56M: Chaplain Assistant

Major Duties: The chaplain assistant performs and provides specified elements of religious support mission in deployments, combat operations, training, and sustainment. Duties for MOS 56M at each level of skill are:

• Skill Levels
  • Skill Level 1 MOSC 56M10. Performs religious support duties for Unit Ministry Team (UMT) programs, worship services and crisis intervention. Performs UMT functions in field and combat environment. Performs combat lifesaver tasks. Applies communication skills in crisis and potential suicide intervention. Supports the UMT family readiness program. Coordinates UMT activities and maintains physical security of UMT facilities/equipment. Safeguards privileged communications and offerings. Arranges religious retreats and memorial ceremonies. Receives, screens and refers visitors and prospective counselee. Performs office administration functions using automated systems to include inventorying supplies and equipment and determining supply requirements. Maintains chaplain vestments and religious items.
    
    
  • Skill Level 2 MOSC 56M20. Performs religious support duties in first level battle fatigue care. Provides for emergency ministrations on the battlefield. Prepares UMT section input to staff estimates, operation plans and orders. Implements specified elements of the Religious Support Plan (RSP) and Command Master Religious Plan (CMRP). Coordinates rites, sacraments, ordinances, and the UMT family readiness program. Organizes support for UMT programs, worship and small group training sessions. Conducts training on indigenous religious, cultural distinctions, and customs. Implements the religious support volunteer program. Provides intake interviews and assessments.
    
    
  • Skill Level 3 MOSC 56M30. Trains and performs religious support duties within the commander’s area of operation. Adapts UMT support to unit’s mission, enemy situation, terrain, troops and time available (METT). Coordinates the implementation of the RSP and CMRP. Assists soldiers in developing moral values and resolving conflict. Supports the combat stress control team. Organizes religious retreats. Trains family support group leaders. Assists families in spiritual renewal upon reintegration. Manages chaplain funds.
    
    
  • Skill Level 4 MOSC 56M40. Leads in performing religious support operations. Plans and implements enlisted training, CMRP and chaplain annex to OPLANS. Manages chaplin support activities. Develops family spiritual renewal reintegration strategies. Conducts moral leadership training. Implements crisis intervention strategies. Implements internal controls for funds. Prepares requests for grants. Performs conflict resolutions.
    
    
  • Skill Level 5 MOSC 56M50. Analyzes, develops, implements, and assesses plans, polices and programs affecting the religious support mission and operations. Performs strategic planning for religious support operations. Prepares contingency and mobilization planning and training. Plans and coordinates general religious support to joint, specified, and unified commands. Develops UMT Mission Essential Task List. Provides guidance on world religions and cultural distinctions and customs. Prepares installation/command religious program support plan. Prepares and evaluates implementation of CMRP.A-dvises command chaplain on religious and moral issues of command.

Physical demands rating and qualifications for initial award of MOS. The Chaplain assistant must possess the following qualifications:

(1) Physical Demands Rating: moderately heavy

(2) Physical Profile: 222221

(3) Minimum score of 95 in aptitude area CL.

(4) The ability to type at a minimum speed of 30 WPM.

(5) Must have favorable ENTNAC prior to award of MOS 56M.

(6) Volunteer and agree to provide religious support for all religions supported by the command.

(7) Is a combatant and will participate in firearms training and bear arms.

(8) Must display high moral character as determined by the following criteria:

• No pattern of undesirable behavior as evidenced by civil and military records.
• No record of convictions by court martial.
• No record of civilian conviction within the last two years other than minor traffic offenses.

(9) A valid state motor vehicle operator’s permit (not due to expire prior to completion of AIT).

(10) Formal training (completion of MOS 56M course conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School (USACHCS)) is mandatory. Reserve component soldiers with prior service may qualify by completion of either the course at USACHCS or complete both the Annual Training/Active Duty for Training and the Inactive Duty Training phase of MOS 71M Reserve Component Training.

The major duties, physical demands, physical profile, and skill levels were obtained from Army Pamphlet 611-21.

MOS List for Adjutant General's Corps