What is a CCPO?

Two posts within one week? I am on a roll. Sadly, I cannot take the credit for writing this one. Now that others know the decisions Emily and I have made to pursue Chaplaincy within the Navy, many people have begun to ask questions. The main one I have been hearing is, "So your accepted as a CCPO, what does that mean?"

I will let Chaplain Diana Meehan explain. The following is taken from a discussion on the US Navy Chaplain Facebook page:

---

CHAPLAIN CANDIDATE PROGRAM OFFICER PROGRAM

The CCPO program is not an end in itself, but a means to become a Navy Chaplain.  

Your goal is to:

• receive a post-baccalaureate graduate degree in the field of theological or related studies from a qualifying educational institution. A qualifying degree program will require no less than 72 semester hours of graduate-level work.
• fulfill respective faith group ecclesiastical endorsement requirements needed to supersede as an inactive reserve or active duty Chaplain.
• supersede from officer designator 1945 to officer designator 4100 (ACTIVE DUTY)/ or 4105 (RESERVES) upon completing ecclesiastical endorsement requirements.

CCPOs are not Chaplains. Navy instructions make this differentiation.

Chaplain Candidates are direct commission officers who are training for Chaplaincy. Chaplain Candidates are considered Individual Ready Reservists (IRR).

CCPOs are not subject to mobilization and cannot be called to active duty in times of national emergency. The officer designator of 1945 identifies one as a CCPO. Upon a superseding appointment to either the inactive reserves or active duty, this designator will change to 4100/ or 4105.

CCPOs are eligible for promotion in the same manner as other Naval Reserve officers. However, Chaplain Candidates remain in a training status until they supersede or are discharged.

How CCPOs are Addressed :

The proper address of CCPOs is either "Chaplain Candidate" or by rank. A Chaplain Candidate may not be addressed as "Chaplain."

What to Expect as a Chaplain Candidate:

FIRST YEAR: 5 weeks at Officer Development School , 1 week at Navy Chaplain School, 2 weeks of On the Job Training

SECOND YEAR: 4 weeks Navy Chaplain School, OJT.

THIRD YEAR: 3 weeks Navy Chaplain School (AMEX/TEAMS) and OJT.

The Goal: Supersede
Once you have completed all educational and faith group requirements for endorsement, you will want to apply to supersede [for active or reserve duty].

---

So, as of right now, Emily and I are not moving anywhere. Acceptance into the CCPO program simply means that I will be gone for about a month every summer until I complete my M.Div.
 

Why Navy Chaplaincy?

The idea to become a chaplain within the United States Navy was not an idea that was formed overnight. In fact, this process has been a journey that has continued to unfold throughout the recent years. Growing up, I never had the aspiration to become a minister, or even considered serving as a chaplain. In my junior year of college I began to have the yearning to pursue ministry with the hopes of serving others. My goal was never to change the world, but to try and impact the lives of those individuals who are in need, by reaching out to them. It was this urge to serve that thrust me into the perilous waters of my calling to ministry.

I do not want to make my calling to ministry appear as though it is a terrifying experience. Yet, I have learned it can be. Just as a ship cannot be fully prepared for what the waves and storms may bring, discerning your call can be filled with situations that are unanticipated. You may begin your journey going full steam ahead in one direction, when you see a storm brewing in the distance. It is during this time that you must discern and gauge your course in order to see which path will be best for yourself and those traveling along on this voyage with you.

I could see the storm in front of me. This storm was calling out, erupting with lightning and thunder, with hopes of getting my attention. It did. I understood that I must look at the paths that are available, and I must see where I should go. I must be silent. I must try to hear the still small voice of God.
It was at that time in my life when I felt a calling towards the chaplaincy. I looked around and saw a broken world. A world that needed hope. Days and days of hearing of news about wars and violence around the world became almost too much to bear. My heart went out to the men and women serving this country with hopes of bringing freedom and justice to the world. I was proud, yet at the same time, saddened. I thought of what evils they must face and what circumstances they must go through. Who is there to turn to when they are miles away from family and friends? Who will listen to their deepest moans and cries? Who will be there with them during the highs and lows? I wanted to be there. I want to be a listening ear, guiding them on their journey, showing them hope.

When becoming a chaplain, you receive the greatest honor that one could ever have. You are able to serve God, by serving those who serve others. You are able to be there for the men and women that are on the frontlines, giving hope to the world. You are able to serve your country by giving guidance to those who need light shed on their path. In a world that is crying out for justice and peace, you are helping serve with those who are attempting to answer that cry.

“So, why the navy?” Asked my father, who served in the Air Force. The answer is simple, yet it took time to figure out. After many interviews and questions, I found that the Navy was able to best put into action what I was looking for. With the Navy, I would be given opportunities to impact others lives by giving them hope when it is needed. I was thrilled with the idea of living life with the men and women who give up so much. You are able to show the presence of God by being with them during their pains and pleasures, joys and sorrows, laughter and cries. In the Navy you get the opportunity to care for soldiers one on one, as well as group settings. You are able to experience diverse faith groups working as one in order to care for the souls of all. You are able to serve not just on Sunday, but 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You are able to eat, sleep, train, and pray with these men and women. Yet, greatest of all, you are able to show God’s love to all people, regardless of their personal and faith background.

While I am currently not a Navy Chaplain, I am honored to be considered by the Navy as a Chaplain Candidate Program Officer. While this does not guarantee that I will be accepted as a reserve or active duty Chaplain upon finishing my M.Div, it is a way to experience what the Navy has to offer and it begins my process to become a Navy Chaplain.