DoDI Guidance for Appointment of Chaplains for Mil. Depts.

Department of Defense

INSTRUCTION

NUMBER 1304.28
June 11, 2004
Incorporating Change 3, Effective March 20, 2014
USD(P&R)
SUBJECT:

Guidance for the Appointment of Chaplains for the Military Departments

References: (a) DoD Directive 1304.19, “Appointment of Chaplains for the Military
Departments,” June 11, 2004
(b) Sections 533(a)(1), 643, 827, 3353(a)(1), 5600(a)(1) of title 10, United
States Code
(c) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Force Management Policy)
Memorandum, “Educational Requirements for Military Chaplain
Applicants,” April 2, 2002 (hereby canceled)
(d) Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and
Readiness) Memorandum, “Assignment of Chaplains for Military
Service,” October 14, 2003 (hereby canceled)
(e) through (ij), see Enclosure 1

1. PURPOSE
This Instruction:
1.1. Implements Reference (a) and section 643 of Reference (b).
1.2. Cancels References (c), (d), and DD Form 2741, “Department of Defense
Ecclesiastical Endorsing Organization Verification/Reverification Information.”
1.3. Assigns responsibilities appointing chaplains for the Military Departments and
identifies the educational and ecclesiastical requirements for appointment of military
chaplains.
1.4. Establishes requirements, procedures, and responsibilities for religious
organizations to endorse religious ministry professionals for the chaplaincy.
1.5. Implements and establishes the criteria and procedures for the administrative
separation and loss of professional qualifications of chaplains of the Military
Departments.

DoDI 1304.28, June 11, 2004
2. APPLICABILITY AND SCOPE
This Instruction applies to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Military
Departments, the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff,
the Combatant Commands, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other
organizational entities in the Department of Defense (hereafter referred to collectively as
the “DoD Components”). The term “Military Departments,” as used herein, refers to the
Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy, and the Department of the Air
Force. The term “Military Services” as used herein refers to the Army, the Navy, the Air
Force, and the Marine Corps.

3. DEFINITIONS
Terms used in this Instruction are defined in Enclosure 2.

4. POLICY
This Instruction implements policy established in Reference (a).

5. RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1. The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall develop
overall policy for the appointment of chaplains to the Military Departments, establish
professional qualification requirements for chaplains, and ensure religious organizations
endorsing religious ministry professionals (RMPs) to serve as military chaplains shall
maintain all requirements as prescribed in Enclosure 3.
5.2. The Secretaries of the Military Departments shall adhere to DoD policy and
procedures in sections 4. and 6. of this Instruction to ensure that persons appointed as
chaplains meet the minimum professional and educational qualifications prescribed in
this Instruction. The Secretaries of the Military Departments may impose additional
professional requirements.
5.2.1 In accordance with section 533(b) of Public Law 112-239 (Reference (e)),
as amended, issue policy to ensure that no Service member may require a chaplain to
perform any rite, ritual, or ceremony that is contrary to the conscience, moral principles,
or religious beliefs of the chaplain.
5.2.2 In accordance with Reference (e), issue policy to ensure that no Service
member may discriminate or take any adverse personnel action on the basis of the refusal
by the chaplain to comply with a requirement prohibited by paragraph 5.2.1.

