Department of Defense
INSTRUCTION
NUMBER 1304.28
June 11, 2004
Incorporating Change 3, Effective March 20, 2014
USD(P&R)
SUBJECT: Guidance for the Appointment of Chaplains for the Military Departments
References: (a) DoD Directive 1304.19, “Appointment of Chaplains for the Military
Departments,” June 11, 2004
(b) Sections 533(a)(1), 643, 827, 3353(a)(1), 5600(a)(1) of title 10, United
States Code
(c) Assistant Secretary of Defense (Force Management Policy)
Memorandum, “Educational Requirements for Military Chaplain
Applicants,” April 2, 2002 (hereby canceled)
(d) Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and
Readiness) Memorandum, “Assignment of Chaplains for Military
Service,” October 14, 2003 (hereby canceled)
(e) through (ij), see Enclosure 1
1. PURPOSE
This Instruction:
1.1. Implements Reference (a) and section 643 of Reference (b).
1.2. Cancels References (c), (d), and DD Form 2741, “Department of Defense
Ecclesiastical Endorsing Organization Verification/Reverification Information.”
1.3. Assigns responsibilities appointing chaplains for the Military Departments and
identifies the educational and ecclesiastical requirements for appointment of military
chaplains.
1.4. Establishes requirements, procedures, and responsibilities for religious
organizations to endorse religious ministry professionals for the chaplaincy.
1.5. Implements and establishes the criteria and procedures for the administrative
separation and loss of professional qualifications of chaplains of the Military
Departments.
