DoDD - Appointment of Chaplains for Mil. Depts.

Department of Defense

DIRECTIVE
NUMBER 1304.19
June 11, 2004
Certified Current as of April 23, 2007
USD(P&R)

SUBJECT: Appointment of Chaplains for the Military Departments
References: (a) DoD Directive 1304.19, "Appointment of Chaplains for the Military Services,"
September 18, 1993 (hereby canceled)
(b) DoD Directive 1332.31, "Administrative Separation of Chaplains Upon Loss of
Professional Qualifications," October 16, 1981 (hereby canceled)
(c) DoD Instruction 1330.7, "Visits of Civilian Religious Leaders to Military
Installations in Overseas Areas," April 26, 1974 (hereby canceled)
(d) DoD Instruction 1304.28, "Guidance for the Appointment of Chaplains for the
Military Departments," June 11, 2004
(e) DoD Directive 5100.73, "Support of Headquarters of Combatant and
Subordinate Joint Commands," November 15, 1999

1. REISSUANCE AND PURPOSE
This Directive:
1.1. Reissues reference (a) to update policy and responsibilities.
1.2. Cancels references (b) and (c).
1.3. Continues the educational and ecclesiastical requirements for appointing military
chaplains.

2. APPLICABILITY
This Directive applies to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Military Departments,
(including the Coast Guard when it is operating as a Military Service in the Navy), the Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field
Activities (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,

DODD 1304.19, June 11, 2004
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 Directive are defined in DoD Instruction 1304.28 (reference (d)).

4. POLICY
It is DoD policy that the Chaplaincies of the Military Departments:
4.1. Are established to advise and assist commanders in the discharge of their
responsibilities to provide for the free exercise of religion in the context of military service as
guaranteed by the Constitution, to assist commanders in managing Religious Affairs (DoD
Directive 5100.73 (reference (e)), and to serve as the principal advisors to commanders for all
issues regarding the impact of religion on military operations.
4.2. Shall serve a religiously diverse population. Within the military, commanders are
required to provide comprehensive religious support to all authorized individuals within their
areas of responsibility. Religious Organizations that choose to participate in the Chaplaincies
recognize this command imperative and express willingness for their Religious Ministry
Professionals (RMPs) to perform their professional duties as chaplains in cooperation with RMPs
from other religious traditions.
4.3. Requirements and details addressing the Chaplaincies of the Military Departments are
found in reference (d).

5. RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1. The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall issue additional
implementing guidance, as appropriate.
5.2. The Secretaries of the Military Departments shall adhere to this Directive, reference
(d), and other pertinent guidance to ensure that persons appointed as chaplains meet the
minimum professional and educational qualifications prescribed in reference (d) and other
pertinent guidance. The Secretaries of the Military Departments may impose additional
professional requirements.

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DODD 1304.19, June 11, 2004

6. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Directive is effective immediately.

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