If a candidate has been declared suitable for military pastoral care in the sense of special counselling within the armed forces, he is promoted by the Chief of Military Personnel to captain military chaplain. He thus obtains the rights and duties of an officer. His integration into the military organization allows him to serve as a contact for all members of the forces and perform as a pastoral counsellor at all levels.
Candidates nominated as captain military chaplains shall attend the three-week technical course A for military chaplains as part of the Swiss Defence Forces training programme.
Training, Employment
Position, Training and mission of the military chaplain
After successful completion of training, the military chaplain is assigned to a battalion or training unit. Here he plans his campaign in agreement with the commander and the Chief of Military Chaplains in such a way that he is able to reach as many servicemen and women as possible during his service, whether in organised presentations or in personal talks, in religious services or in brief meditations.