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1947 Career Guide

Navy

1947: Chaplain Candidate

Career transition guide for Navy Chaplain Candidate (1947)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1947 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Chaplain

$65K
High matchStable demand

Religious Studies Professor

$85K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Doctorate in relevant fieldCollege-level teaching experience

Nonprofit Program Director

$75K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Grant writingFundraisingProgram Management Certification

Guidance Counselor

$68K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Master's Degree in CounselingState Counseling License

Human Resources Generalist

$62K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

HR certification (SHRM-CP or PHR)Knowledge of employment law

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1947 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As a prospective chaplain, you develop a heightened awareness of the emotional and spiritual climate within diverse groups, discerning unspoken needs and potential conflicts brewing beneath the surface.

This translates to an ability to quickly assess the dynamics of any social or professional environment, anticipating issues and tailoring your approach for maximum impact.

Rapid Prioritization

During training and rotations, you juggle academic studies, practical ministry exercises, and the demands of military life. This necessitates quickly assessing and prioritizing competing demands.

This skill enables you to effectively manage multiple projects and responsibilities in a fast-paced civilian work environment, ensuring that critical tasks receive immediate attention.

Resource Optimization

Even during training, prospective chaplains learn to make the most of limited resources – time, personnel, and funding – to effectively serve the needs of their congregations or units.

You’re adept at identifying and utilizing available resources efficiently, a valuable asset in any organization striving for optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.

Team Synchronization

You collaborate with fellow chaplains, religious lay leaders, and other members of the support staff, synchronizing efforts to provide comprehensive spiritual and emotional support.

This fosters an ability to work harmoniously within diverse teams, ensuring everyone is aligned and contributing effectively towards shared goals.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Mediator

SOC 29-1199.04

You've been trained to understand diverse perspectives and de-escalate tense situations. This background makes you well-suited to mediate conflicts in various settings, from legal disputes to workplace disagreements.

Human Resources Manager

SOC 11-3121.00

You've developed skills in understanding human behavior, conflict resolution, and creating a supportive environment. Your ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds will be invaluable in managing employee relations and fostering a positive workplace culture.

Community Organizer

SOC 21-1093.00

You've honed your ability to identify community needs, mobilize resources, and build relationships. Your experience in serving diverse populations will translate seamlessly into empowering communities and driving positive social change.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Officer Development School (ODS), Newport, RI and Naval Chaplaincy School and Center (NCSC), Newport, RI

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Religious Studies or Counseling

Topics Covered

  • Naval Customs and Traditions
  • Leadership and Ethics
  • Military Law
  • Damage Control
  • Watchstanding
  • Pastoral Care in the Military
  • Religious Ministry in a Pluralistic Environment

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Personal Coach (CPC)60% covered

Study specific coaching methodologies, ethical guidelines, and business practices for professional coaching. Focus on practical application of coaching skills.

Certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR)40% covered

Study HR laws and regulations, compensation and benefits, recruitment, and employee relations as they pertain to civilian organizations. Focus on employment law differences.

Recommended Next Certifications

Board Certified Chaplain (BCC)Master of Divinity (MDiv)Doctor of Ministry (DMin)Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)Certified Addiction Professional (CAP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Navy Religious Offering Support Tool (eROST)Event management software, resource allocation platforms
Defense Travel System (DTS)Corporate travel booking and expense management software (e.g., Concur, Expensify)
Microsoft Outlook (Navy Enterprise Email)Email and calendaring software (e.g., Gmail, Microsoft Outlook)
SharePoint (Navy Collaboration Portal)Cloud-based collaboration platforms (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365)
Naval Messaging System (NMCS)Secure communication platforms (e.g., Signal, Telegram, encrypted email services)
Personnel Accounting System (PAS)Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) - e.g., Workday, SAP SuccessFactors

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