1-1. Policy.  Membership in the United States Corps of Chaplains (USCOC) is a privilege reserved for those individuals who desire to promote the objectives, purposes, and missions of the USCOC and who meet the eligibility requirements outlined herein.

1-2.  Requirements for Membership.  All applicants in the USCOC must be accepted by the unit they will be assigned to and by higher headquarters. Membership is not extended to those practicing, teaching, encouraging, or otherwise advocating any acts or beliefs contrary to the Christian belief. All applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. General:  Possess the desire, willingness, and capability to promote the objectives, purposes, and missions of the USCOC.
2. Age:  Be at least 16 years of age, with those under 18 supplying a signed letter of permission from their parent or guardian.
3. Citizenship:  Be a CHRISTIAN, and a CITIZEN (or Legal Resident) of the United States of America, or a Citizen of one of the United States Territories or Possessions (American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands). citizen of the United States of America. 
4. Suitability:  Subject to being waived by the Board of Directors, any one of the following may be the basis for rejection of membership.
   1. Conviction of a felony by any court of record whether federal, state, or military.
   2. A pattern of arrests and/or convictions including but not limited to sex offenses, child abuse, DUIs, dishonesty and violence.
   3. Discharge from the armed services under other than honorable conditions.
   4. Falsification of information on the membership application.
   5. Previously terminated from membership in the USCOC.
   6. Any other unfavorable information brought to the attention of USCOC officials at any level.

1-3.  Membership Conditions.  All persons agree to by applying for membership to the following continuous conditions of membership:

1. To obey the decisions of those in authority and to follow and adhere to the appropriate regulations and directives of the United States Corps of Chaplains.
2. To maintain high ethical and moral values in all dealings, personally and professionally;
3. To respect each person's difference in religious beliefs, including the differences in doctrine, style and personality of other Christians as they follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit;
4. To only speak in edifying ways in regards to others, including Christian ministers, ministries, and the Body of Christ at large;
5. To treat all with whom you come into contact as we would like to be treated.

1. The United States Corps of Chaplains (USCOC) is a Christian Ministry with ordained Christian Ministers, serving as Chaplains, and other Christian workers who all follow the rules and tenets of their own denomination or religious affiliation.
    
2. The USCOC, as an organization, believes that the Holy Bible, inspired by God, is a sufficient rule in matters of faith and practice and has no other written religious creed made by man as an official guide in these matters.
    
3. Although the USCOC is a Christian Ministry, our Ministers, serving as Chaplains, minister to members of any faith and give comfort to any person of any faith.
    
4. The USCOC is not a religion or denomination. It allows its Ministers (Chaplains) and members to practice their own traditions as long as they are within the teachings of the Bible.
    
5. The USCOC does not Ordain Ministers but appoints as Chaplains those who have been ordained by a Christian church, denomination, or organization.
    
6. Although the United States Corps of Chaplains is not an entity of, nor endorsed by any branch of the military services, or the United States government, a major part of its mission is providing military honors to veterans and ministerial support to their families.
    
7. The USCOC is organized in a modified military manner and functions like a military unit. This is done to establish order and responsibility. This management style is also utilized so that civilian emergency workers will recognize our rank structure and will better know how to utilize our members to assist in emergency situations.
    
8. Members of the USCOC are assigned rank and duty positions and are reportable to a Chain of Command structure. Rank is determined by many factors such as the members ministerial experience, military experience, computer knowledge, availability to serve, time in the Corps and time in a particular grade or rank.
    
9. Members are expected to know or learn the basis of our semi-military organizational structure so that they may better understand the organization of the USCOC and will understand the command leadership structure and how you fit in.
    
10. The USCOC is primarily formed to work and supplement with the military, aid and minister to veterans, retirees, and the local community at any time, but especially during emergencies, disasters or other times of need. Your Commanders could issue missions, as requested by other authority, but you may also decline the mission if you wish. You are not forced to do anything.
     
11. The amount and type of work members of the USCOC do is determined by their individual qualifications and assigned unit needs. Some very active members assist with the military and the civilian community and some others will only be utilized in special situations. Few missions are directed from higher headquarters. Unit or personal activities depend mostly on community contact and how well you are trained and received in your communities.
     
12. Respect for rank and proper protocol is expected from USCOC members at all times. It is especially emphasized that USCOC members show courtesy and respect to veterans and members of the U. S. military.
     
13. Members are expected to buy and wear an authorized uniform when on Corps duty or representing the USCOC in any official capacity. Reasonable time will be allowed for the purchase. The minimal uniform can be black pants, white shirt, black shoes, rank and black ball cap.
     
14. Our primary means of communications in the USCOC is the Internet. You are not forced to use the internet, however, if you do not use the internet you will not be as informed as those who do. Local units may also have scheduled meeting that you should attend to keep informed and to become familiar with the other members.
     
15. Once accepted in the USCOC and orders are posted, new applicants should become members of the Yahoo internet message service (where official postings are sent) and, at a minimum will establish a member profile consisting of their Name, City and State. They will also sign on to the USCOC Yahoo Forum and will check their email regularly. The Chief of Personnel and unit leaders will assist new members on internet use and protocol.
     
16. Members are subject to muster call (confirming contact) when called upon by their Commanders. This contact is needed to insure communication and the correctness of contact information.
     
17. If assigned as a Commander, Commanders will process all new applicants within a reasonable amount of time with the intent to process the new member within the first 7 days of receiving the application. You would also be responsible for all command decisions within your unit and insure the processing of all official documents.
     
18. When representing the USCOC, members will not charge for services rendered. "Donations are allowable but must not be solicited".
     
19. Members enrolled as Chaplain in the USCOC are encouraged not to be members of any other similar Chaplaincy Corps. Other memberships will be announced when applying and will be allowed on a case per case basis.
     
20. The use of the USCOC Logo and other symbols will not be used without permission of the Board of Directors or the Chief of Staff.
     
21. Members will read and comply by the USCOC Members Manual and the Regulations  which are made available to all members.
     
22. Members will also comply to directives and policies as published by their Commanders, HQ Staff Personnel or the Board of Directors.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: All information submitted is strictly confidential and will be used only for application processing. After submitting your application you will need to send a copy of your drivers license and/or a recent photo of yourself by email, or by postal mail to National Headquarters (information below). If you are APPLYING FOR A CHAPLAINCY POSITION, you will also need to email, or postal mail, a copy of your PROOF of ORDINATION as a minister to National Headquarters. United States Corps of Chaplains National Headquarters P.O. Box 390 Clanton, AL  35046 Email:  USCOCBD-owner@yahoogroups.com