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6. PROCEDURES
6.1. To be considered for appointment to serve as a chaplain, an RMP shall receive
an endorsement from a qualified religious organization verifying:
6.1.1. The RMP is a fully qualified RMP of a religious organization that meets
the administrative requirements of this Instruction.
6.1.1.1. An RMP’s application shall include the endorsement of the person’s
ecclesiastical credentials on a DD Form 2088, “Statement of Ecclesiastical
Endorsement.” (See
http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/eforms/dd2088.pdf.)
6.1.1.2. If a religious organization has not previously endorsed military
chaplains, it shall file the administrative documents required by Enclosure 3 in
conjunction with the endorsement of its first fully qualified RMP in an application for
appointment as a chaplain for a Military Department.
6.1.1.3. The Armed Forces Chaplains Board (AFCB) shall accept the required
documents only when the applicable Military Department has determined the RMP is
fully qualified in all ways other than ecclesiastical endorsement. The AFCB shall notify
the Military Departments of religious organizations that have filed the prerequisite
documents and whose packets have been found administratively complete.
6.1.1.4. The Military Departments may evaluate RMPs from religious
organizations that are submitting the administrative filing requirements for the first time
and are pending determination of the fully qualified status of their prospective chaplain.
The Military Departments shall consult with the AFCB to determine if the administrative
requirements are pending acceptance in such cases.
6.1.2. The RMP is willing to function in a pluralistic environment, as defined in
this Instruction, and is willing to support directly and indirectly the free exercise of
religion by all members of the Military Services, their family members, and other persons
authorized to be served by the military chaplaincies.
6.1.3. The RMP has 2 years of religious leadership experience for an active
component appointment. Religious leadership experience shall be compatible with the
duties of RMPs in their respective religious organization and relevant to the settings of
military chaplaincy.
6.1.4. The RMP is educationally qualified for appointment as a chaplain. The
educationally qualified applicant shall possess a baccalaureate degree with not less than
120 semester hours (180 quarter hours) from a qualifying educational institution. The
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educationally qualified applicant shall also possess a post-baccalaureate graduate degree
in the field of theological or related studies from a qualifying educational institution. A
qualifying graduate degree program shall require no fewer than 72 semester hours (108
quarter hours) of graduate-level work. Related studies may include graduate courses in
pastoral counseling, social work, religious administration, and similar disciplines when
one-half of the earned graduate credits include topics in general religion, world religions,
the practice of religion, theology, religious philosophy, religious ethics, and/or the
foundational writings from the applicant’s religious tradition.
6.2. A qualifying RMP-producing educational institution is an accredited college,
university, or school of theology listed in the current edition of the American Council on
Education (ACE©), Accredited Institutions of Post-secondary Education and relevant
ACE© supplements to that publication (Reference (ef)), or any unaccredited institution
that meets the requirements of subparagraphs 6.2.1. through 6.2.4.
6.2.1. An unaccredited educational institution may obtain designation as a
qualifying RMP-producing educational institution for a specific applicant to the
chaplaincy who graduated from that educational institution by providing certification
from registrars at three accredited educational institutions that maintain programs for the
preparation of clergy. Each registrar shall certify that his or her educational institution
would have accepted at least 90 percent of the credit hours earned and courses leading to
the awarding of the post-graduate degree in theological or related studies earned by that
applicant at the unaccredited educational institution, as of the year of graduation.
6.2.2. An unaccredited educational institution may be designated as a qualified
RMP-producing educational institution by providing the AFCB certification from the
registrars of three different accredited educational institutions that maintain programs for
the preparation of RMPs. Each registrar shall certify the list of the major areas of study
that, that educational institution would accept at least 90 percent of the credit hours
earned by a student who is awarded a post-graduate degree in theological or related
studies at the unaccredited educational institution. A designation as a qualified RMPproducing educational institution may apply to any year in which the unaccredited
educational institution produced graduates or the institution may request this designation
for a period of up to 5 years. The unaccredited educational institution shall submit the
required documentation no later than the beginning of the academic year if designation
for future years is sought. Applications for renewal of this status shall be for periods not
to exceed 5 years.
6.2.3. The required documentation shall be submitted to the AFCB. The AFCB
shall review and approve the documentation for completeness prior to forwarding to the
Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy for
inclusion on the list of qualifying educational institutions for Reserve Officers. The
required documentation shall be sent to the following: Office of the Under Secretary of
Defense for Personnel and Readiness, ATTN: OUSD(P&R)MPP-AFCB, 4000 Defense
Pentagon (Room 2E341), Washington, DC 20301-4000.
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DoDI 1304.28, June 11, 2004
6.2.4. Applications containing the required documentation may also be submitted
at any time from unaccredited educational institutions requesting designation as a
qualifying educational institution for prior school years.
6.3. A new DD Form 2088 shall be required at each change of career status, as
defined by the Military Departments, to re-endorse the qualifications of the chaplain
concerned.
6.4. Requirements for applicants for the chaplaincy:
6.4.1. Applicants for appointment as a chaplain shall meet physical standards in
accordance with DoD Directive Instruction (DoDI) 6130.03 (Reference (fg)) and be
otherwise qualified to serve as commissioned officers in accordance with Reference (b)
and DoD Instruction DoDI 1310.02 (Reference (gh)).
6.4.2. Applicants shall affirm that, if appointed, they shall abide by applicable
laws, and all applicable regulations, directives, and instructions of the Department of
Defense and of the Military Department that grades the appointment.
6.5. Administrative separation of chaplains upon loss of professional qualifications.
If a chaplain loses ecclesiastical authority to function as an RMP or has ecclesiastical
endorsement to serve as a chaplain withdrawn, the appropriate religious organization
shall provide written notification to the Military Department concerned. Processing for
separation in accordance with section 643 of Reference (b) shall be initiated immediately
upon such notification. This Instruction does not preclude separation in accordance with
other regulations of the Military Department concerned (i.e., when separation for reasons
other than loss of ecclesiastical endorsement is appropriate).
6.5.1. When a separation action is initiated under this Instruction, the chaplain
shall be notified in writing of the following:
6.5.1.1. The chaplain has a right to consult with military counsel or with
civilian counsel obtained at no expense to the Government, and to submit statements in
response to the notice.
6.5.1.2. The chaplain has lost ecclesiastical endorsement.
6.5.1.3. Under conditions established by the Secretary of the Military
Department concerned, the chaplain may:
6.5.1.3.1. Seek another ecclesiastical endorsement within the time frame
allotted by the Military Department involved.

