Guiding Those Who Serve: Becoming an Air National Guard Chaplain in Cheyenne, Wyoming

Supporting those who defend our nation requires a unique blend of spiritual conviction, administrative competence, and emotional resilience. In the high-stakes world of military aviation, Airmen and their families face unique stressors that demand dedicated, specialized spiritual care. The Department of the Air Force, through the 153d Airlift Wing of the Wyoming Air National Guard, is seeking an experienced ordained minister to serve as a full-time, Title 32 Dual Status Chaplain in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This is more than a standard pastoral vacancy; it is an exceptional opportunity to serve on the Commander's Staff, leading comprehensive spiritual welfare programs and advising senior leaders on moral, ethical, and organizational wellness.

By marrying civilian professional duties with military service, a Dual Status Chaplain provides essential stability to Air Guard operations. If you feel called to bring faith, comfort, and professional program leadership to military personnel in the high plains of Wyoming, this career path offers a deeply rewarding mission.

About the Agency: The 153d Airlift Wing

The National Guard is the oldest component of the United States Armed Forces, retaining a proud heritage of community defense and rapid humanitarian response since colonial times. Based in Cheyenne, the 153d Airlift Wing of the Wyoming Air National Guard operates as a premier C-130 aviation wing, supporting global tactical airlift operations, state emergency mitigation, and modular airborne firefighting missions.

The Wing’s culture is characterized by close-knit teamwork, professional excellence, and a deep-seated connection to the state of Wyoming. Working within the Commander's Staff, the full-time Chaplain program is vital to maintaining operational readiness and personnel resilience. Serving as a Dual Status Technician means wearing the uniform and operating in a military capacity, ensuring you are integrated into the culture and lived experiences of the Airmen you support.

Job Responsibilities of a Wing Chaplain

As the lead full-time Chaplain for the 153d Airlift Wing, you are responsible for the entire chaplaincy program during daily, non-drilling (non-"M-Day") periods. This is a mature professional role requiring executive management, strategic training oversight, and direct pastoral counseling. Your main duties include:

Program Management & Strategic Planning: You will administer the Wing Chaplain Services program, aligning local activities with national-level Guard objectives. A key responsibility is designing and executing the Airman Ministry Plan (AMP) to ensure targeted spiritual care reaches all personnel.
Comprehensive Spiritual & Pastoral Support: You will oversee and conduct diverse religious ministries, including pastoral counseling, educational workshops, multi-faith accommodations, and spiritual guidance for Air Guard families.
Training & Mission Readiness: Preparation is the foundation of military success. You will analyze and implement training programs to keep chaplaincy personnel tactically and technically proficient, while designing quality-of-life training for service members.
Crisis Intervention: You will coordinate direct Chaplain support during critical incidents, including natural disasters (floods, blizzards, or fires), unit emergencies (suicides, operational injuries, or line-of-duty deaths), and significant national security events.
Deployment Cycle Integration: Chaplains walk alongside service members through mobilization, active deployment, redeployment, and civilian reintegration, serving as a trusted anchor through every transition.

Educational & Military Requirements

To be considered for this GS-12 equivalent Title 32 role, candidates must satisfy rigorous academic and military readiness standards. Candidates must possess both the appropriate specialized theological education and a current or immediate path to military membership within the Wyoming Air National Guard.

Basic Educational Requirements

Undergraduate Degree: A baccalaureate degree of not less than 120 semester hours from an accredited institution.
Graduate Theological Studies: Completion of at least three years of resident graduate study in theology or related fields (typically a Master of Divinity or equivalent) totaling at least 72 semester hours from an approved seminary or graduate school.
Transcripts: Legible, official, or unofficial transcripts must be uploaded at the time of application.

Specialized Experience & Credentials

Professional History: A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in professional spiritual guidance or religious program management.
Military Designation: Must hold or be fully eligible to obtain Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) 52R3 (Qualified Chaplain).
Compatible Military Grade: Open to officers in grades O-1 (Second Lieutenant) through O-4 (Major). Applicants who exceed the maximum grade of Major will not be considered, as acceptance of this position does not guarantee promotion.
Driver's License: A valid state driver's license is required.

Salary & Compensation Overview

This position is offering an attractive annual salary range of $89,508 to $116,362, depending on experience, qualifications, and federal step determinations. The table below outlines how this unique dual-status career compares with standard civilian clerical and military-only callings:

Feature	Civilian Pastoral Care	Title 32 Dual Status Chaplain	Active Duty Military Chaplain
Primary Employer	Local Church or Denomination	State National Guard / Federal Govt.	Department of Defense (Active Duty)
Salary Basis	Congregrational Tithing / Varying	GS-12 Equivalent Pay Scale	Military Rank & Allowances (BAH/BAS)
Workplace	Fixed local community	Military Base & Emergency Deployments	Worldwide Rotational Deployments
Retirement Plan	Denominational pension or private IRA	FERS Pension & TSP Matching	Military Blended Retirement System
Uniform Required	No (Clerical/Casual garments)	Yes (Air Force Military Uniform)	Yes (Air Force Military Uniform)

Comprehensive Benefits

Federal employment as a Dual Status Technician provides stability, exceptional job security, and comprehensive health and retirement systems. Key benefits include:

Healthcare Coverage: Access to excellent Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, featuring comprehensive dental, vision, and health insurance plans.
Federal Pension (FERS): Build long-term security through the Federal Employees Retirement System, which pays a lifetime monthly annuity upon retirement.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Benefit from a 401(k)-style investment account with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
Paid Leave: Earn generous allocations of annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and observe all federal holidays off with pay.
Military Perks: As a uniformed service member, you retain full access to base commissaries, military exchanges, and recreational facilities.

