5R Religious Affairs

In the US Air Force, AFSC 5R is the Air Force Specialty Code for Chaplain Assistant. Chaplain Assistants are non-denominational and are expected to counsel Air Force personnel of any faith. They conduct spiritual triage by applying listening, observation, and interviewing skills. They also protect privileged communication obtained through chaplain pastoral. To enter this specialty, you must have prior qualification in any AFSC. You must also complete an advanced chaplain assistant course. Airmen are normally awarded the “5” (journeyman) skill level after a period of on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Depending on the job, this process can last anywhere between 12 and 18 months.