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DoDI 1304.28, June 11, 2004
6.5.1.3.2. Apply for non-chaplain duties with the understanding that the
officer shall be discharged voluntarily as a chaplain on one day and appointed in a nonchaplain capacity on the next day.
6.5.1.3.3. Apply for voluntary retirement, if eligible for such retirement;
or
6.5.1.3.4. Tender a voluntary resignation.
6.5.2. If a request is not submitted under subparagraph 6.5.1.3., or if such a
request is disapproved, the chaplain shall be separated with an appropriate discharge.
Chaplains of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard shall not be
administratively separated without the consent of the Governor of the State or territory or
his or her designated representative.
6.5.2.1. The chaplain shall be provided a reasonable period of time consistent
with the policies of the Military Department that the chaplain serves to respond to the
notice. If the chaplain states that action under subparagraph 6.5.1.3. is requested, the
chaplain shall be notified in writing of the date and manner by which such request shall
be submitted.
6.5.2.2. If the chaplain does not respond to the notice in a timely manner,
separation processing shall be completed in accordance with subparagraph 6.5.3.
6.5.3. The Secretary of the Military Department concerned may:
6.5.3.1. Approve a request for a new ecclesiastical endorsement for a serving
chaplain submitted in accordance with this Instruction; or
6.5.3.2. Approve a voluntary resignation, if tendered, and direct an
appropriate discharge; or
6.5.3.3. Approve a voluntary retirement, if requested by an eligible applicant;
or
6.5.3.4. Approve a request for assignment to non-chaplain duties through
voluntary resignation and appointment in accordance with regulations implementing
Chapters 36 or 1205 of Reference (b); or
6.5.3.5. Direct an appropriate discharge if an action in subparagraph 6.5.1.3.
is not requested and/or approved.
6.6. Visits of Endorsing Agents to military installations in overseas areas are
encouraged to enhance the spiritual welfare of military personnel, particularly at seasons
of special religious significance.
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DoDI 1304.28, June 11, 2004
6.6.1. Such visits shall keep the religious organization aware of the ministry of
the organization’s chaplains and the spiritual and religious activities of the military
community and permit Ecclesiastical Endorsing Agents to maintain their professional
relationships with endorsed chaplains.
6.6.2. Such visits shall be at the discretion of the commander(s) of the
installations involved.
6.6.3. The Ecclesiastical Endorsing Agents who visit installations representing
their religious organizations shall do so at no expense to the Government. The
Ecclesiastical Endorsing Agent shall be afforded protocol privileges appropriate to those
of a civilian employee in the grade of GS-15.
6.6.4. The Military Departments may establish procedures governing the visits of
Ecclesiastical Endorsing Agents to overseas installations. The AFCB may provide
administrative assistance in arranging such visits.
6.7. The chaplain candidate programs exist within the Military Departments for the
purpose of familiarizing graduate students of religion with religious support activities in
the military environment. Participants in this program serve as commissioned officers in
the Reserve components of the Military Departments. Chaplain candidates are not
authorized to serve as, or in place of, chaplains.
6.7.1. Upon successful completion of their academic and religious training,
participants in the Chaplain Candidate Programs may seek appointment as chaplains.
6.7.2. Each Military Department is responsible for implementing this program in
accordance with Department-specific policies and regulations.
6.7.3. At a minimum, applicants and participants in the Chaplain Candidate
Program shall:
6.7.3.1. Be approved by a religious organization recognized as able to provide
ecclesiastical endorsements for chaplains in accordance with the provisions of this
Instruction.
6.7.3.2. Be a matriculated student in graduate-level degree-granting religious
studies programs of qualifying educational institutions. Such programs and institutions
shall comply with criteria in paragraph 6.2. for educational requirements for Chaplains.
Subparagraph 6.2.1. does not apply for chaplain candidates.
6.7.3.3. Be able to complete educational, ecclesiastical, and professional
experience requirements for appointment as chaplains prior to reaching the age limitation
for such original appointments, as established by the Military Department to which the
applicant is applying.
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DoDI 1304.28, June 11, 2004
6.7.3.4. Be able to meet all other appointment eligibility criteria of the
Military Department to which the applicant is applying.
6.8. Any individual, ecclesiastical endorsing agent, or religious organization shall be
removed from or rejected for participation in the chaplaincy if they:
6.8.1. Have been convicted of a terrorism-related offense or other offense
threatening national security. Should an ecclesiastical endorsing agent or a religious
organization currently participating in the chaplaincy be indicted for a terrorism-related
offense or other offense threatening national security, the organization’s ability to
endorse new chaplains or participate in the chaplaincy will be suspended until disposition
of such charges. If a religious organization is removed from the chaplaincy due to a
conviction as outlined in this paragraph, all ecclesiastical endorsements by that
organization shall be considered withdrawn. Serving chaplains endorsed by that
organization shall be considered to have had their endorsements revoked (paragraph 6.5
applies).
6.8.2. Appear on the annual State Department list of Foreign Terror
Organizations or the Treasury Department list of Specially Designated Nationals. The
Executive Director of the Armed Forces Chaplain Board, with each of the Service Chiefs
of Chaplains support on a rotating basis, shall annually review the State Department list
of Foreign Terror Organizations and the Treasury Department list of Specially
Designated Nationals to ensure all current ecclesiastical endorsing agents and all
ecclesiastical endorsing applicants and their religious organizations are not on such lists.