Application Tips for Success

Due to the specialized nature of USAJobs and Title 32 National Guard hires, candidates should follow these strategic recommendations to avoid disqualification:

Observe the Two-Page Limit: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Reviewers will completely disregard any content on page three or beyond, which could exclude critical qualifications.
Use Your Own Words: Never copy and paste text directly from the job posting into your resume. The Human Resources office will disqualify applications containing verbatim descriptions.
Explicitly List Dates and Hours: For every professional and pastoral position, clearly state the start and end dates (using MM/YYYY format) and the average number of hours worked per week. Without this detail, HR cannot calculate your specialized experience.
Submit All Required Records: Ensure you upload your transcripts and comprehensive military records (such as your vMPF RIP or Data Verification Record) to verify military affiliation compatibility.

2. Can I apply if I am currently in another state's National Guard?

Yes. Members of the active-duty Air Force, Air Force Reserves, and other states' Air National Guard units are highly encouraged to apply. However, you must successfully transfer and enlist/commission into the Wyoming Air National Guard before you can be formally appointed to this position.

3. Are relocation expenses (PCS) covered?

No. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized for this recruitment action. Selected candidates must relocate to the Cheyenne area at their own expense.

4. Is there a trial period for this position?

Yes, newly appointed technicians may be required to successfully complete a mandatory two-year trial period to assess job suitability.

Serving as the Lead Chaplain for the 153d Airlift Wing is a profound calling that seamlessly blends professional spiritual counseling with a career of federal service. In Cheyenne, you will find a dedicated community, an essential operational mission, and the opportunity to make a lasting, daily impact on the lives of Airmen. Prepare your application materials with care, respect the technical requirements, and submit your package before the closing deadline on September 14, 2026.

Why This Chaplain Job Matters

Provide spiritual leadership and vital counsel where it matters most—support the brave men and women of the Wyoming Air National Guard as a Title 32 Dual Status Chaplain in Cheyenne.

Chaplain Job Overview

The Wyoming Air National Guard's 153d Airlift Wing is seeking a dedicated, ordained Chaplain to serve as a key member of the Commander's Staff in Cheyenne, WY. This permanent, full-time Title 32 Dual Status Technician position combines civilian administrative management of the Wing's religious programs with active military service. You will guide Airmen and their families through spiritual, moral, and operational challenges, directing comprehensive religious ministries, managing readiness initiatives, and leading crisis intervention efforts.

Requirements for Chaplain

Must be a current military member of the Wyoming Air National Guard, or eligible/willing to join immediately prior to appointment.
Must possess the AFSC 52R3 (Qualified Chaplain) designation.
Must hold a Baccalaureate degree (minimum 120 semester hours).
Must have completed at least 3 years of resident graduate theological study (Master of Divinity) or 72 semester hours leading to ecclesiastical certification.
Requires a valid state driver's license.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must submit complete transcripts and a military records review (vMPF RIP or DVR) with the application.
Subject to a federal background investigation and suitability determination.

Preferred Qualifications for Chaplain

Prior experience coordinating multi-faith religious services in a military, clinical, or collegiate environment.
Demonstrated leadership managing comprehensive administrative programs, budgeting, and strategic planning.
Certified training or direct experience in crisis intervention, trauma-informed pastoral care, and suicide prevention.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer matching contributions.
✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Access to military benefits, base facilities, and exchange services.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives (subject to fund availability and approval).

💡 How to Apply Chaplain Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Chaplain Job

Review the vacancy announcement and ensure you meet both basic educational and military membership eligibility criteria.
Prepare a detailed resume strictly limited to two pages, using your own words to describe your specialized experience.
Gather required documents, including official/unofficial college transcripts and your military record review (vMPF RIP, DVR, or CDB).
Log in to your USAJOBS account, select the resume and documents, and click 'Apply Online' to access the occupational questionnaire.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire and submit your full application package before 11:59 PM EST on September 14, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Observe the strict two-page limit on your resume; any content on page three and beyond will be ignored.
Do not copy phrases from the job description verbatim. Use original language to describe your accomplishments to avoid disqualification.
Explicitly document the exact dates (MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY) and weekly hours worked for all relevant positions on your resume.
Double-check that all required pages of your vMPF RIP or Data Verification Record are successfully uploaded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a military member to apply?

Yes. This is a Title 32 Dual Status Technician position, which means you must either be a current member of the Wyoming Air National Guard or be fully eligible and willing to enlist or commission as an officer prior to your appointment.

Is telework allowed for this role?

Because the primary duties of a Chaplain require on-site counseling, physical presence, and operational readiness, this position requires a daily physical presence in Cheyenne. Situational telework may be reviewed on an exceptional, case-by-case basis.

Can I use veteran's preference for this position?

No. In accordance with Title 32 USC 709(f), veteran's preference does not apply to National Guard Technician roles.

What is the maximum military grade for this position?

The maximum compatible military grade for this position is Major (O-4). Applicants holding a higher military grade will not be considered.

1. What does "Title 32 Dual Status" mean?

It means you are a federal civilian employee who is required to maintain active military membership in the Wyoming Air National Guard as a condition of employment. You will perform civilian program duties during the week while wearing the military uniform and maintaining military fitness and readiness.

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