Becoming a Buddhist CAP Chappie...

[SARMedTech]

I am interested in becoming a Chaplain with CAP in addition to other specialty tracks. I am a Buddhist and my ordination runs a little differently in that  I was not required to attend a seminary (though I did spend time as a monk) Can someone point me to the regs governing chaplains and how I go about beginning the process? Thanks.

[Pylon]

Essentially, CAP defers to the DOD's standards for who can become chaplains.

One of the pertinent quotes is from CAPR 265-1, Section 6, A.:

Chaplains will receive an ecclesiastical endorsement from a faith group approved by the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces (NCMAF) prior to appointment as a chaplain.

What you need to start is CAPR 265-1, the CAP Chaplain Service and some research at the NCMAF's website.  That page gives the basic standards for becoming an Army/AF/Navy/CAP chaplain.

The basic requirements to become an Active Duty, Reserve, Guard or Civil Air Patrol Chaplain include:

• Ecclesiastical endorsement (certifies experience and degree requirements meet the standards of the respective ecclesiastical group)
• Two years religious leadership consistent with clergy in applicant's tradition (strongly recommended)
• United States citizenship (No dual citizenship)
• Bachelor's degree (120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours)
• A graduate degree to include a minimum of 72 semester hours (or equivalent) from a qualifying (accredited) institution. Not less than 36 hours must be in theological/ministry and related studies, consistent with the respective religious tradition of the applicant. Endorsers are free to exceed the DoD standard per ecclesiastical requirements, but cannot go below the minimal DoD requirements, e.g. many endorsers specifically require the Master of Divinity degree

• Active Duty Chaplains:
  Army: Commissioned prior to age 40 (Age waiver availability may vary from year to year)
  Air Force and Navy: Commissioned and on active duty by age 42 (Some consideration may be made for prior service)
• Pass a military commissioning physical
• Pass a security background investigation
• Ability to work in the DoD directed religious accommodation environment.

Another point to consider is that CAPR 265-1, Section 6, B, (1) indicates you need an endorsement from your religious organization (church, temple, mosque, etc.) that says you basically need to be engaged in active ministry at the time of your appointment as a CAP Chaplain (Quote: "Actively engaged in or retired from a denominationally approved vocation.")


I'm no expert, but read through the regs, particularly Section 6 of 265-1, and go from there.  Good luck!

[ddelaney103]

I'm not an expert either, but you will need a grad degree.  That is because you are supposed to have a graduate degree in order to do your broader chaplain duties.

Many religions have minimal educational standards to preach, but the military has a level of counseling and broader knowledge they want.

My suggestion would be to find a Buddhist credentialing org and talk to them first - they should have the gouge on your precise situation.

The good news is at least they have a badge, so somebody must have done it before.

[ddelaney103]

As a follow on, a check of the web gives a couple of leads:

http://chaplaindanny.blogspot.com/ He describes himself as an American Buddhist Chaplain, so he might be able to point you in the right direction.

However, on another blog they say there are no Buddhist chaplains http://headheeb.blogmosis.com/archives/014538.html  but they do mention the Buddhist Churches of America http://www.buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/home/ as an endorsing agency.

Hope this helps.

[Major Carrales]

I am interested in becoming a Chaplain with CAP in addition to other specialty tracks. I am a Buddhist and my ordination runs a little differently in that  I was not required to attend a seminary (though I did spend time as a monk) Can someone point me to the regs governing chaplains and how I go about beginning the process? Thanks.

I should very much like to see you accomplish this.  I have never seen a Buddist Chappie in my life, even on police and fire service.

[Major Lord]

I am not aware of any Buddhists that are able to support an organization who's primary goal is to kill people and blow things up.....But if there are, those are my kind of Buddhists!

Capt. Lord

[SARMedTech]

I am not aware of any Buddhists that are able to support an organization who's primary goal is to kill people and blow things up.....But if there are, those are my kind of Buddhists!

Capt. Lord

As I am sure you know Captain, it is not the goal of a chaplain to support killing and blowing things up (hence the reason they are prohibited from being armed) but rather to meet the spiritual needs of those who serve in the armed forces. Also, I am talking about being a Buddhist chaplain in CAP, and last time I checked we were not tasked with killing people and blowing things up.