7. RELEASABILITY. Unlimited. This instruction is approved for public release and is
available on the Internet from the DoD Issuances Website at
http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives.

8. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Instruction is effective immediately.

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DoDI 1304.28, June 11, 2004
Enclosures - 5
E1. References, continued
E2. Definitions
E3. Administrative Filing Requirements for a Religious Organization Desiring to
Endorse Religious Ministry Professionals for the Military Chaplaincy
E4. Format for Providing Required Information to Meet Administrative Requirements
to Endorse Chaplains to the Military Departments
E5. Format for Providing Required Information to Endorse RMPs as Chaplains to the
Military Departments

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DoDI 1304.28, June 11, 2004

E1. ENCLOSURE 1
REFERENCES, continued

(e)

Public Law 112-239, “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013,”
January 3, 2013
(f) American Council on Education, “Accredited Institutions of Post Secondary
Education,” current edition 1
(fg) DoD Instruction 6130.03, “Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or
Induction in the Military Services,” April 28, 2010
(gh) DoD Instruction 1310.02, “Appointing Commissioned Officers,” May 8 2007
(h) DoD Instruction 5120.8, “Armed Forces Chaplains Board,” August 20, 2007
(i) Section 501(c)(3) of the title 26, United States Code (Internal Revenue Code)
(j) DoD Instruction 5120.08, “Armed Forces Chaplains Board,” August 20, 2007

1

Available for purchase via the Internet at http://www.acenet.edu/bookstore/pubInfo.cfm?pubID=385

