Question regarding waiver Chaplains & AFAM

[tjc]

I'm wondering if anyone could shed some light on the following...

If a chaplain received an education waiver, what exactly are the limits in relation to working with the military? Meaning, much of the documentation online refers to not being eligible for AFAM, however, is this solely in the context of being requested by a USAF Wing for "replacement/adjunct" duties or does it also include supporting a CAP mission (for example a SAR that may or may not be AFAM)?

Thanks in advance for any clarification.

[MSG Mac]

You really need to address the question to the CAP National Chaplains Office at NHQ. But the Air Force requires that Adjunct CAP chaplains meet all the requirements, including ht/wt reuirements.

[SouthernCross]

Short answer: a waiver chaplain cannot work with the military.

Expanded answer: Current protocol calls for a military commander or military wing chaplain to file a request for the services of a CAP chaplain with the CAP Chief of the Chaplain Corps. Such request will be denied on the basis of CAPR 265-1, 6.c(3): "The Chief of the Chaplain Corps (CAP/HC) may grant a waiver to those who do not meet the graduate study requirement providing they meet all other requirements and present valid documentation of at least 5 years of full time ministry experience as a pastor within their denomination. "Chaplains who receive a waiver are not eligible to provide assistance to the military." The ineligibility applies only to serving the military.

A CAP chaplain can support a CAP mission as chaplain, providing she/he is a mission chaplain. Provision is made for a mission chaplain in-training to participate in a SAREX under the supervision of a mission chaplain.

[Chappie]

A waivered Chaplain does not meet the educational criteria necessary to be a "force multiplier"...that is to assist the USAF Chaplain Corps in fulfilling their assignments.  It does not prohibit them from participating in CAP missions (SARXs. etc).  I am a waivered Chaplain and have been a Mission Chaplain since that rating was instituted in the early 2000's -- participating in numerous ES SARXs/missions.   In fact, was at a SARX this past weekend serving a SET for a MC trainee.

A Chaplain serving as a "force multiplier" must meet the CAP grooming and ht/wt requirements to wear the USAF-style uniform when assisting in a AFAM.

CAPR 265-1:

