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Royal Army Chaplains Department (RAChD)

Clergymen have always been part of the British Army but the Army Chaplains’ Department was not created until 1796. The RAChD was awarded the ‘Royal’ prefix in 1919 for its services in World War 1.

The Department is an all officer Corps providing ordained clergy to minister to the British Army.

It is not often known that fully ordained members of the RAChD are sent to serve in the Army with the authority of the various churches represented in The Department.

Chaplains initially receive a 3 year commission but can be extended to age 55 if recommended to do so. Chaplains wear the British Army uniform, but are non-combatant and do not carry arms. They accompany their units in war and on operations around the world providing the service of the Church in difficult situations.

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