Mission

To provide religious support to the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) across the full spectrum of its operations. The Chaplain Corps assists the Commanding General in ensuring the right to free exercise of religion and providing spiritual, moral, and ethical leadership for, and in support of, the MDDF, the Maryland Military Department and civilians.

Activities

Chaplains in the MDDF care for the spiritual well being of MDDF personnel, members of the Maryland Military Department such as the Maryland National Guard and their families, and civilians in times of need. MDDF Chaplains are spiritual leaders, and they can be called upon to perform religious ceremonies from births and baptisms, confirmations and marriages, to illness and last rites, and to provide spiritual support in time of crisis or disaster.

Chaplain Qualifications

New MDDF Chaplains must attend MDDF Basic Training and courses in MDDF-specific Chaplain duties. This training gives Chaplains and Chaplain Candidates the skills to apply their civilian chaplain and pastoral skills in the MDDF environment. Some of the available training may include courses that Chaplain Candidates can apply as academic credits.

Ordination - Individuals applying as chaplains must present evidence of ordination within their faith group. Such evidence may be in the form of an ordination certificate or other document issued by competent authority in their faith group. In the case of Chaplain Candidates, they must provide certification from their faith group that they are currently approved candidates for ordination and are actively pursuing studies towards such.

Good Standing - Individuals applying for service must present evidence that they are in good standing in their faith group, and that they currently are not subject to discipline of revocation of credentials by that group. This may be in the form of a letter or endorsement from a competent authority in their faith group certifying that they have not been disciplined, under suspension or under impediment.

Education - Individuals applying for service must present diplomas or certificates of relevant post-secondary education, in particular, theological training.

Prior Service - Those having prior military service should submit copies of their Form DD-214 or equivalent, records of awards and promotions, and service-related schools attended. As well, pertinent correspondence course completion certificates should be included.

Civilian Certifications - Individuals should submit relevant civilian certifications such as FEMA course completion certificates, first aid/CPR qualifications, and special qualifications (e.g. non-clergy professional qualifications, radio operator's permits, etc.)

Background Check - Individuals must be willing to submit to a criminal background check.

Interview - All applicants will be personally interviewed.

Special Staff Assistants/Chaplain Assistants Qualifications

This specialty is open to men and women of high moral character who are not ordained clergy but wish to provide religious support for the MDDF and its missions; and, in the case of Staff Assistants, have specific skills needed by the Chaplain Corps. After completing MDDF Basic Training, Special Program Assistants and Chaplain Assistants attend courses on how to support the MDDF's religious ministry and how to respond to individuals during their times of personal crisis. Chaplain Assistants also perform administrative duties for the Chaplain.

Good Standing - Individuals applying for service must present evidence that they are in good standing in their faith group, and that they currently are not subject to discipline of revocation of credentials by that group. This may be in the form of a letter or endorsement from a competent authority in their faith group certifying that they have not been disciplined, under suspension or under impediment.

Education - Individuals applying for service must present diplomas or certificates of relevant post-secondary education, in particular, theological training.

Prior Service - Those having prior military service should submit copies of their Form DD-214 or equivalent, records of awards and promotions, and service-related schools attended. As well, pertinent correspondence course completion certificates should be included.

Civilian Certifications - Individuals should submit relevant civilian certifications such as FEMA course completion certificates, first aid/CPR qualifications, and special qualifications (e.g. non-clergy professional qualifications, radio operator's permits, etc.)

Background Check - Individuals must be willing to submit to a criminal background check.

Interview - The Chief of Chaplains or his designee will personally interview all applicants at least fourteen (14) days prior to the proposed commissioning date.

Chaplain Assistants must also be able to type at least 20 words per minute and possess a valid driver's license.

Join Us

The MDDF Chaplain Corps is recruiting Ministers, Priests, Rabbis Imams, Chaplain Assistants, and Special Staff Assistants for volunteer service to our State.