Chaplain's Role in Military Engagements: Principles and Process

The Chaplain in Soldier and Leader Engagements ADD: Photo NOTE: Original photos removed from presentation.

Soldier and Leader Engagements are MILITARY OPERATIONS ADD: Photo It s not rocket science, but it s not a game, either. Your unit s mission, your credibility as a chaplain, the reputation of the US and the Army, and people s lives are at stake!

SLE Principles* SLE is . . . Command Directed Command Supported Analysis Driven (RAA) Mission Focused Staff Coordinated Relationship Centric Security Conscious Situationally Aware Consistently Reported Context-Dependent Ministry! ADD: Photo

PROCESS Cultural Advisors OPORD Objectives Commander s Intent Operating Environment CIDNE* Database Internet Sources EXSUMs 1. BUAs Religious Advisement Critical Path RESEARCH 6. REPORT 2. NOMINATE & COORDINATE Soldier Leader Engagement Staff and Supervisory UMT Requests 5. HOT- WASH AAR Execute the Engagement 3. REHEARSE 4. EXECUTE SLE SYNC UMT / CMD Preparation Prep Packet *CIDNE = Combined Information Data Network Exchange

1. RESEARCH Conduct Religious Area Analysis Consult Media Reports/Intel Data, etc. Ask your Staff, PRTs, other JIIM* agencies Consult interpreters / cultural advisors Consider operational variables (PMESII-PT)** Other Tools: Themes; database folders; previous UMT files Learn all you can about contact s religion, culture, position, influence, networks, intentions *JIIM = Joint, Inter-governmental, Interagency, Multi-National **Political; Military; Economic; Social; Information; Infrastructure; Physical environment; T ime

2. NOMINATE & COORDINATE Follow your Command s Soldier and Leader Engagement guidance (who else needs to know?) Keep Commander s intent and OPLAN in mind Develop a list of nominees Keep a data base (who, when, where, results) Identify alternates/back-ups Coordinate movement, logistics, security with other staff and appropriate agencies

3. REHEARSE Write down a step-by-step plan Identify roles of each team member Require at least one face-to-face meeting to go over scheme of maneuver Double check route, security, evac plan Talk what-ifs Discuss each question you will ask

4. EXECUTE Be respectful; offer (or accept) hospitality Show humility Don t assume your contact does not know/speak English Ask open-ended questions whenever possible Listen more than you speak Avoid making political or social comments Avoid telling jokes; they don t translate well Don t lie, bluff, or threaten Be who you are, but use care when discussing religious differences; don t argue Don t carry on side-bar conversations (appears rude) Maintain eye contact with the contact (not the interpreter) Allow for twice the time of a normal meeting (translation)

4. EXECUTE (continued) Don t rush off to the next meeting. Make them feel this meeting is the most important event in your day. Don t promise anything beyond your ability to control (However . . . try not to say NO too often) Stay in your lane Observe contact s body language / be aware of yours Finish on-time (counter-balance to first bullet above) End with review of what was discussed: Ask, What would you like me to tell my Commander? Bring a camera; ask permission to photograph; bring business cards

Sample Engagement Schematic Ldr s Advisor Ldr s Advisor Leader Command Rep Chaplain Chaplain Assistant Recorder Interpreter

5. HOT WASH AAR Conduct AAR immediately following RLL (but out of sight/hearing of leader you met) Write bullets of key statements made / key concepts discussed Discuss what went right/wrong; ask, How can we improve? Identify any must report items

6. REPORT Report to Command/Staff first (any S2 issues?) Report to Supervisory Chaplain Report to Corps World Religion Chaplain Answer the 5 W s and the so what question Link your report to the Command Objectives Provide pictures (Storyboards help) Enter data into CIDNE or other appropriate data base Maintain operational security (OPSEC) Update your data base of contacts

SUGGESTED SLE REPORT ITEMS Date / Time / Location of meeting Units involved (US, Coalition, Host Nation) CDR s task & purpose for this liaison Lead Chaplain (name, unit, rank, position) Interpreter (name, religious or group affiliation) Note taker (name, unit, rank, position) Command Rep (name, unit, rank, position) Leader Data (religious or group affiliation; Other persons present (Leader s associates; PRT; NGO; State Dept) First meeting / Dates of prior meeting / Follow-up scheduled Unit talking points Leader talking points Key issues discussed Issues to be reported

SAMPLE Religious Leader Report Theme Encourage Support of the government and National Unity ADD Photograph ADD Photograph Since Last Update: List name of recent contacts and impact on mission NAME NAME Quote from recent meeting

Religious Leader Report (cont.) # PERSON POSITION COMMENTS ADD COMMENTS from meeting NAME 1 SAMPLE: Thinks imams and other clerics should help curb sectarianism but believes people of the country want impartial, non-religious leaders in government. NAME 2 NAME SAMPLE: Feels government corruption can only be solved by combining close monitoring with strict enforcement and swift justice for the guilty. 3

Whats the Result of Effective SLE? Mutual trust and respect (lessens the us vs. them syndrome) Improved relations between US forces and host nation Better informed US leaders & Soldiers Safer, more effective mission accomplishment

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