GROUP 1 SQUADRON CHAPLAINS READ THIS !!!

     As Group 1 chaplain I would like to encourage all chaplains in the group to consider becoming mission qualified. Mission Qualified and supervised trainee status allows chaplains to minister actively on practice and actual missions. Whether actual or practice the spiritual needs of cadets and seniors need to be met and are still very real. Physical fatigue, exertion and stressful moments on the mission may require the watchful and careful eye of the chaplain to lighten or mitigate these concerns. Chaplains conduct worship services at the mission and/or help those worshippers to attend nearby services. The chaplain has ministry of presence or actual ministry with CAP members or family members of those whose loved ones are the object of our air and ground searches.

     An added benefit has arisen for those chaplains who become mission qualified in direct Air Force ministry. The Air Force has allowed some CAP chaplains, who are mission qualified, to minister to active duty units and personnel. This can be arranged by MSA (military support authorization) through the Air Force Unit Commander, CAP National Chaplain and the Air Force Base chaplain. We have at least one chaplain in the Illinois Wing presently ministering to an active duty Air Force squadron.  As of this writing, Illinois wing only has three mission qualified chaplains in the entire wing. We need many more. Please contact your senior or wing chaplain or professional development officer to find out what you must do to begin training to become mission qualified. It will be well worth the effort for you and the entire wing.

Statement between USAF & CAP

“The CAP chaplain service should be modeled after the Air Force Chaplain Service. CAP chaplains should meet equivalent educational standards as Air Force chaplains and should obtain ecclesiastical endorsement/approval from a religious official approved by the DoD Armed Forces Board.” 

2.4 CAP Chaplain Service, 1 Oct 2001

New Law in Effect

The Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001

Title 10 USC, Chapter 909, Section 9446a

“USE OF CIVIL AIR PATROL CHAPLAIN - The Secretary of the Air Force may use the services of Civil Air Patrol chaplains in support of Air Force active duty and reserve component forces to the extent and under conditions that the Secretary determines appropriate.”

MEMORANDUM FOR ALMAJCOM/FOA/DRU
FROM: HQ USAF/HC
112 Luke Avenue, Ste 319
Bolling AFB DC 20032-9050

SUBJECT: Utilization of Air Force Auxiliary Chaplains (POLICY)

The mission of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Chaplain Service program is to provide

qualified chaplains who assist commanders in the moral, religious, and spiritual growth of the CAP membership at large. In addition, CAP chaplains support U.S. Air Force active-duty and reserve chaplains, particularly during times of war when military personnel are deployed. CAP chaplains also assist other national relief organizations in times of disaster and minister to victims and emergency workers. The Air Force refers to CAP as the “Air Force Auxiliary” to recognize its status with the Air Force. We refer to CAP as the Civil Air Patrol. As the United States continues its Global War on Terrorism, our Active Duty chaplain resources continue to stretch thin as we provide worldwide chaplain support. We must continue to use every asset available to provide our people world-class ministry. Air Force Auxiliary Chaplains benefit our nation and our members. Conducting ministry together, our chaplains learn more about how God is working in their own lives and the lives of others.

The policy of the United States Air Force Chaplain Service permits Wing Chaplains to use the services of Air Force Auxiliary chaplains when they meet auxiliary chaplain qualifications as established in AFI 52-101 (dtd 16 Apr 04), § 2.3.1. They must meet all ecclesiastical, educational and professional standards for AF Chaplains while serving as an AF auxiliary chaplain as set forth in AFI 52-102 (dtd 7 Jan 04). Wing chaplains ensure this standard of excellence is reflected in those who serve in the Air Force Auxiliary.

This policy memo is in effect until superseded or no longer needed.

CHARLES C. BALDWIN
Chaplain, Major General, USAF
Chief of Chaplains