DD Form 2088 at a glance
What it is: DD Form 2088 is the Statement of Ecclesiastical Endorsement.
Where and when to file: Return the completed form to the Chief of Chaplains (Item 3).
The ecclesiastical endorsing agent completes the entire form.
Disclosure of this information is voluntary and will be used to verify the professional and ecclesiastical qualifications of Religious Ministry Professionals for initial appointment or chaplains change of career status appointments as chaplains in the Military Services.
A filled-in DD Form 2088 example: an endorsing agent verifies a chaplain prospect
How to fill out DD Form 2088, box by box
1. ECCLESIASTICAL ENDORSING AGENT
Complete entire form.
As the ecclesiastical endorsing agent authorized to represent the religious organization (Item 4a), verify that the person indicated in Section 2 is credentialed and qualified for an appointment within the military chaplaincy (as indicated in blocks 2(j) and 2(k)) in accordance with the standards contained in DODI 1304.28, and enter the Date of agent authorization as YYYYMMDD.
Enter the TYPED OR PRINTED NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial) and the E-MAIL ADDRESS.
Under d. ADDRESS, enter (1) STREET (Include apartment or suite number), (2) CITY, (3) STATE and (4) ZIP CODE.
Enter e. TELEPHONE (Include Area Code) and f. FAX NUMBER (Include Area Code).
Add the SIGNATURE and the DATE SIGNED (YYYYMMDD).
2. PROSPECT INFORMATION
Mark YES or NO (X one) for a. IS THIS AN INITIAL ENDORSEMENT?
Enter the TYPED OR PRINTED NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial), the SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (Last 4) and the TELEPHONE (Include area code).
Enter (1) STREET (Include apartment or suite number), (2) CITY, (3) STATE and (4) ZIP CODE for e. ADDRESS.
Enter the E-MAIL ADDRESS, the DATE OF BIRTH (YYYYMMDD) and the number of years of professional ministry experience the prospect has completed.
Enter the number of months of prior active military service the prospect has completed as (1) OFFICER or (2) ENLISTED.
Enter the SOURCE OF ORDINATION/PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS and the DATE OF ORDINATION/PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS (YYYYMMDD).
l. APPLICATION IS FOR (X one)
Mark one (X one): (1) CHAPLAIN CANDIDATE, (2) RESERVE, (3) NATIONAL GUARD, (4) ACTIVE DUTY, (5) WITHDRAWAL OF ENDORSEMENT or (6) RESERVE (AGR).
For (4) ACTIVE DUTY (Army and Navy Only), mark (a) Initial Active Duty - 3 Years or (b) Extended Active Duty - Indefinite.
3. TO
Mark the appropriate block (X appropriate block) of the CHIEF OF CHAPLAINS: (1) ARMY, (2) NAVY or (3) AIR FORCE.
For b. ADDRESS, enter (1) STREET (Include apartment or suite number) with (2) CITY, (3) STATE and (4) ZIP CODE.
4. FROM
Enter the typed or printed name of religious organization granting religious ministry professional endorsement.
Enter the DATE OF CURRENT INTERNAL REVENUE CODE (IRC) 501(c)(3) EXEMPT STATUS (YYYYMMDD) and the EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (IRC).
Enter d. TELEPHONE (Include Area Code) and e. FAX NUMBER (Include Area Code).
Enter f. ADDRESS as (1) STREET (Include apartment or suite number), (2) CITY, (3) STATE, (4) ZIP CODE.
Enter the E-MAIL ADDRESS and the WEB SITE.
More rules for DD Form 2088
When completed, this form contains personally identifiable information and is protected by the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended.
The public reporting burden for this collection of information, 0704-0190, is estimated to average 45 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.
Common questions about DD Form 2088
Where do I file it?
Return the completed form to the Chief of Chaplains (Item 3).
Sources
[1] DD Form 2088 (JAN 2019), Statement of Ecclesiastical Endorsement, Washington Headquarters Services (the Official source link on this page).