ARMY MOS 56M, Religious Affairs Specialist AKA Chaplain's Assistant

[@TheTattooedChap]

Are you considering being a Religious Affairs Specialist? Tell us why?

[@silvanaribeiro1689]

great video! has a different take on religion.

[@frankfrank6467]

Heading to AIT for it tommorow!

[@alamanos3135]

Yes! I would love to reclass as a 56M. I'm currently enlisted as a 92G food service specialist nothing wrong with this MOS but is not what I wanted. The main reason why I would like to become a Religious Affairs Specialist is because during basic training I really received the support I was looking for from the religious affairs specialist they keep me motivated and moving forward and that was kind of the same I was doing to many of my battle bodies and I realized that that's the job I truly want to do

[@redrosieruby4746]

@@alamanos3135 have you made the transition yet, if so how's it going? currently in the same situation with being a 92g but this seems like something more I'd love to be passionate about

[@Enigma4400]

How difficult is it to reclass to this mos from an infantry mos? I’m currently an 11c but with my faith I don’t find passion in my job and I have most of my focus on my faith and I feel it would be a better fit for me. What advice could you give?

[@functional18490]

Was a Chapass for 20 years (03-23), 3 deployments, and a lot of other things. It was a good job.

[@TheTattooedChap]

Thanks for paving the way for folks like me Sir!

[@willybarton6243]

Do you mind sharing some of your experience, your daily routine and life with your family if you got married and had kids at some point ? I’m married with 2kids and will like to know what to expect .

[@functional18490]

@@willybarton6243 Sure I'll try to lay it out for you: There is normal army stuff (formation/PT,etc). I always started the "work" day/week by meeting with the boss (my chaplain) and getting priorities straight. I would have a weekly sit down with the CSM to talk about issues and get any guidance about what he is seeing. The boss and I would make ourselves visible to the companies (usually 1-2 a week at the various training events they were doing) to keep an ear to the ground for the commander. We would tag team meetings which sometimes they would like to do and other times not. Basically, I was everything he wasn't/couldn't be. Most chaplains are not good staff officers. They will forget to update metrics the unit needs to brief up, and the commander will just want them to "take care of the soldiers" which is necessarily broad. It's your job to make sure the team doesn't fail. Whatever that means will be dictated by your boss. I was only married for the last part of active duty and the guard and both of my children were born in the twilight of my career when I had more flexibility due to being more senior. It will be stressful on your family, and it seems like active duty OPTEMPO has not calmed down since I was at battalion level, there are just less "war" things to do now and more rotations. Those are the broad strokes of a day/week in the life of a UMT. If you have more pointed questions, you can leave info to contact you below and I will reach out. Good Luck!

[@functional18490]

@@willybarton6243 Sure, I'll give it a try. I will preface this by saying I spent most of my career in operational units (Airborne and special forces units) and so my day may not mimic what you will see. I usually started my day with the normal army stuff (PT always, formation depending on the unit). I would end up in the office afterwards. Myself and the boss (my chaplain) would meet up to review the days/weeks activities as needed and then it was usually off to meetings or to visit units as was scheduled for that week. I would take part in unit training as well, but mostly being available and visible to the unit members out where they were. There are other duties that aren't talked about as much that are also necessary. Come 56Ms work at the garrison chapels running them and preparing for services, which is unglamorous but necessary. You may find yourself helping to account for the money taken in at the services on the weekend, helping to run activities at the family life center, or being assigned to assist at the AFRC chapels in places like Garmisch (that is rare but also a possibility). If you are trying to go to the reserves or national guard, it will be drill as usual with more traveling. As you become more senior you will be expected to do more teaching/coaching/mentoring but that comes much later. Having a family in the military is tough. I was only married for the last few years of my active duty time and only had children when I went to the national guard. If you have any more specific questions you can leave contact information and I will take more directly to you,

[@brooksdurham5285]

I was a 56M from 2006-10. I was attached to a combat unit and mainly worked directly with my Chaplain doing office work, attending meetings, working the chapel on the weekends. While on deployment we had to make sure every soldiers religious needs were fulfilled and have lockers full of items like bibles, qurans, prayer books, grape juice and even wine. The job can get lonely as you are the only 56M in the whole battalion if you are part of a regular unit and not part of the Garrison. I kind of wished I got to work directly for the Garrison unit as the 56M's I know who did that job seemed to have a much easier time than I did attached to a combat unit.

