Virginia Defense Force – Chaplain
Chaplain Training Information
Virginia Defense Force chaplains are professionally trained, ordained clergy members that are in good standing with their respective federally recognized ecclesiastical endorsing body, have served faithfully in ministry, and are able to provide for the free exercise of religion according to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution by all VDF personnel and their families.
Mission
The objective of VDF chaplains is to provide religious support to the Virginia Defense Force across the full spectrum of its operations. The Chaplain Corps assists the commanding general and regimental commanders in ensuring the right to free exercise of religion and providing spiritual, moral and ethical leadership for, and in support of, the VDF, the Virginia Department of Military Affairs and civilians.
Activities
Chaplains in the VDF care for the spiritual well-being of VDF personnel, members of the Virginia Department of Military Affairs such as the Virginia National Guard and their families, and civilians in times of need. VDF chaplains are spiritual leaders, and they can be called upon to perform religious ceremonies for births and baptisms, confirmations and marriages, visiting the ill and performing the sacrament of the sick; and to provide spiritual support in time of crisis or disaster.
For more information, contact the VDF Chaplain at chaplain@vdf.virginia.gov.
Chaplain Corps Training Courses
| Course Number and Link (if applicable) | Course Name | LOC | Completion Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED | |||
| VDF-CH000 | Basic Chaplain Support Activities | Website | Exam |
| VDF-CH001 | Unit Ministry Team Leadership | Website | Exam |
| VDF-CH002 | Unit Ministry Team Ministry with Other Chaplains | Website | Exam |
| VDF-CH003.1 | Military Funeral Lab | In House | Paper |
| VDF-CH004 | QPR Suicide Prevention | In House | Paper |
| VDF-CH005 | VDF Chaplain Corps Orientation | In House | N/A |
| VDF-CH006 | Religious Support and External Advisement | Website | Paper |
| VDF-CH007 | Religious Support to Funerals and Memorial Events | Website | Paper |
| VDF CH-020 | Psychological First Aid | In House | N/A |
| VDF-CH021 | Skills for Psychological Recovery | In House | N/A |
| VDF-CH022 | VA National Guard Regulations | Website | Statement |
| VDF-CH023 | VDF Chaplain Corps Activities | Website | Statement |
| OPTIONAL | |||
| VDF-CH008 | Religious Support and the Operations Process | Website | Paper |
| VDF-CH009 | Religious Support and Internal Advisement | Website | Paper |
| VDF-CH015 | Unit Ministry Team Supply Equipment Requirements | Website | Exam |
| VDF-CH-010 | Parrish Development | Website | Exam |
| VDF-CH011 | Setup for Religious Services in Garrison I | Website | Exam |
| VDF-CH012 | ical Setup for Religious Services in Garrison II | Website | Exam |
| VDF-CH012.1 | Physical Setup for Religious Services in Garrison II Lab | In House | Paper |