This article draws a comparative picture on the Lutheran military chaplain’s profession, professional competence and their commonalities and differences in Finland and Sweden. We also present the historical, societal and organisational context that have contributed to the development of professions in both countries. The results show that military chaplains in both countries adopt a hybrid identity suited to the military environment from their own professional premises. Where Finnish military chaplains are expected to have ever-growing know-how and increasing educational and training competency also from outside the field of theology, Swedish military chaplains have emphasized their pastoral side, especially when working in crisis areas. The Finnish military chaplains are more heterogeneous as a group and their work is very autonomous. In particular, regional differences in the practical content of the work are highlighted in addition to the lack of a clear educational path. In Sweden, the chaplaincy and theological competency are especially emphasized and some of the military clergy face the challenge of conflicting placement in the context of two institutions at the same time. A strong bond with one’s own church can also pose challenges in embracing military culture and the hybrid identity.