Salvation Army Officer

Overview

The Salvation Army is actively seeking individuals who are called to serve others and make a difference in their communities. We offer a unique career and vocational path for those who feel led to ministry and service. As a Salvation Army officer, you will have the opportunity to lead and make a positive impact on people's lives, regardless of their circumstances.

Why consider becoming a Salvation Army officer?

• A Calling with Purpose: Serve communities in need and be at the forefront of social change.
• Holistic Support: Officers are provided with housing, vehicles, health insurance, and other essentials, allowing them to focus on their mission without financial burdens such as student loans.
• Leadership and Development: Lead ministries, programs, and community initiatives with the full support of a global organization.
• Spiritual Fulfillment: Embrace a vocation that aligns with your faith in the name of Jesus Christ and desire to help others regardless of their backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Trained, commissioned officers supervise the operations of The Salvation Army. They proclaim the gospel and serve in various capacities, including as administrators, teachers, social workers, counselors, youth leaders, and musicians. These men and women dedicate their lives, skills, and service completely to God. 

Candidates for officership undergo an intensive two-year course in residence at Salvation Army colleges in Suffern, New York. The curriculum combines theory and field practice, including Salvation Army doctrine, sociology and social work, psychology, Salvation Army regulations, homiletics, public speaking, Bible studies, church history, composition, community relations, business administration, accounting, and vocal and instrumental music.

After two successful years of training, cadets are commissioned as lieutenants, ordained as ministers, and assigned to active duty while continuing their education and training. Lieutenants are required to devote five years to additional studies. Numerous advanced training courses are available for officers wishing to specialize in a particular discipline. Institutes, seminars, and conferences have been established to ensure that officers are informed of new and innovative programs and developments.

Promotion is based on length of service, character, efficiency, capacity for increased responsibility, and devotion to duty. The ranks are lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel, and commissioner. The international leader holds the rank of general and is selected by a high council of active-duty commissioners and territorial commanders.

Qualifications

We are looking for passionate individuals in Connecticut and Rhode Island who feel called to this vocation. If you or someone you know might be interested in learning more about what it means to be a Salvation Army officer, please don't hesitate to reach out. I would be more than happy to provide additional information and answer any questions you may have.

Salvation Army officers must devote full time to Army work. An officer who marries must marry another Salvation Army officer or relinquish their officer status. As ordained ministers of the gospel, they are authorized to perform marriage ceremonies, funeral services, and infant dedications. They also provide counseling and consolation to the bereaved.

The Salvation Army provides officers’ living quarters, furnishings, and official transportation. Officers qualify for retirement once they are eligible to receive full Social Security benefits. Click here for more information on becoming a Salvation Army officer.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.