[@falsealias2046]

I read that navy chaplain assistant’s spend 5 weeks a Marine infantry school. Does the army have similar training for their 56M?

[@KingDavidProject]

Chapel Guard. The Chapel is not just for religious activities. If you want to come to the chapel to play games, play some music, watch some movies just get a hold of your Unit Ministry Team and they will hook you up if they know what's up. Just doing something to deal with the stress of military life in a healthy way is something the Unit Ministry Team. I was a Chaplain Assistant in the 82nd Airborne back in the 90's I think we could have done so much more. For the wives, we could have had cooking classes. The chapels have kitchens and the commander's wife could come and have cooking classes for the Army wives to build bonds that will sustain families when he Airborne Infantry goes to war. We need more just basic classes in managing emotions like anger management.

[@creaturefitness4519]

Great video. I am currently 5 years in the Army AD as a 31B. I am thinking of reclassing to 56M because this job just isn't for me.

[@TruthSeeker9038]

I want to get out of the Army, but I feel like God is calling me to this MOS. The thing is though, I’m Christian and I don’t want to be a part of duties other than Christian

[@sausageinternational-fs3ec]

I'm with you there

[@matthewdaniel2493]

I’m about to go into this mos. God wants you to love all. No matter of their religious background/needs. All you can do is be open and honest. Try your best and everything will be okay. God will walk with you throughout your entire journey of life. Care and love for others as Jesus did, no matter what.

[@TruthSeeker9038]

@@matthewdaniel2493 absolutely. I agree. God will work through us no matter where we are. Ultimately, I decided to leave the Army for several reasons.

[@IGO-Hooah]

I'm ready to switch. 8yrs as a 31B and it feels like it is time to switch.

[@TheTattooedChap]

Join our team!!! We typically have free coffee in the office too 🤣

[@IGO-Hooah]

@@TheTattooedChap I'm solid. About to drop my application and request a transfer

[@joemilleriv]

I’m active duty air force rn. 21 years old and 1 1/2 years into my first 4 year enlistment. I’m still trying to figure out God’s plan for my life, as I’m still young in my Christian faith, but I think God has been watering seeds planted in my life and is pointing me to become a chaplain. I’ve always loved people, being described as a people person my whole life and having never really had a problem connecting with them,, Mentoring and counseling friends and family (with the little knowledge I do have) and just being there to talk or vent to is something that has come easy to me and i believe that’s a gift from God. So my question is if I decide to pursue this further, would you recommend me to try and cross train to being a chaplain’s assistant and continue to serve active duty until I finish my bachelor’s and commission or should I get out, pursue my degree and then commission? I just found your channel and subbed btw. I’m looking forward to watching your other videos and getting more insight on whether or not this career field is what God is calling me to be in.

[@TheTattooedChap]

Wow!!! That’s awesome what God is doing in your life and you are feeling the call! I do not fully know the options available to AF people, so I think talking to your chaplain and an AF chaplain recruiter would be a good step. They may know some things that I do not… I was in a similar boat as you, I asked if I could work with (shadow) my chap a few times a month (2-4 times and assisting with any events) , working on my BA degree on my free time. Once I completed it, I transferred to the Guard and started seminary using my GI Bill. Hope that helps! Enjoy the journey!

[@joemilleriv]

@@TheTattooedChap thank you!

[@brandonreynolds2593]

heavily thinking of reclassing into this everyone ive met says its the best job in the army and theyd do it all over agin. all people in my mos just wish it was over already 13b

[@TheTattooedChap]

Do it! Always looking for good 56Ms. Some of the best 56Ms are former combat arms (this coming from me, a former 13F).

