A religious affairs specialist, previously known as chaplain assistant, is a member of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps. This soldier provides expertise in religious support and religious support operations. The Religious Affairs Specialists, which is military occupational specialty (MOS) 56M, support the unit Chaplain and Commander in responding to the needs of soldiers, family members, and other authorized personnel. They provide security to Army chaplains. Duties include preparing spaces for worship, managing supplies, and ensuring the security and safety of the chaplain during combat situations.
The religious affairs specialist is an enlisted soldier or non-commissioned that is part of a "task/organized, mission/based team designed to accomplish and support the specified religious, spiritual and ethical needs of soldiers in accordance with command responsibilities".[2] Religious affairs specialists are part of unit ministry teams, which consist of one Army chaplain and religious affairs specialist or a religious affairs non-commissioned officer.
- ^ Department of the Army (2017). Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia (AR 670-1) (PDF). p. 214.
- ^ Department of the Army (2007). Military Occupational Classification and Structure (DA PAM 611-21) (PDF). p. 53.