Reduction in Force: Getting in could get harder

Getting in to the chaplaincy  may be harder than ever. We are currently undergoing a reduction in force or a RIF. The RIF is affecting 30% of four year groups in the chaplaincy. In other words, four years worth of accessions will be reduced by 30%. That and reduction through attrition will take us down to a total of around 400 chaplains in the active duty Air Force. What does this mean for those of you trying to get in? Well, it's a good news bad news story. I never want to discourage anyone from joining the Air Force. If God is calling you to this unique ministry, then you should stick to your guns, so to speak. Don't be swayed to do something because it sounds easier or to be a more "sure thing." If God wants you here, then you will be. So what is the good news? The good news is that if you make it in during a "lean" year, you are much less likely to be facing what 30% of four year groups are facing now. The bad news is that it's harder to get in. This has been true over the last few years anyway. Just a few years ago the AF was taking in around 30 chaplains a year. By my accession year of 2006 it was around 25 and continues at that rate.* What does this mean for you? Bring your "A" game when you apply. Don't be mediocre in you enthusiasm. Don't be sloppy in your paperwork. Finish every deadline (we call them suspenses) before they are due. Don't expect the AF to "want" you. Your job in, this climate, is to prove to the AF how much you want to be a part of them. We get to be very selective right now and we are only taking the best. You need to be fully on board with our core values and mission. You have to be able to operate in a pluralistic environment. You need to be excited about deploying and caring for Airmen. Your family needs to be stable and fully supportive of the ministry God has given you. You need to feel called from deep within your soul. My prayer is that doesn't scare you, but that it hones your intensity.

*Earlier I had reported that 2009 saw 12 chaplains brought on active duty. That was incorrect. The number remains at 25 per year. Sorry for any confusion.