[Major Lord]

A: Chaplains support CAP members and operations. B: CAP Supports Air Force and Air Force Operations C: The Air Force Blows things up and kils people ( agood thing too!) Quad errat Demonstrandum: Chaplains help kill the enemy. ( and a good thing too!)

Buddism is as incompatible with the Military as Islam is with freedom.

Capt. Lord

[Pylon]

A: Chaplains support CAP members and operations. B: CAP Supports Air Force and Air Force Operations C: The Air Force Blows things up and kils people ( agood thing too!) Quad errat Demonstrandum: Chaplains help kill the enemy. ( and a good thing too!)

Buddism is as incompatible with the Military as Islam is with freedom.

Capt. Lord

Gentlemen, let's drift this topic right back to the original posters question about the regulatory process of what it takes to be a Chaplain.  IIRC, the USAF did have 1 Buddhist Chaplain briefly - hence why USAF does have a badge for it (the blue n' silver Dharma Wheel).  The religious debate, whether or not accurate, may be a bit of a sensitive topic.  'Nuff said?   

[Major Lord]

To anyones knowledge, has CAP ever had a Buddhist Chaplain? Is there a recognized ordaining authority or a 4 year seminary?

Capt. Lord

[arajca]

Well, since no else mentioned it, contact your wing chaplain. Since he is the one who has initial approval for all chaplains in the wing, he should be able to let you know exactly what you need to do. Otherwise, he can pass the request up the chain.

[Pylon]

To anyones knowledge, has CAP ever had a Buddhist Chaplain? Is there a recognized ordaining authority or a 4 year seminary?

Capt. Lord

There is at least one Buddhist recognized endorsing authority in the NCMAF's list of people who can endorse a militaty/CAP chaplain.  As for the education question, I'm not familiar enough with Buddhism and particularly their clergy - anybody else know?

[SARMedTech]

A: Chaplains support CAP members and operations. B: CAP Supports Air Force and Air Force Operations C: The Air Force Blows things up and kils people ( agood thing too!) Quad errat Demonstrandum: Chaplains help kill the enemy. ( and a good thing too!)

Buddism is as incompatible with the Military as Islam is with freedom.

Capt. Lord

Im afraid the Captain shows some level of ignorance about both Buddhism and chaplains in this single post.

1. There are currently several Buddhist chaplains serving in the US military, including the very first one, who serves with the United States Navy. I would encourage you to write to her and tell her that you believe that her personal beliefs and by extension she is incompatible with military service. Further, Chaplains are non-combatants and the Geneva Convention precludes them from being armed, thus rendering your statement a logical fallacy.

2.As a "civilian" Buddhist chaplain, I have met members of all branches of the service whose dog tags read "Buddhist." I would encourage the Captain to contact them and let them know that he feels that their faith system is incompatible and by extrapolation THEY are incompatible with military service.

3. The statement the Captain makes does not logically follow and he knows is and furthermore, his statement about Islam being incompatible with freedom demonstrates further ignorance. Islam is not incompatible with freedom, radical Islam is. America's leaders, both civilian and military apparently are able to make a distinction that the Captain cannot.

Im sure the Captain could have been more offensive in a single post, but Im not sure how. To answer the Captain's question, not all seminaries, Sir, are four years. There are several Buddhist seminaries throughout the United States, some of them at Universities and some operated privately, the largest being as has been mentioned, The Buddhist Churches of America. A simple google search could have provided you with this answer and perhaps afforded you the opportunity the learn a little something and hence be less offensive.

[Major Lord]

SARMEDTECH,

The moderator asked us to drop this line of religious debate. I am fully aware of what both Buddhism and Islam teach in their formal and published belief systems. Feel free to PM me if you would like to continue in this line, as I am fully prepared to defend my positions.

