Officer Subspecialty
CG-NAP13
Chaplains
An officer subspecialty earned alongside a primary designator, marking advanced education or experience in this field.
Description
Chaplain Subspecialty Officers are assigned or attached to a specific unit or station for the primary purpose of advising the commanding officer on all matters related to religious ministries within the command, including other moral and ethical issues, and providing and facilitating religious ministries within the unit or station. Ministry in the Coast Guard includes close working relationships with many CO’s and OIC’s, ceremonial ministry (change of commands, retirements where the chaplain is a VIP), and a great deal of ministry of presence. In addition, Chaplain Subspecialty Officers work closely with the Work-Life personnel and the Command Master Chief(s).
Core Skills
- pastoral counseling
- religious ministry
- ethical advising
- crisis intervention
- confidential care
- ceremonial coordination
- multifaith support
- community outreach
- command consultation
Common Certifications
- Board Certified Chaplain (BCC)
- Certified Clinical Pastoral Education Educator
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP)
- Mental Health First Aid USA
Civilian Career Paths
- CHAPLAINCY
- BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
- TRAINING AND EDUCATION
- PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Mental Health First Aid USA
- Suicide Prevention Training by LivingWorks safeTALK
- Clinical Pastoral Education Unit
- FEMA Emergency Management Institute ICS 100/200/700/800
Career Growth
- Board Certified Chaplain (BCC)
- Certified Clinical Pastoral Education Educator
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP)
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Data sourced from official Coast Guard publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.