Training of Naval Chaplains
1. Training of new entry chaplains currently
happens in five phases:
2. Phase "0" Pre-Navy Training:
New entry chaplains join the RN only after they have been
selected, trained and tried in civilian ministry for at least
three years. Taking training into account, the period between
the beginning of selection (for civilian ministry) and joining
the Service is, in practice, at least seven years and often much
more. The vast majority of clergy are trained to graduate level,
and all to diploma level. Training would be expected to cover
pastoral issues as well as those of theology and ecclesiology,
and the period in ministry to provide the opportunity for these
to become thoroughly grounded in practice. New entry chaplains
come to the Service as trained and experienced professionals,
often with valuable occupational experience from before ordination/commissioning.
3. Phase "1" Initial Acclimatisation:
The main aim of Phase 1 Chaplains' Training is to impart a
general understanding of the Royal Navy and the role of chaplaincy.
It is also designed to allow the new entry chaplain (and accompanying
family) to achieve a reasonable measure of domestic stability.
This phase of training takes the form of a series of briefings
and observational visits to Chaplaincy Teams throughout the Service.
It also provides the opportunity to receive "soft-skills"
training at AFCC Amport House. The first phase of training lasts
for seven weeks.
4. Phase 2—Military Acquaint At
BRNC: The aim of Phase 2 Chaplains' Training is to impart
an understanding of the "military context" in which
chaplains exercise their ministry. In particular, it gives them
a detailed insight into the expectations placed on the Naval Officers
alongside whom the chaplains will be living and working. It will
expressly not attempt to militarise chaplains, but seek to give
them the knowledge they need to be safe and effective in the naval
environment by building on the foundations laid in Phase 1. This
phase of training lasts for seven weeks.
5. Phase 3—Specialist Fleet Time:
The aim of Phase 3 Chaplains' Training is to give the opportunity
for practical consolidation of the previous phases. It takes the
form of around a month (depending on operational programming)
spent embarked with an experienced Naval Chaplain. It provides
an opportunity to experience the realities of life in the operational
environment and to understand the demands it places on Service
personnel. It also allows new entry chaplains to develop a practical
understanding of how a warship functions as a community and the
various roles which underpin its working successfully.
6. Phase 4—Mentoring and Continuing
Professional Development: For the first year of their ministry,
new entry chaplains will have a specific professional mentor,
who, besides being readily available to answer specific questions,
will make periodic contact to help review their progress in settling
into Naval Chaplaincy. Beyond this initial year, the relevant
Staff Chaplain will exercise the role of professional mentor alongside
that of 2nd Reporting Officer for Appraisal Reports (OJAR). The
Naval Chaplaincy Service Board of Management will provide (lead
with Director Faith Development and Education) a number of opportunities
for participating in Continuing Professional Development. These
include tri-Service short courses under the heading Continuing
Ministerial Education, as well as annual training conferences.
They will also include training on "softskills" and
child protection issues. NCS are happy to facilitate post-graduate
study but, unlike the other Services, are not funded for this
(ie individual chaplains have to pay for their own post-graduate
training). Chaplains will also receive job-specific training at
relevant points in their careers, as well as general developmental
training in areas such as staff work.
| 
