3.
Functions of the Religious Support Mission.
The three functions of the religious support mission are as follows:
Nurture the living.
Care for the wounded.
Honor the dead.
Nurture the Living.
UMTs extend the nourishing care of religious faith
throughout the unit as they accompany soldiers on the battlefield, bringing
hope in the midst of hardship and privation.
The UMT's presence,
representing the continuing care of religious communities, as well as the
concern of the American people, supports soldiers in their time of need.
Care for the Wounded.
In units experiencing the stress of combat, the
chaplain's solid faith and religious hope may be a major factor in
sustaining soldiers through period of great trauma.
The UMT's religious
support to wounded soldiers contributes to the total well being of the
soldiers and may be essential to their quick return to health.
Prayers,
readings, rites, ceremonies, and sacraments provided to wounded or dying
soldiers are important to their total well-being.
Honor the Dead. Our nation has always revered those who have died on the
battlefield. The way in which we honor the dead through funerals, memorial
services, and ceremonies, reflects the emphasis our Constitution places on
the worth and value of the individual.
As chaplains participate in these
services and ceremonies, they play an important role in the Army's tribute
to soldiers who have honorably served our nation.
4.
Phases of Religious Program Development.
The four phases of religious program development are shown in Figure 1-2.
You will use the Management by Objectives for Results (MBOR) process as the
primary technique to develop the battalion religious program. These phases
along with the planning techniques which were discussed in Part A are the
basic tools you will use to develop a battalion religious program. However,
you must remember that the religious program is the commander's program.
The phases of development is a continuous process whose phases must all be
completed to ensure a viable program. Although each phase is important, the
exact order of their completion must remain flexible. In accomplishing this
planning,
only
you
can
determine
the
best
order
of
completion.
Circumstances unique to each actual situation will determine the exact order
each phase is completed.
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