Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!
Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!
Learn more about the history and legacy of The Salvation Army around the world.
Our HistoryThe Salvation Army uniforms are not very stylish. In fact, they often get us mistaken for Airline Pilots. But we are honored to wear them as an outward sign of our calling, to care for the lost, feed the hungry, and comfort the hurting. They remind us that we represent something larger than ourselves. We are an Army on the front lines and we’re fighting with love.
William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army said “we are a volunteer army” in 1878. As such, The Salvation Army is designed with officers in leadership. Though we started as volunteers, over the last 150 years, The Salvation Army has grown into a multinational organization with volunteers, full-time staff and officers that serve those most in need.
Gives a hand up for those in need
Spreads the Gospel, teaches how to apply it, and shares God's Word
Helps others overcome hardships
Because officers function as directors of our business units, they are required to complete a two-year program at The Salvation Army's accredited training college. The curriculum provides extensive instruction and guidance, including nonprofit management, business administration, and theological studies. Upon graduation, students - also known as "cadets" - are ordained as officers and given their first assignment Doing The Most Good in a local community.
Visit our candidates website to learn more on the process of becoming an officer.