My questions regarding ordaining authorities and 4 year institutions, goes to the issue of CAP's acceptance of credentials for Chaplains. Many Non-denominational pastors who have been ordained by their own churches do not meet the rigorous requirements CAP sets for Chaplains. Mike pointed out that the Air Force has had at least one Buddhist Chaplain in the past ( Who, for all we know, found military life and Buddhism incompatible or just retired) Air Force Chaplains by regulation as I recall, are eligible for acceptance in to CAP, but we don't really know if we have the same standards. For instance, an admitted homosexual could not enter the Air Force, but CAP has no such restrictions. We cannot assume that the standards will be the same.

Capt. Lord

[Hawk200]

Actually, the standards for CAP chaplains and military ones are virtually the same.

The biggest differences? For CAP, no age limits, no physical limitations. That's about it. And CAP chaplains are getting tapped to provide support to Guard units all over the country. The Guard wouldn't accept them otherwise.

The educational requirements are the same. If a member doesn't have the full educational requirements, then they can be a Moral Leadership Officer. Even MLO's have advanced educational requirements in CAP.

[floridacyclist]

last time I checked we were not tasked with killing people and blowing things up.

We aren't? I really need to talk to that CAP recruiter that sold me that bill of goods....

[Hawk200]

last time I checked we were not tasked with killing people and blowing things up.

We aren't? I really need to talk to that CAP recruiter that sold me that bill of goods....

You had a CAP recruiter?....

 

[fyrfitrmedic]

 Hmm... I know a shuzen that I'd love to recruit who easily makes the cut in terms of qualifications.

[floridacyclist]

last time I checked we were not tasked with killing people and blowing things up.

We aren't? I really need to talk to that CAP recruiter that sold me that bill of goods....

You had a CAP recruiter?....  

I was going to have some more fun with this, but I really don't wantto hijack the thread...it's rather interesting on it's own

[Pumbaa]

Train Wreck a com'n

[O-Rex]

Actually, the standards for CAP chaplains and military ones are virtually the same.

The biggest differences? For CAP, no age limits, no physical limitations. That's about it. And CAP chaplains are getting tapped to provide support to Guard units all over the country. The Guard wouldn't accept them otherwise.

The educational requirements are the same. If a member doesn't have the full educational requirements, then they can be a Moral Leadership Officer. Even MLO's have advanced educational requirements in CAP.

Actually, CAP Chaplains must be approved by CAP-USAF.

It's interesting that they are the only folks in CAP who can serve as a "bolt-on" to the actual Military, albeit in a limited capacity.   

I once met an Army Buddhist Chaplain many years ago: I distinctly remembered the unusual wagon-wheel-like device that he wore, as chaplains wear their distinctive insignia in place of rank on their BDU and Garrison/Flight caps.

SARMedTech: I find that proposition of a Buddhist CAP Chaplain an interesting one, and I'm sure a few of us would be curious to see what comes from it.  Keep us posted.

[Chaplaindon]

A: Chaplains support CAP members and operations. B: CAP Supports Air Force and Air Force Operations C: The Air Force Blows things up and kils people ( agood thing too!) Quad errat Demonstrandum: Chaplains help kill the enemy. ( and a good thing too!)

Buddism is as incompatible with the Military as Islam is with freedom.

Capt. Lord

As a protestant/Christian chaplain, I do not believe that "Blow[ing] things up and kils [sic] (killing?) people" to be "agood [sic] thing." It may be justifiable (in a given situation), but rarely, if ever, IMHO a good thing. Especially to the innocents who inevitably die as a consequence (the so-called "collateral damage") of even justifiable warfare.

Military chaplains are --per the Geneva Conventions and the UCMJ-- noncombatants. Military chaplains may not bear arms. We may not engage in fighting.

Captain Lord, you are thus wrong when you stated, "Chaplains help kill the enemy." They cannot and must not per the GC. If they engage in active combat, they forfeit their unique status and would most likely lose their vital ecclesiastical endorsement. That would NOT be "a good thing."

In addition, if military chaplains are captured (IAW the Geneva Conventions) thy are to be considered internees not POWs. As such they are expected to minister to personnel of both sides of the conflict and to have greater freedom of movement, etc.

Mind you, few nations obey the GC when it comes to POW treatment, let alone, chaplains. But such are the "rules."

Chaplains share the "good news" of their faith tradition and minister to the spiritual needs of those who fight battles as well as other dependent noncombatants (e.g. military families, etc.). Their "fight" is in the spiritual realm.

