Chaplaincy FAQs

'DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY AND OUR INTERESTS'

Do chaplains go through basic training?

For more information on training please visit www.defencejobs.gov.au

Fr Kene support the bush fire efforts with ADF

Where would I be posted?

Chaplains are posted to wherever Australian Defence Force people are located. This could include:

to sea on board a ship;
to base establishments;
to operational areas;
to remote locations; or
on bush exercises.

Postings will normally be of two years in length after which you will then be located to another area.

Where do Chaplains Serve?

Chaplains serve in all major ADF bases and given seniority in Higher Headquarters: from HMAS Cerberus in Victoria, to RAAF Williamtown in Newcastle, to Darwin with Navy, Army or Air Force, to Western Australia at HMAS Stirling or aboard a ship such as HMAS Toowoomba.

Do military chaplains carry weapons?

Chaplains, although they are all commissioned officers and wear uniform, do not normally carry arms.

Article 24 of the Geneva Convention identifies chaplains as protected personnel in their function and capacity as ministers of religion. Some Service regulations prohibit chaplains from carrying weapons and classify chaplains as non-combatants.

Do military chaplains get deployed?

Chaplains, however, go where troops go. They can be deployed wherever military personnel are stationed around the world, including combat zones.

What are the medical and physical fitness requirements for entry?

For information on the Medical and Physical fitness standards for the Navy, Army and Air Force, please visit defence jobs at https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/

Do I work with other Faith Groups?

Yes. The Australian Defence Force Chaplaincy department is made up of many religions. At times there will be a requirement for you to work closely alongside a Chaplain of a different faith.

Is there an age limit of Military Chaplaincy?

Applicants may apply up to the age of 56 years. The compulsory retirement age for Chaplain Officers is 60 years for full-time members and 65 years for part-time members (Reserve).