[@d2h655]

Should I do this before becoming a chaplain? I was told that you get more respect as an officer if you're prior enlisted

[@kingcasper_stckd7544]

Not true . Tbh if you’re prior enlisted it will actually kinda make your job a little harder at times . Especially if you were an NCO prior too

[@TheTattooedChap]

It's not necessary. If God is calling you to be a chaplain, go straight to that route.

[@georgeaustiniv2456]

@@kingcasper_stckd7544 Could you further elaborate on that point? Just very curious

[@stephenstott9690]

Good job sir!

[@TheTattooedChap]

Thanks!

[@Champion_jd]

I hear it’s hard to promote as 56M? I’m in the reserves, currently an E5. Before switching to this MOS I want to make sure it has potential for advancement. Kinda hard to find info about this.

[@TheTattooedChap]

I’m not to sure about the Reserve side of things, but on AD it does get more competitive for the E7-E9 ranks compared to some other MOSs. I’d speak to you 56M at your BDE or DIV level to get a better understanding of the promotion potential in the Reserves.

[@gregnutter1296]

Greetings! I was wondering if you have any tips as it relates to chaplain interviews. I have an interview with Chief of Chaplain for the Navy this Friday and wondering what this might be like. Many Blessings!!!

[@mynameisjeff4231]

I want to reclass as a 56m ima go talk to retention next time he is at bn

[@joshieb333]

💚💚💚

[@MrJMB122]

Till I was a riflemen/0311 in the Marines then infrantymen in NG. I have combat deployment under my belt. I currently have a year left on my bachelors but I'm considering switching to become 56M. I feel the vocational calling. But I wonder if should cut my teeth as 56M Active Duty first before trying to becoming chaplain. FYI I am 31.

[@TheTattooedChap]

Go straight to Chaplain Candidate... I was a 13F, Forward Observer, and didn't need the 56M for experience. Blessings brother!

[@MrJMB122]

@@TheTattooedChap The only reason I'm thinking about that is orthodoxy does everything slow. I've been going to my church for 2 years only recently got baptized. It would be roughly another 5 years before I could reasonably get at the blessing of my Bishop to go.

[@MrJMB122]

@@TheTattooedChap Bless you brother bless you and the work you do!!

[@usmc5131]

I did 3 years active army and 2 years of guard as a 19 Kilo Abrams Tanker as a E-5. I’m just coming out of the civilian life back into it but changing my MOS to this MOS. Any tips and advice?

[@TheTattooedChap]

Remember, you are the NCOIC of your section---your section (UMT) wins/fails based on the teamwork of your team. If you are on the same page, your UMT will be unstoppable! Blessings!

[@davedelacruz6594]

Hey how’d it go bro I’m transferring from 19Kilo 3 years active to reserves for this mos too ?

[@davedelacruz6594]

How was your experience I’m gonna be in a unit at Camp Pendleton working with those marines lol

[@christophermakhtany345]

Hello to better connect and understand soldiers that are battling with problems, would it be a logical move to enlist in a Combative MOS for a few years, then make a lateral move to go into 56M?

[@TheTattooedChap]

Great question! It could be helpful, but it is not necessary. What soldiers are really looking for is authentic people that truly care about them…this is so much more important than all the other stuff. But, the other stuff can help too. Transitioning MOSs can be very difficult sometimes, though. So I’d pick the one you really want so you don’t get stuck (if that makes sense?).

[@weswavy3x]

Js wanna thank the lord my Jesus Christ for dis opportunity cause Dis is going to be my MOS! But it’s not a job for me it’s a lifestyle and I tell people being a Christian is not a religion but a relationship with Jesus!! Also we don’t force people cause das not what we do, it’s the person choice to know more about Jesus or not also Jesus is too much of a gentleman to force anyone.. And The Word Of God reminds us never despise a small beginning everything starts small but in gods eyes everything we do is big in advancing his kingdom and that is my goal which I will reach that goal & strive for excellence! Also my vision and mission is to advance the lord’s kingdom and to spread the gospel in and throughout my music or in general as a tool to reach this lost generation and world which I'm going to stand on no matter what the circumstances is.

