Catholic priest Father Thomas Maikowski spent more than two decades in service to the United States Air Force (USAF) as a Reserve Chaplain. As a member of the Air Force Chaplain Corps, he provided spiritual leadership and guidance to men and women of faith who served in various other units of the Air Force. Ministering as a chaplain in the USAF is a unique and rewarding experience that is as much about being a member of the armed forces as it is about being a religious leader.
The Air Force's core values are integrity, selfless service, and unrelenting excellence. Members of the Chaplain Corps demonstrate their integrity through their faith and guidance and are in turn respected by never being commanded to do or say anything that runs counter to their beliefs. The services they provide are most needed in areas of conflict and in times of war, making the principle of “service before self” a self-evident one. The high physical, mental, and spiritual standards of the USAF apply to chaplains as well, helping them maintain excellence in all they do.
Becoming a member of the Air Force Chaplain Corps requires dedication to both God and country. To be considered for the position, a candidate must have an extensive education, including a baccalaureate degree and a graduate degree in theology or a similar discipline. Beyond this, an ecclesiastical endorsement and a minimum of two years of religious leadership experience outside the Air Force are generally required. As with any military position, chaplains must meet fitness standards as well. Chaplains are commissioned as officers upon acceptance into the ranks.
The Air Force's core values are integrity, selfless service, and unrelenting excellence. Members of the Chaplain Corps demonstrate their integrity through their faith and guidance and are in turn respected by never being commanded to do or say anything that runs counter to their beliefs. The services they provide are most needed in areas of conflict and in times of war, making the principle of “service before self” a self-evident one. The high physical, mental, and spiritual standards of the USAF apply to chaplains as well, helping them maintain excellence in all they do.
Becoming a member of the Air Force Chaplain Corps requires dedication to both God and country. To be considered for the position, a candidate must have an extensive education, including a baccalaureate degree and a graduate degree in theology or a similar discipline. Beyond this, an ecclesiastical endorsement and a minimum of two years of religious leadership experience outside the Air Force are generally required. As with any military position, chaplains must meet fitness standards as well. Chaplains are commissioned as officers upon acceptance into the ranks.