Endorsing Agent

An endorsing agent is an ecclesiastical organization recognized by the Department of Defense to place men in the military as chaplains. No person can serve as a military chaplain without the endorsement of an agency. The agency continues to represent its chaplains before the military Chiefs of Chaplains and provide guidance, training and counsel to its chaplains.

APBM is unique because we are strictly a local church ministry. We operate under the authority of Calvary Baptist Church, to assist other churches to place their members into the military as chaplains. APBM considers any man who is a member of an Independent, Fundamental Baptist Church.

Military Chaplaincy Frequently Asked Questions

Military Requirements

  • Army

    You must obtain an ecclesiastical endorsement from your faith group. This endorsement should certify that you are:

    • A clergy person in your denomination or faith group.
    • Qualified spiritually, morally, intellectually and emotionally to serve as a Chaplain in the Army.
    • Sensitive to religious pluralism and able to provide for the free exercise of religion by all military personnel, their family members and civilians who work for the Army.

    Educationally, you must:

    • Possess a baccalaureate degree of not less than 120 semester hours.
    • Possess a master’s degree in divinity or a graduate degree in theological studies, which includes at least 72 hours.
    • Be a U.S citizen or permanent resident.
    • Be able to receive a favorable background check.
    • Pass a physical exam.
    • Must be at least 18 years of age and not older than 40 years of age at time of appointment. Age waivers are available for applicants with prior military service to age 42.
    • Two years of Pastoral experience

  • Air Force

    • Ecclesiastical Endorsement, DD Form 2088, from a DOD recognized endorser
    • Minimum two years religious leadership experience
    • United States citizenship
    • Baccalaureate degree (not less than 120 semester hours) and a Master Degree in Theological or related subjects (not less than 72 semester hrs) from an accredited institution.
    • Two years of pastoral experience
    • Must enter active duty (EAD) prior to 40 years of age or prior to 42 with 2 years of satisfactory prior active duty military service
    • Commissioned officers must be in the grade of Captain (0-3) and below Pass commissioning physical and background security investigation
    • Ability to work in DOD directed religious accommodation environment supporting the free exercise of religion for all military personnel and their dependents
    • Have not accepted military separation pay, VSISSB

  • Navy (Marine Corps and Coast Guard)

    CCPO (Chaplain Candidate Program Officer) is the Chaplain Candidate program for the Navy. Applicants must be approved before their 40th birthday.

    • Qualified applicants must be U.S. citizens at least 21 years of age
    • Meet certain medical and physical fitness standards
    • Hold a B.A. or B.S. degree, with not less than 120 semester hours from a qualified educational institution
    • Hold a post baccalaureate graduate degree, which includes 72 semester hours of graduate level course work in a field of theological or related studies.
    • At least one half (i.e. 36) of these hours must include topics in general religion, theology, religious philosophy, ethics, and/or the foundational writings from one religious tradition.
    • Accredited distance education graduate programs are acceptable.
    • Chaplains then attend the Navy Chaplain School in Newport, RI for a basic orientation course.