Sikh Chaplaincy in ADF
Sikh chaplaincy plays a vital role in providing spiritual and pastoral care to Sikh individuals in various settings. Sikh chaplaincy program is active and have been providing the program support to Australian Defence Force. Mr Ajmer Singh Gill, was the first NSCA representative to the Religious Advisory Committee to Services (RACS) however he had to step down due to health issues in 2023.
Sardar Amarinder Singh Bajwa now sits on the Religious Advisory Committee to the services providing much needed inputs to ADF and supporting the Sikhs in the Australian Defence Forces. The significance of the chaplains is greater, besides addressing the cultural and religious sensitivity needs of the Sikhs in the forces, chaplains provide the Moral, Pastoral and Spiritual care of all serving personnel during the challenging times.
The ADF provide different faith Chaplains to meet the needs of the variety of religions now practiced within the rank and file of the Australian Forces. This includes the needs of all the Sikhs who have committed themselves to serve their country in this fashion and are doing so in various capacities. The ADF chaplaincy program is active and we are looking for Sikh chaplains to be recruited to the ADF. If you can meet the required criteria, meet the ADF requirements and the psychological assessments, you can join ADF as a career chaplain.
for more information please visit the ADF site
How to Join ADF as a Sikh Chaplain
To become a Sikh chaplain with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), you’ll need to meet both spiritual and military criteria. The process is guided by the Religious Advisory Committee to the Services (RACS), which includes Sikh representation—currently held by, Amarinder Bajwa. The clear pathway is described in the following steps.
Steps to Become a Sikh Chaplain in the ADF
- Spiritual Endorsement
- You must be endorsed by a recognized Sikh faith body.
- Demonstrate deep understanding of Sikh philosophy, pastoral care, and spiritual leadership.
- Ideally, have experience in community service, interfaith engagement, and spiritual counselling.
- Educational Requirements
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Ministry, or equivalent. While Sikh-specific theological degrees are rare, relevant qualifications in religious studies or pastoral care are acceptable.
- Additional training in counseling, mental health, or chaplaincy is highly valued.
- Pastoral Experience
- Minimum two years of active pastoral or spiritual care experience—this could include work in hospitals, prisons, aged care, or community settings.
- Demonstrated ability to support individuals from diverse backgrounds, including non-Sikhs.
- ADF Eligibility Criteria
- Be physically and medically fit for service.
- Meet psychological and character assessments required by the ADF.
- Be eligible for Officer Entry, which includes leadership training and military orientation.
- Willingness to serve in full-time or reserve capacity (part-time chaplains serve one day per week + two weeks annually).
- Application Process
- Apply through the ADF Careers portal under the “Chaplain” role.
- Include your endorsement letter, qualifications, and resume.
- You may be invited for interviews, assessments, and on-boarding training.
Role of a Sikh Chaplain in the ADF
- Provide spiritual, moral, and pastoral care to Sikh personnel and others.
- Advocate for religious accommodations (e.g., turban, kirpan, dietary needs).
- Offer Ardas, Kirtan, and Simran in times of distress, grief, or transition.
- Educate ADF staff on Sikh values, traditions, and cultural sensitivities.
- Serve as a bridge between faith and service, especially during deployments or crises.
Endorsement to Serve as a Sikh Chaplain
The recognized body for the endorsement to serve as a Sikh Chaplain with ADF can be undertaken by writing to us. Please email your expression of interest to info@ nationalsikh.org.au
Why It Matters
Sikh chaplaincy in the ADF is not just about representation—it’s about serving the soul of the nation. It brings Guru Granth Sahib’s teachings of equality, courage, and compassion into the heart of military life.
Recruiting and mentoring future Sikh chaplains is a powerful legacy that supports the Australian Sikh community.
Key Terms in Panjabi
- Chaplaincy: ਰੂਹਾਨੀ ਅਤੇ ਮਾਨਸਿਕ ਦੇਖਭਾਲ ਸੇਵਾ (Roohani ate Mansik Dekhbhal Seva)
- Pastoral Care/Experience: ਆਤਮਿਕ ਅਗਵਾਈ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਵਨਾਤਮਕ ਸਹਾਰਾ ਦੇਣ ਦਾ ਅਨੁਭਵ (Aatmik Agwai ate Bhavnatmak Sahara den da Anubhav)