[@CaliSun]

Where do I take the typing test??

[@TheTattooedChap]

Any tests required would take place through your recruitment process. I’m not sure there is a specific typing though.

[@Redneckro.]

Im 36 if i wanted to join as a chaplains assistant but want to get a theology degree and become a chaplain whats the oldest i can be to become a chaplain since its an officer role?

[@TheTattooedChap]

Hey! Great question. Age 42 for Active Duty, and age 47 for Reserves or National Guard. Blessings!

[@ZakkOWylde1]

Rank !!

[@Bubba-23nineteen]

Hey Chap, I'm currently in school to get my Bachelors in Biblical Studies. If I am drafted can I pick 56m or am I just beat and get assigned being a grunt? Random question but was just curious.

[@TheTattooedChap]

I have no idea; especially since the last draft was Vietnam… From the past, it seems like draftees were select to fill vacancies. Once you complete your BA, maybe there this a way for draftees to go the officer route🤷‍♂️

[@Bubba-23nineteen]

@@TheTattooedChap thank you so much. Best answer I have received so far.

[@StevenNichols]

So as a 56M do you have to actually participate in worshiping a god who you don't believe in? in services such as there religious practices like; praying, singing, dance, praise or any form of worship like bowing...or even having to give a sermon concerning a god you do not believe in? I understand assisting the Chaplin by setting up a service for people of another religion from my own but my concern is having to actually participate in any form of worshiping there god.

[@GoodnessandTruth]

No, as a 56M you would not perform any religious services and you are not required to participate in the actual religious aspects of the services you coordinate or organize. You would work in conjunction with the chaplain to provide for the exercise of their religion. There's.a big distinction in the Chaplain world between "performing" and "providing." Only Chaplains perform. Both provide. Providing means helping Soldiers be capable of worshipping in their own faith tradition. That may mean setting up the physical components of their services, ordering and providing sacred texts or materials, or bringing in a minister of that faith group to minister to those Soldiers. You have the option to join in those services if you desire to participate in that faith group, but that is your free decision. You must be willing to support their freedom to adhere to their religion, but you are not obligated to join with their worship, as you have the same freedom guaranteed to you.

[@StevenNichols]

@@GoodnessandTruth Thanks for making it clear! its now my MOS choice.

[@KingDavidProject]

@@StevenNichols Good tip, keep your beliefs to yours self if you become a Chapel Guard. You could get persecuted and oppressed for not being Christian but you will be respected by NCO's and Officers if you ar a good soldier. There are so many various denominations that you will be needed to facilitate all kinds of faiths and won't be expected to personally believe in. Although I am a Christian today, I was a New Age Chaplain Assistant in the 82nd Airborne Division. I facilitated the first Muslim Iftar at Fort Bragg, North Carolina with the first Muslim chaplain and I was the first to order Quarans through the US Army supply system.

[@lesslysandoval5846]

Hello my recuiter recently told me that before enlisting to get this job I needed to take a typing class in high school or college is this true?

[@ZeroFoxtrotG]

Not true

[@worldmeetsbrionni450]

Not college or highschool but you do have to eventually to determine your eligibility for that MOS.

[@jcamejo1800]

They teach you that at 56M AIT

[@travisgolleher9004]

Hey CH! Attending my first AT this August and BFT evaluations will be conducted on battle readiness in the field. Any advise/knowledge as to what to expect to be on the evaluation? Thank you Sir!

[@TheTattooedChap]

Sorry I missed this. I pray it went well!

[@aliali-bd7yg]

If you want to complete college do NOT do this MOS.

[@godlygirlmedia]

Why you say that?

[@comeseetheviolenceinherent579]

Yes, why do you say that?

[@cariiiman]

Why would someone say that?

[@spartanman8062]

Is this true??

[@georgeaustiniv2456]

Could you further elaborate on this?