The Salvation Army ministry is overseen by trained, commissioned officers.
After two successful years of residential training, cadets are commissioned as lieutenants and assigned to active duty while continuing their education. Lieutenants are required to devote five years to additional studies.
- These men and women have dedicated their lives, skills, and service completely to God. Lay members who subscribe to the doctrines of The Salvation Army are called soldiers. Along with officers, they are known as Salvationists
- Prospective The Salvation Army officers undergo a one-year preliminary training course, followed by an intensive two-year course at The Salvation Army colleges. The curriculum includes a combination of theory and practice, with a focus on the development of spiritual life. It covers Bible studies, Salvation Army doctrine and regulations, social and psychology studies, public speaking and preaching, church history, community relations, administration, and accounting. Practical training involves pastoral care and evangelistic methods.
On commissioning, they make a covenant:
Officers seeking to specialize in a specific field have access to training courses. To keep officers updated on innovative programs and developments, institutes conduct seminars and conferences.
Promotions are primarily based on length of service. The ranks are captain, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel, and commissioner. The international leader holds the rank of general and is selected by the High Council, which is comprised of commissioners and territorial commanders.
The Salvation Army officers are required to dedicate themselves full-time to Army work. If an officer decides to get married, they must marry another Salvation Army officer. When a captain or major gets married, they will each hold the rank based on their length of service, not that of their spouse. However, the ranks of lieutenant colonel, colonel, and commissioner, will be held jointly by married officers. As ordained ministers of the gospel, they have the authority to conduct marriage ceremonies, funerals, and child dedications. Additionally, they offer counseling and comfort to those who are grieving.
The Salvation Army provides officers with living quarters, official transportation, and a monetary allowance. The retirement age is sixty.
The Salvation Army also hires non-clergy staff for administrative, technical, and professional positions.