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E2. ENCLOSURE 2
DEFINITIONS

E2.1. TERMS
Terms used in this Instruction are defined as follows:
E2.1.1. Change of Career Status. Includes, but is not limited to, initial application
for the chaplaincy, change from Reserve to active status or the opposite, and extension on
active duty beyond the initial obligated period of service. This term is further defined by
the various Military Services. A change of career status requires endorsement or reendorsement by the religious organization endorsing the chaplain.
E2.1.2. Chaplain. A commissioned officer of the Chaplain Corps of the Army, a
commissioned officer of the Chaplain Corps of the Navy, or a commissioned officer in
the Air Force designated for duty as a chaplain.
E2.1.3. Counsel. A lawyer qualified under section 827 of title 10, United States
Code (Article 27(b)(1) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) (Reference (b)) or a
civilian lawyer retained at no expense to the Government.
E2.1.4. Ecclesiastical. The forms and practices related to religious organizations.
E2.1.5. Ecclesiastical Endorsement. Written documentation from a religious
organization that complies with the administrative requirements of this Instruction that an
applicant for the military chaplaincy is fully and professionally qualified and endorsed to
perform all offices, functions, sacraments, ordinances, and ceremonies required of an
RMP for that religious organization, and is capable and authorized to minister as required
within a pluralistic environment.
E2.1.6. Ecclesiastical Endorsing Agent. An individual authorized to provide or
withdraw Ecclesiastical Endorsements on behalf of a religious organization.
E2.1.7. Endorsement. The internal process that religious organizations use when
designating RMPs to represent their religious organizations to the Military Departments
and confirm the ability of their RMPs to conduct religious observances or ceremonies in a
military context.
E2.1.8. Pluralistic Environment. A descriptor of the military context of ministry. A
plurality of religious traditions exist side-by-side in the military.
E2.1.9. Religious Ministry Professional (RMP). An individual endorsed to represent
a religious organization and to conduct its religious observances or ceremonies. An RMP
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is a fully qualified member of the clergy for those religious organizations that have a
tradition of professional clergy or their equivalents. The religious organization’s
endorsement verifies that an RMP is professionally qualified to serve as a chaplain in the
military and meets the graduate education and religious leadership requirements of this
Instruction.
E2.1.10. Religious Organization. An entity that is organized and functions primarily
to perform religious ministries to a non-military lay constituency and that has met the
religious purposes test of section 501(c)(3) of title 26, United States Code (Reference (i)),
and holds current status as a section 501(c)(3) Schedule “A” organization. Religious
organizations possess ecclesiastical authority to endorse and withdraw endorsement for
RMPs serving under their authority.
E2.1.11. Separation. Discharge or retirement from military service.

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DoDI 1304.28, June 11, 2004
E3. ENCLOSURE 3
ADMINISTRATIVE FILING REQUIREMENTS FOR A RELIGIOUS
ORGANIZATION DESIRING TO ENDORSE RELIGIOUS MINISTRY
PROFESSIONALS FOR THE MILITARY CHAPLAINCY

