Overview
As a member of the military, CAF chaplains are responsible for fostering the spiritual, religious, and pastoral care of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families, regardless of religious affiliation, practice, and/or belief.

Responsibilities

Providing an active, personal, and supportive presence.

Officiating at special functions, service, events, and ceremonies.

Advising the Chain of Command regarding spiritual/religious accommodation issues, ethical dilemmas, as well as spiritual and moral issues pertaining to the Formation/Unit/Squadron.

Applying knowledge in general military administration and RCChS policies.

Liaising with local area civilian Faith Tradition leaders.

Referring CAF members and their families to other helping professionals, such as social workers, psychologists, or medical personnel, as required.

Providing compassionate and caring support during, and following, significant life events and incidents.

Work Workplace
CAF chaplains work in all military environments with members of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), the Canadian Army (CA), the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and Canadian Special Operations Forces (CANSOF). They provide an active, personal, and supportive presence, and offer spiritual and personal growth counselling, programmes, and events throughout the year. Public services and military ceremonies typically require the chaplain to participate and offer spiritual reflections. CAF chaplains can work in Canada, or may be required to go abroad during operations.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. If you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part‑time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base.

As part of the Primary Reserve Force,



you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full‑time employment.

Entry Plans

Direct Entry Options

Paid Education Options

Chaplains must be ordained or mandated by a nationally registered Faith Tradition and have a graduate‑level professional degree in Faith Tradition formation (MDiv or equivalent), be a member in good standing with a national Faith Tradition Governing Authority, and have at least two years of full‑time, supervised Faith Tradition leadership experience. They must also receive the recommendation of a representative of the Interfaith Committee on Canadian Military Chaplaincy (ICCMC), the endorsement of the ICCMC, and be selected by the Chaplain General.

The ideal candidate already has a graduate‑level professional degree in Faith Tradition formation (MDiv or equivalent) and at least two years of full‑time, supervised Faith Tradition leadership experience. The CAF may place you directly into the required on‑the‑job training program following Basic Military Officer Qualification training.

Contact Information
Alberta and the North
Chaplain, 3rd Canadian Division
Capt Bryan Bowley
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 780‑973‑4011 x8141

Manitoba and Saskatchewan
1 Canadian Air Division Chaplain
Maj Henry Hoy
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 204‑833‑2500 x2267

Ontario
Chaplain, 4th Canadian Division
Capt Adnan Balihodzic
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 416‑633‑6200 x5314

Quebec
Chaplain, 2nd Canadian Division
Capt Dany Perreault
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 514‑252‑2777 x4032

Maritimes
Chaplain, 5th Canadian Division
Lt(N) Stephen Cogswell
Email:



[email protected]
Phone: 902‑427‑7849

British Columbia
Chaplain, Joint Task Force Pacific
Lt(N) Peter Han
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 250‑363‑4180

Training
After being posted, you will prepare for basic training by completing the 12‑week intensive Basic Military Officer Qualification (BMOQ) training programme at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec. Topics covered include general military knowledge, the principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the CAF, basic weapons safe handling, and first aid. Opportunities will also be provided to apply such newly acquired military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and leadership. A rigorous physical fitness programme is also a vital part of basic training. Basic Military Officer Qualification training is provided in English or French, and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training.

Following successful completion of Basic Military Officer Qualification (BMOQ), chaplains will spend the next 12‑18 months engaged in various online and in‑person professional development courses. Courses include: Basic Occupation Qualification (BOQ), Intermediate Ethics, Chaplain Counselling Skills, Chaplain in Deployed Operations, Canadian Armed Forces Junior Officer Development (CAFJOD) programme, as well as any element‑specific training requirements.

Part‑time Options
This position is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part‑time at Reserve Unit in their community, and may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. They are paid during their training and are not posted or required to do a military move. However, they may volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Related Careers

Personnel Selection Officer

Social Work Officer

Military Police Officer

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📌 Chaplain (Nova Scotia)
🏢 Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes
📍 Nova Scotia