort Benning, GA is now not branch (Infantry, Artillery, etc.) specific and once completed, the officer attends a branch specific additional training of 3-4 months.
If I can be of further assistance, have Michael call me at 317-498-4314.
PS. We’ll be in Ocala next week for a few days and would love to meet with him and or Skip.
Thank so much. I am sure Mike would love to talk with you when you are in the area. I will also be here until Feb 2.
Skip, I know General Jeff Reimer, recently retired from the AF and a VP for a contract firm, who I am sure would be happy to mentor you son about the Military. Give the cell phone of your son and email, I will personally set up the phone call. Jeff is on the board of Unv of Florida and does get down that way but he is very busy but never too busy to help a young person.
Dennis Wenrick
850-585-7716
Skip, I have sent Facebook messages to an Air Force and Army Chaplains waiting to hear back.
Skip,
I’m a pastor in Renton WA and an Air Force Chaplain in the WA Air National Guard. I’ve only been a Chaplain for about 3 years so I know the Chaplain Candidate process and road to becoming a chaplain in the Air Force well. Becoming an active duty chaplain is competetive. They usually bring them in through the Guard and Reserve. I love being an Air National Guard Chaplain while serving the local church as a pastor. I’m happy to be a resource if I can help.
Scott Wilson
Campus Pastor
Highlands Community Church
scottw@highlandscc.org
Chaplain (Capt)
Western Air Defense Sector