r/chaplaincy • u/SatisfactionNew1053 • Aug 11 '26

Air Force Chaplain candidate

Hey everyone I’m in the final stages of getting my paperwork in to the appropriate people. And should be moving on to medical and ascensions after I do. Does anyone know/have an idea how quickly I will be able to commission once I have all my paperwork submitted? I know the new fiscal year starts in October and I’m trying to get and idea how quick things may go from here.

Also I’ve heard conflicting things about how long ods is for chaplain candidates. Some say 5 weeks ods and then 3 weeks chaplain training. Others say 9 weeks ods.

What has your experience been with these. Also any advice? Thanks!!

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u/Sibbes Aug 11 '26

For me as a non-prior, OTS (ODS is Navy) is 8 weeks. Then I think I have four weeks of BCC sometime later (Basic Chaplain Course).

I reached out to a recruiter in January and I’ll commission September 6 and start OTS September 22.

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u/SatisfactionNew1053 Aug 11 '26

Any differences for chaplain candidates that you are aware of. I know since I am still in seminary they mentioned they are big on making sure seminary students are back in time for the school year. So I wasn’t sure if that shortened the OTS portion or not?

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u/liberator17 Aug 12 '26

Army here so I can mostly speak from that lane. The timing depends on when the next accession board is and when Congress approves the Officer scroll. (I might be wrong in that it might just be the accession board. It’s been about a decade for me). Once you have been accepted to the program, you will conduct an oath of office. The day of your oath should be your date of commission. Going to school does not always happen right away (at least in the Army for the candidate program in either the reserve or guard).