BY ORDER OF THE
SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE
AIR FORCE POLICY DIRECTIVE
52-1
5 NOVEMBER 2018
Chaplain
CHAPLAIN CORPS
COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY
ACCESSIBILITY: Publications and forms are available for downloading or ordering on the
e-Publishing website at www.e-publishing.af.mil.
RELEASABILITY: There are no releasability restrictions on this publication.
OPR: AF/HCX
Supersedes: AFPD 52-1,
19 December 2013
Certified by: AF/HC
(Ch, Maj Gen Steven A. Schaick)
Pages: 4
This directive is consistent with the policy in Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 1304.19,
Appointment of Chaplains for the Military Departments. This publication is applicable for
Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian personnel in fulfilling
the mission of the Chaplain Corps. Ensure all records created as a result of processes prescribed
in this publication are maintained in accordance with Air Force Manual 33-363, Management of
Records, and disposed of in accordance with the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule located
in the Air Force Records Information Management System. Refer recommended changes and
conflicts between this and other publications to the Air Force Chief of Chaplains Office, Plans
and Programs Division, AF/HCX, 1380 Air Force Pentagon, Room 4D286, Washington, DC
20330-1380, on Air Force Form 847, Recommendation for Change of Publication; route Air
Force Forms 847 from the field through the appropriate functional chain of command.
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
This document has been substantially revised and needs to be completely reviewed.
1. Overview. The Air Force places a high value on the rights of its members to observe the
tenets of their respective religions. In addition, spiritual health is fundamental to the well-being
of Airmen and their families and is essential for operational success.
2. Policy. It is Air Force policy for commanders to provide for the free exercise of religion.
Chaplains are the commanders’ resource to accomplish this task and serve “as the principal
advisors to commanders regarding the impact of religion on military operations.” Further, as
