TC 1-05
Religious Area/Impact Assessment
Appendix D
Religious Area/Impact Assessment
Advising Commanders
As the Army deploys Americans to more unfamiliar areas of the
world, it becomes increasingly important for chaplains to explain
religious/spiritual beliefs and practices of the people they encounter
to commanders and soldiers in their unit. The term
"religious/spiritual" refers to the system of beliefs and practices that
gives meaning and purpose to people's lives.
The UMT is responsible for advising the commander regarding the
impact of religions on military operations. UMTs must remain
objective, understanding, assessable, and advisable. This guide gives
general parameters to help the UMT fulfill this mission. Not all
religious/spiritual systems contain these categories.
The religious assessment guide matrix (see table D-1) serves as a
starting point to help the UMT in its assessment. First, chaplains need
to determine which of the categories and questions apply to the
region or society in question. (Consult relevant literature or subject
matter experts.) Second, chaplains need to assess the disposition of
the local population relative to the applicable categories and
questions. Finally, chaplains need to convey this knowledge to
commanders and soldiers, as appropriate. Information conveyed must
relate religious/spiritual specifics to the conduct of military
operations.
D-1
10 May 2005