The Salvation Army - Tacoma

The Salvation Army presently operates in 111 countries. It preaches the gospel in 175 languages and maintains approximately 30,000 religious, educational, and charitable centers which minister in many different ways to millions of people in need. It is the policy of The Salvation Army to suit its programs to the varying needs of people throughout the world.

The international leader of The Salvation Army is elected to office and holds the rank of General. The General works out of The Army's International Headquarters in London, England.

For administrative purposes, The Salvation Army divides the world into geographical territories, each directed by a Territorial Commander who is responsible to the General. The United States is divided into four territories with a national headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. Our Territory covers the 13 western states of the U.S. as well as the Pacific Islands, and is known as The Western Territory.

Each Territory is further broken down into Divisions (also called Commands). Each Division has its own headquarters and is headed by a Divisional Commander. Under the direction of each Division are Corps Community Centers and Institutions. The religious and charitable ministries of The Salvation Army are conducted by these local centers.

Separate from Divisions, but found in key cities, are Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs) under the direction of the Territorial ARC Command. The ARC ministry helps people with substance abuse problems, or poor work histories, etc., to be retrained into the work force. The ARCs also operate many of The Army's thrift stores and collect second-hand articles from the public. With the Divisions, they also are very active in The Army's disaster relief work.

Finally, The West has the College for Officer Training at Crestmont (CFOT) where students train in a residential setting to become ordained ministers and commissioned officers of The Salvation Army. Located in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, CFOT offers a two year degree as well as various opportunities for continuing education.