Recently, there have been some questions regarding chaplain applications involving the DD Form 2088 and an Armed Forces Chaplains Board (AFCB) recognized religious organization and endorser. The following are required for all chaplain applications and CANNOT BE WAIVED, unlike certain educational requirements which can be waived by the Chief of Chaplains.
1. All applications must include a DD Form 2088 (titled “Statement of Ecclesiastical Endorsement”) or an endorsement letter. The DD Form 2088 is the preferred method of endorsement.
2. DD Form 2088 or endorsement letter must be completed by an Armed Forces Chaplains Board (AFCB) recognized religious organization AND be signed by that body's authorized and recognized endorser. That is, the name of the person signing the endorsement must match the name of the religious organization as listed on the AFCB listing (https://prhome.defense.gov/M-RA/MPP/AFCB/Endorsements/).
3. Many endorsers have imposed additional requirements that must be met before they will grant an endorsement (e.g., educational requirements beyond what CAP requires, a certain number of years of ministry, a signed agreement to abide by certain rules, an annual requirement for continuing education, etc.). CAP has zero control over these additional requirements, and thus cannot waive them. It is entirely up to the endorsers themselves whether or not to grant an endorsement. As an aside, this is also why endorsers are free to revoke an endorsement at any time without consulting CAP, thus triggering the process laid out in Para. 6.7 of CAPR 80-1.
Any application received at CAP/HC that fails to meet the above requirements will be returned without action. Questions regarding this policy can be forwarded to Chaplain (Col.) Ken Parris, the Chief of Personnel for the Chaplain Corps, at [email protected].