E3.1.1. Religious organizations that choose to participate in the Military
Chaplaincies recognize the chaplaincies of the Military Departments serve a religiously
diverse population and that military commanders are required to provide comprehensive
religious support to all authorized individuals within their areas of responsibility.
Religious organizations participating in the military chaplaincies therefore express
willingness for their RMPs to perform their professional duties as Chaplains in
cooperation with Chaplains from other religious traditions and that:
E3.1.1.1. Chaplains shall wear the appropriate insignia in accordance with
uniform regulations of their respective Military Services.
E3.1.1.2. The religious organization shall complete and maintain all
administrative requirements of this Instruction (Enclosure 3) as a prerequisite to being
able to endorse applicants for the chaplaincies.
E3.1.1.3. Endorsement by a religious organization meeting the administrative
qualifications of this Instruction (Enclosure 3) is an essential element of a chaplain’s
professional qualifications. A chaplain whose endorsement is withdrawn shall be
processed for separation in accordance with paragraph 6.5.
E3.1.2. A religious organization desiring to provide an RMP to serve as a chaplain in
the Military Departments shall meet the administrative filing requirements of this
Instruction and maintain the required information for that purpose on file with the
Department of Defense. The religious organization shall submit the required
documentation to the AFCB in the format specified in Enclosure 4. Submission of the
required documents may be made through secure and verified electronic media. The
religious organization shall be able to submit documents to permit endorsement of
chaplains for the first time only when they are endorsing a fully and professionally
qualified candidate not currently endorsed by another religious organization, without
requirement for waivers of the standards specified by the applicable Military Department.
(See paragraph 6.1.)
E3.1.3. The religious organization shall submit documents verifying the following
information with regard to such organization:
E3.1.3.1. That the religious organization is organized as an entity functioning
primarily to perform religious ministries to a non-military lay constituency and currently
holds a section 501(c)(3) exempt status (Reference (i)) as a church for Federal tax
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purposes from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (note “church” is used by the IRS not
to denote a belief system, but to distinguish “churches” from other types of religious
organizations; see IRS Instructions for Form 1023 Schedule A). Such rules stipulate that
the particular religious beliefs of the organization are truly and sincerely held and that the
practices and rituals associated with the organization’s religious belief or creed are not
illegal or contrary to clearly defined public policy. In order to determine whether a
particular religious organization has properly acquired, and currently maintains, an IRS
tax exempt status and does not engage in practices that are illegal or contrary to defined
public policy, the USD(PR) shall take appropriate steps to verify with the DoD
Components and other Federal Agencies compliance with these requirements.
E3.1.3.2. That it possesses ecclesiastical authority to grant and withdraw initial
and subsequent ecclesiastical endorsement for ministry in the Armed Forces.
E3.1.3.3. That it verifies the religious organization shall provide chaplains who
shall function in a pluralistic environment, as defined in this Instruction, and who shall
support directly and indirectly the free exercise of religion by all members of the Military
Services, their family members, and other persons authorized to be served by the military
chaplaincies.
E3.1.3.4. That it agrees to abide by all DoD Directives, Instructions, and other
guidance and with Military Department regulations and policies on the qualification and
endorsement of RMPs for service as military chaplains.
E3.1.4. The religious organization shall supply the name, title, mailing address,
electronic contact, the Employer Identification Number assigned to the organization by
the IRS, and telephone number of the agent authorized to represent the religious
organization to the Military Departments to include authority to grant and withdraw
ecclesiastical endorsements. This agent may not be a currently serving military Chaplain
(active duty, National Guard, or Reserve).
E3.1.5. A religious organization shall immediately notify the AFCB when changes
occur in the status of the organization, designated endorsing agent, or the contact
addresses and telephone numbers of either.
E3.1.6. A religious organization shall re-verify that it meets the requirements in
paragraph E3.1.2. if chaplains endorsed by it are unable to gain re-endorsement at times
of change of career status.
E3.1.7. Religious organizations that are currently able to endorse RMPs for Military
Service as chaplains under earlier versions of this Instruction may continue to endorse
RMPs as long as they continue to meet the requirements in effect when they originally
began to endorse RMPs for the military chaplaincies. Such organizations shall affirm in
writing to the AFCB by January 31st of each year that they continue to meet such
requirements. This provision applies equally to religious organizations that endorse
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DoDI 1304.28, June 11, 2004
chaplains directly to the Department of Defense through an embedded endorsing
organization; religious organizations that, under previous versions of this Instruction,
were extended the privileges of endorsing chaplains through representation by external
endorsing organizations; and larger organizations that have acted on behalf of member
religious organizations.
E3.1.8. By January 31st of each year, each religious organization shall provide to the
AFCB a complete list of Chaplains endorsed for military chaplaincy. Chaplains shall be
listed alphabetically by name and Military Department.
E3.1.9. In accordance with DoD Directive DoDI 5120.08 (Reference (hj)), the AFCB
shall inform religious organizations that endorse Chaplains that they no longer meet the
administrative requirements of paragraphs E3.1.2. through E3.1.5., and that they may no
longer endorse Chaplains for Military Service. Before taking such action, the AFCB
shall give written notice stating the reasons for lack of compliance and shall allow the
religious organization concerned a reasonable opportunity to provide a written reply that
shall be carefully considered in making a final decision. Review of administrative
compliance may be initiated if the religious organization fails to respond to requests by
endorsed chaplains for assistance or re-endorsement at times of change of career status or
if the AFCB cannot contact the religious organization in a reasonable period of time.
Religious organizations informed that they may no longer endorse chaplains due to lack
of administrative compliance may resubmit their required documents. The AFCB shall
not review the compliance of a religious organization with Reference (a) and this
Instruction again until the religious organization completes all administrative
requirements. If a religious organization is no longer able to endorse chaplains under this
Instruction, all ecclesiastical endorsements issued by that Organization shall be
considered withdrawn. Serving chaplains endorsed by that Organization shall be
considered to have had their endorsements revoked (paragraph 6.5. applies).

