DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. — U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Christopher Browning, a chaplain reserve candidate, enrolled in the Chaplain Candidacy Program January 2024 and since then has had two chaplaincy tours, one at F.E. Warren Air Force Base and most recently wrapped up a tour at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base.
The Chaplain Candidacy program gives seminary students an opportunity to experience military ministry while still in school.
Upon arrival at AFMAO, Browning was immediately on duty caring for families and assisting in Dignified Transfers. AFMAO Chaplains provide care for Airmen and families to ensure spiritual health, providing counsel and support whenever needed.
“AFMAO’s mission is very humbling. The family care aspect in the Fisher house, the chaplains were there to help, and available to talk to them about anything they wanted to talk about,” Said Browning. “Also, the deployed Airmen at AFMAO do delicate work. A lot of it is something they’re not used to doing in their normal jobs and lives. It’s all very humbling.”
After an interview with the candidacy program, Browning is now going through the process and working with a recruiter to find a gaining base until finally recommissioning as a fully qualified Air Force Chaplain.
“To those interested in the program, definitely do it. I highly recommend if you’re in the seminary and if you’re called to do military chaplaincy, definitely look into the chaplain candidate program,” he said. “Shadowing underneath chaplains gives you a better idea of what you can expect when you go to your next command.”