50 USC 3527 - Chaplain Corps and Chief of Chaplains

U.S Code last checked for updates: Apr 14, 2026

§ 3527.

Chaplain Corps and Chief of Chaplains

(a)

Establishment of Chaplain Corps

(b)

Chief of Chaplains

(1)

In general

(2)

Reporting

(3)

Duties

The Chief of Chaplains shall—

(A)

oversee the Chaplain Corps; and

(B)

be the proponent for, and consult with the Director on—

(i)

all guidance pertaining to chaplains’ care;

(ii)

programming and instruction; and

(iii)

any policy or guidance pertaining to religion or religious accommodation.

(4)

Consultation

(c)

Services

Chaplains of the Chaplain Corps shall—

(1)

be located at the headquarters building of the Agency; and

(2)

travel as necessary to provide services to personnel of the Agency.

(d)

Staff

(1)

Minimum staffing level

The Chaplain Corps shall be composed of not less than 6 chaplains, of which—

(A)

not less than 3 shall be full-time staff employees of the Agency; and

(B)

not less than 3 shall be government contractors.

(2)

Vacancies

(3)

Exclusive role

(4)

Appointment; compensation

(e)

Administration

The Director shall—

(1)

provide security clearances, including one-time read-ins, to chaplains of the Chaplain Corps to ensure that personnel of the Agency can seek unrestricted chaplaincy counseling; and

(2)

furnish physical workspace for the Chaplain Corps at the headquarters building of the Agency.

(f)

Privacy

(g)

Protection of Chaplain Corps

(h)

Certifications to Congress

(June 20, 1949, ch. 227, § 26, as added Pub. L. 117–103, div. X, title IV, § 411, Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 976; amended Pub. L. 119–60, div. F, title LXV, § 6504(a), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1627.)

cite as: 50 USC 3527