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DoDI 1304.28, June 11, 2004
E4. ENCLOSURE 4
FORMAT FOR PROVIDING REQUIRED INFORMATION TO MEET
ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS TO ENDORSE CHAPLAINS TO THE
MILITARY DEPARTMENTS

E4.1.1. Religious organizations desiring to endorse RMPs to the military to serve as
military chaplains shall forward written notification of such intent to the AFCB in
accordance with paragraph E3.1.2.
E4.1.1.1. The written notification may be submitted through traditional hard copy
or secure electronic means with verifiable signature.
E4.1.1.2. The written notification shall be submitted on organization letterhead or
from an official electronic account capable of secure electronic signature.
E4.1.1.3. The written notification shall include, at a minimum, a statement that
meets the requirements of paragraph E3.1.3. and provides the following information in
the following order:
E4.1.1.3.1. Name of organization.
E4.1.1.3.2. Address of organization.
E4.1.1.3.3. Name, address, telephonic, and electronic contact for endorsing
official.
E4.1.1.3.4. Statement verifying ability of the designated endorsing official to
endorse and withdraw endorsement of candidates and Chaplains.
E4.1.1.3.5. Statement verifying the religious organization shall immediately
notify the AFCB when changes occur in the status of the organization, designated
endorsing agents, or the contact addresses and telephone numbers of either.
E4.1.1.3.6. Signature of responsible official with authority to make such
statements on behalf of the organization.
E4.1.1.4. The written statement shall include as enclosures verification of current
status as an IRS section 501(c)(3) exempt organization in accordance with subparagraph
E3.1.3.1., the Employer Identification Number assigned to the organization by the IRS,
and all other enclosures to support this status.

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DoDI 1304.28, June 11, 2004
E5. ENCLOSURE 5
FORMAT FOR PROVIDING REQUIRED INFORMATION TO ENDORSE RMPs AS
CHAPLAINS TO THE MILITARY DEPARTMENTS

E5.1.1. Religious organizations submitting required documentation of their first fully
qualified RMP to a specific Military Department shall forward the applicant’s
documentation in accordance with paragraph 6.1. The written documentation shall, at a
minimum include:
E5.1.1.1. Application for Appointment: DA Form 61; AF Form 24/Addendum;
Navy: NC1100/11.
E5.1.1.2. Application for Active Duty: DA Form 160; AF Form 125, EAD
Application (AF Reserve/Guard; Navy Reserve Recall: NP1131/5.
E5.1.1.3. Application Letter requesting Appointment by applicant; (Navy:
include in form of applicant “Motivational Statement” if not included in NC1100/11).
E5.1.1.4. Official copy of each Undergraduate and Graduate Transcript.
E5.1.1.5. Statement verifying date of latest National Agency Check or check in
progress; SF Form 86, Questionnaire for Security Positions.
E5.1.1.6. Standard Form 88 (Navy: DD2808), Report of Medical Examination
and SF Form 93- Report of Medical History (Certified true copies; Navy: DD2807-1);
DD Form 2807-2 Medical Pre-screen-AF.
E5.1.1.7. DD Form 368 Conditional Release.
E5.1.1.8. All OPRs/OMPF microfiche or copies of DD Form 214, NGB Form 22,
OERs, etc.
E5.1.1.9. Official Photograph; or full body photo.
E5.1.1.10. Birth Certificate and Driver’s license.
E5.1.1.11. Credit Check AETC Form 1325-AF.
E5.1.1.12. Chaplain Interview-Army, Navy: NC1100/13; 3 to 5 Letters of
Recommendation-AF; Navy: minimum of 3 letters.

Change 3, 03/20/2014

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DoDI 1304.28, June 11, 2004
E5.1.1.13. Family Member Information Document (Typed on plain bond paper;
Biography/Resume).
E5.1.1.14. Certificate of Ecclesiastical Endorsement; Ordination Certificate.

Change 3, 03/20/2014

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ENCLOSURE 5