SECTION E – AIR FORCE ASSIGNED MISSIONS
CAP chaplains may perform Air Force Assigned Missions (AFAM) in accordance with the guidance in AFI 10-2701, Table 2.1. This AFI is available on the CAP publications webpage at: http://capmembers.com/forms_publications__regulations/other-publications-1709/. When called upon or given the opportunity to provide chaplain services on an AFAM as a CAP chaplain, the following criteria will apply:
19. Criteria Mandated by the Air Force Chaplain Corps.
a. The policy of the United States Air Force Chaplain Corps permits Air Force wing chaplains to use the services of Air Force Auxiliary chaplains when they meet AF chaplain qualifications. CAP chaplains must meet all ecclesiastical, educational and professional standards for the AF chaplains while performing chaplain duties on an AFAM.
CAPR 265-1 3 APRIL 2015 15
b. This means that to provide chaplain support for the Air Force, a chaplain must meet educational requirements for active duty service, including an earned accredited baccalaureate degree AND seminary degree (72 semester hours) from an ATS or DoD accredited theological institution. These credentials must be on file along with their ecclesiastical endorsement (Form 2088) in the office of the base wing chaplain prior to the commencement of CAP chaplain services.
c. All CAP Chaplain Corps assistance will utilize only those chaplains who conform to the weight and grooming standards specified in CAPM 39-1 and are otherwise able to wear the Air Force style uniform properly. Only the authorized Air Force style uniforms are to be worn while performing CAP Chaplain Corps assistance to the military.
d. AFI 10-2701, Organization and Function of the Civil Air Patrol, states that CAP may provide chaplain support to the Air Force active duty, Reserve or Guard units as set forth in AFI 52-101, Planning and Organizing. CAP may also provide support to other DoD and federal agencies in accordance with AFI 10-2701. Requests for CAP support as an AFAM will be submitted to the CAP-USAF Commander (CC) or Air Component Commander, as appropriate, through the CAP National Operations Center (NOC) [see AFI 10-2701, Table 2.1]. For AFAM requests in support of single, isolated, limited scope events, such as a temporary augmentation of an AF wing chaplain staff, the CAP-USAF/CC, or designee, is the approval authority. For all other instances, the appropriate Numbered Air Force is the approval authority. The requesting USAF wing chaplain will validate the request by submitting a formal request to the approval authority through the CAP NOC.
20. Criteria Mandated By the Civil Air Patrol Chaplain Corps.
a. The Chaplain Corps Advisory Council has determined that in order to present a seamless chaplaincy, the Air Force requirements will apply to all CAP chaplain support throughout the uniformed services. All requirements stated above will apply.
b. CAP chaplains must complete CAPP 221A and senior member Level II to become eligible to provide Chaplain Corps assistance to any military unit. For Emergency Services missions the CAP chaplain must also be a mission chaplain.
c. AFAM requests in support of single isolated, limited-scope events, such as a temporary augmentation of an AF wing chaplain staff MUST be approved in writing by the Chief of the CAP Chaplain Corps (CAP/HC). The CAP NOC will coordinate with CAP/HC or CAP/HCD before approval is granted.
d. Irrespective of any other agreement or MOU, CAP chaplains must conform to the following procedure BEFORE the commencement of chaplain support for ANY military entity.
(1) Obtain documentation of the educational requirements specified above and verification of a valid endorsement (Form 2088).
(2) The CAP wing chaplain will secure the approval of the CAP wing commander and obtain a letter from the AF wing chaplain (or military commander) on the unit letterhead requesting chaplain services and listing the dates of the requested service and a brief description of the duties that are requested (see sample at attachment 1). The letter is to be addressed to the CAP NOC and the Deputy Chief of the CAP Chaplain Corps (CAP/HCD) with a copy to the
16 CAPR 265-1 3 APRIL 2015
CAP/HC and NHQ/HCA. This letter is uploaded by the requesting CAP wing HQ into Web Mission Information Reporting System (WMIRS) for approval as an AFAM.
(3) The requesting CAP wing will submit to CAP/HCD, in writing, the name of the preferred chaplain to assign to the activity. CAP/HCD will validate the requested chaplain's qualifications for service and send to CAP/HC for final approval. Note: It is possible that CAP-USAF can approve a request for chaplain support as an AFAM, but that the chaplain requested may not be approved by CAP/HC. In that case, the mission approval stands but another CAP chaplain is nominated for assignment to CAP/HCD.
(4) The Deputy Chief of Chaplains will process the submission in the following manner:
(a) Verify that the CAP wing chaplain is aware of the request, has approved it and has secured the approval of the wing commander.
(b) Verify that the chaplain requested meets the ecclesiastical, educational and professional standards outlined in AFI 52-101 and AFI 52-102.
(c) Verify that the chaplain has completed the required CAP training requirements for ministry as a force multiplier.
(d) Verify that the chaplain conforms to the weight and grooming standards in CAPM 39-1.
(e) Verify that the chaplain is familiar with the proper wear of the Air Force style uniforms.
(f) Verify that the chaplain is medically and physically capable of performing the duties expected of him/her so as not to jeopardize his/her health. This is particularly crucial with the chaplain services requested include participation in the field and in situations demanding physical exertion.
(g) Request a Military Support Authorization (MSA) be issued through the appropriate CAP-USAF channel. No ministry to or with the military is authorized or may commence without an MSA specific to the assignment. Issuance of an MSA by itself does not signify mission approval as an AFAM.
(h) Issue a written approval to the chaplain who is requested to provide chaplain services. Copies to the wing chaplain, region chaplain, the NHQ/HCA and the CAP/HC. This will not be done until the AFAM is approved in WMIRS.
e. All of the above procedures are to be completed BEFORE the commencement of CAP Chaplain assistance to the military. All current chaplain services by CAP chaplains that have not complied with these AFAM guidelines must do so immediately to continue.
f. These guidelines are established to assure the Air Force that we are providing qualified chaplains who are properly trained to offer quality ministry and that they are ministering with the full awareness and provision of Civil Air Patrol.
g. If the guidelines are not (or cannot) be met, the chaplain may be asked by some units to minister in a non-CAP clergy capacity. In that event, the chaplain may not wear the CAP corporate or Air Force style uniforms and may not represent their assistance as being provided by the Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol Chaplain Corps. Additionally, AFAM status will not
CAPR 265-1 3 APRIL 2015 17
be granted and the chaplain WILL NOT be covered under FTCA/FICA or CAP insurance coverage.
h. CAP chaplains who are engaged in assisting the Air Force will file an "After Action Report" following the activity. When the assignment is a continuing one, periodic after action reports are to be filed. Copies shall be provided to the chaplain's commander, wing HC, region HC, NHQ/HCA, CAP/HCD and CAP/HC.

[THRAWN]

That's nice and all Chappie, but you didn't answer the most important question: can they wear ABUs on AFAMs?

Seriously though, this is field that doesnt get much airtime and the info is interesting.

[tjc]

Thanks everyone for the quick responses!

A CAP chaplain can support a CAP mission as chaplain, providing she/he is a mission chaplain. Provision is made for a mission chaplain in-training to participate in a SAREX under the supervision of a mission chaplain.

This is what I was getting at...an education waiver doesn't preclude such training as mission chaplain. Only when being used as a "force multiplier" would it come into play, relatively speaking.

[Chappie]

That's nice and all Chappie, but you didn't answer the most important question: can they wear ABUs on AFAMs?

Seriously though, this is field that doesnt get much airtime and the info is interesting.

That indeed is the pressing question .  And the answer is....no.   But they can once the ABUs get approved for CAP members to wear.