Most chaplains that I have spoken with take this distinction quite seriously. One operational/functional example of this that I am aware of is seen when an airman asks a chaplain to pray that the bombs on his/her aircraft hit the target as intended. Many chaplains, myself included would decline to do this. Prayer is not to aid the infliction of death and/or destruction. I serve the "Prince of Peace." On the other hand, if that same airman asked for prayers for her/his personal safety on a given mission --of requested prayer for a sick family member back home-- it would be granted lovingly.

As an active CAP chaplain, I welcome BOTH Buddhist AND Muslim chaplains in CAP. I KNOW we have Muslim members as I've served them as chaplain at encampments before. Likely we have Buddhist members as well. It's sad when people say myopic things such as "Buddism is as incompatible with the Military as Islam is with freedom." I wonder if you'd be so bold as to say that to the face of a bright-eyed, eager-to-learn, Muslim cadet at an encampment? I would hope not.

Thank goodness that it's the job of the chaplain to work to ensure "religious accommodation" and to counter such xenophobia. Let's welcome people and serve our country.

A Buddhist Chaplain in CAP is a "good thing."

As for the unique aspects of the training of a Buddhist priest versus the route to ordination of, for example, a Christian clergyperson or a Jewish Rabbi (and how that affects/effects the CAP chaplaincy appointment process); I suggest directly contacting Chaplain, Colonel Charles Sharp at NHQ. I suspect some clarification (and perhaps even some modification of regulations) is in order.

Good luck.

[ddelaney103]

Remember that there are two separate (but related) aspects to a chaplain.

Their religious aspect (ordained by the church, etc)

Their counselor aspect (grad degree in theology, etc)

This is so you don't just get someone who can do services for a particular religion, but can support the broader chaplain duties as well.

As to Capt Lord's comments - please take it to CS's philosophy forum.

[Major Lord]

I think it is clear that Chaplains help carry out the mission of the US Air Force. If they don't help, but hinder ( Like the Muslim chaplains who have undermined the other services by advising service members that they may not fight brother Muslims) we don't need them. You can play at your sophistry by pretending that Chaplains do not help the war effort in any but a spiritual mode, but their FUNCTION, like everything else in military life, is to help carry out the mission. Just like a baker or an artilleryman. (Who according to the GC have no special protections)

I have no problems with Buddhists becoming Chaplains. I rather like Buddhism-the "wheel of life" and philosophical concepts of Buddhism have many similarities to Christianity. The Golden Rule has a Karmic flavor! If they can reconcile their support of an organization who's principal purpose is the destruction of America's enemy with their belief system (which forbids killing) who am I to complain?

The Christian View is different. Other than Quakers and a few other pacifist groups, taking life in war is not forbidden. Daniel was a man after God's own heart, and he was a real life-taker and a heart-breaker!

Now, as to Islam. Islam is a religion that requires certain practices and beliefs, as do all religions. Some are benign, such as the lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca , or Hajj. Some requirements of Islam, such as converting, taxing, or killing every man, woman and child on earth (Jihad)are a little too hard for me to tolerate, as is their stated and published view to establish (Sharia) as the sole source of law on the planet, eliminating all other sovereignty but the Caliphate. These are mainstream beliefs of Islam, held by most of the Muslim world. Although many American Muslims renounce these particular views, affiliation with a belief system or organization that requires the violent overthrow of America is traditionally considered naughty.....Let me apologize if I overstated by saying that Islam is incompatible with peace. Islam would love to create an Islamic "Utopia" on earth, where stonings and executions, female mutilation and subjugation, and barbaric punishments are cornerstones of a peaceful and orderly society. Islam is a religion of peace, like syphilis is a disease of love...

Lets be clear and honest about what we believe shall we? As educated and intelligent Christians, you cannot believe that Islam is the work of any but a false prophet, something warned of very specifically in the New testament. To claim them as a co-equal faith demonstrates only that your own beliefs are, at best fungible. This does not mean that we must or should ban them from CAP. We let communists in CAP, and some do a fine job, I am sure.

Capt. Lord

[MIKE]

You were warned.  Lock.