Army Chaplains work alongside and with Religious Affairs Specialists to form a Unit Ministry Team (UMT). Chaplains and Religious Affairs Specialists each have their unique skills and responsibilities to ensure the free exercise of religion for U.S. Army Soldiers, their families, and other DoD personnel.
Chaplains and Religious Affairs Specialists have 100% confidentiality when counseling in their official capacity. This provides the freedom to discuss difficult topics in a safe environment. UMTs are always willing to meet and discuss what's going on in your life, whether it be about relationships, kids, or spiritual matters (contact information is on the right side of the page under each UMT member).
Chaplains
Chaplains act as professional military religious leaders and professional military religious advisors. They provide religious support (worship services, pastoral counseling, presence, and rites, sacraments, and ordinances) to U.S. Army Soldiers and their families in their units and throughout the state of Vermont and assist with weddings and funerals when requested. They also advise commanders on issues of ethics, morals, morale, and religion. Provide and advise is a common phrase in the Chaplain Corps, and for good reason. These two capabilities allow them to Nurture the Living, Care for the Wounded, and Honor the Fallen.
Religious Affairs Specialists
Religious Affairs Specialists (unlike Chaplains) are combatants. They are in charge of force protection, and they keep the Chaplains safe on the battlefield. Religious Affairs Specialists also provide technical expertise in religious support activities. They act as religious support providers and religious support staff officers in order to strengthen spiritual readiness, integrate religious support in operations, and manage religious support resources.