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1st Army Chaplain Detachment (CD) Guidebook Introduction
The enclosed contents provide a general framework for commands and chaplain detachments in preparation for mobilization and deployment of these units. Chaplain detachments are unique elements because they are commands with a dedicated UIC and chaplains as commanders. This is a unique concept for most commands and a new experience for chaplains who serve in this capacity because they are no longer part of a unit, but are the unit.
Chaplains have limited experience with command decision making in a unit and rarely ever assume responsibility for bringing a unit to a deployment readiness level. They may have never turned in a Unit Status Report (USR) or had to perform the administrative functions of any of the staff sections. They will need guidance and direction from each of their higher staff sections to ensure they complete their targets by the required suspense. Although not comprehensive, this book should outline a basic plan to move from Notification of Sourcing (NOS) to post-mobilization.
Below are First Army points of contact to assist you throughout this process. Your primary point of contact (POC) should be the operations chaplain, highlighted in italics.
BRIGADE CHAPLAIN SENIOR OC/T CH (MAJ) Russ Hill CH (LTC) John Goldsworthy [email protected] [email protected] O: 254-288-6987 O: N/A C: 254-781-6988 C: 808-375-4338 SENIOR RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS NCO OPERATIONS CHAPLAIN SFC Arthur Washington CH (CPT) Jonathan Anderson [email protected] [email protected] O: 254-285-6753 O: 254-285-6751 C: 254-781-6928 C: 254-781-6310
The following table of contents contains hyperlinks to each of the sections. Also included in many of the sections are embedded documents. As of the completion of this book, they are the most recent documents for the applicable sections. This book will be updated as requirements change by the 120th Infantry Brigade Unit Ministry Team.
Table of Contents
FOR COMMANDS
1. Who does what? 2. The Road to War 3. Touch Points
PREMOB
1. Training 1.1. Events
1.1.1 Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRX) 1.1.2 Soldier Readiness Process (SRP) 1.1.3 Pre-Mobilization Training
1.2. Commander’s Training Objectives
1.3. GO Memo required tasks
1.3.1 Online Training 1.3.2 Self-Taught 1.3.3 3rd Party Classes (i.e., CLS) 1.3.4 Warrior Task Training -- Know what to expect
1.4. Responsibilities
2. Administrative Issues Prior to Mobilization
2.1. Officer Evaluation Report closeout 2.2. Unit Status Report 2.3. Security Clearances 2.4. SIPR Tokens and Access 2.5. Official Passports 2.6. Replacing unit contact – RSPs/MASCAL/Memorial SOPs
3. Equipment
3.1. What to bring 3.2. What to leave behind 3.3. What will be received at MOB Station 3.4. Setting up Transportation at MOB Station
4. Personal Readiness
4.1. Medical Readiness – TRICARE 4.2. Finance and Family Preparations 4.3. Communication downrange
POSTMOB
1. White Cell 1.1. What is a White Cell? 1.2. Why you need one
2. Transportation at Fort Hood
3. Mobilization Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (MRSOI)
Process
3.1. SRP 3.2. Central Issue Facility/Rapid Fielding Initiative 3.3. Other essentials
4. Functional Training
4.1. Functional Training and development 4.2. Special request training 4.3. Self-Evaluations 4.4. Requirements
5. Mission Readiness Exercises
5.1. What to expect 5.2. How will it work?
6. Recommendations for Filling Slots
FOR COMMANDS
1. Who does what?
Communication is key to a successful mobilization. The number one issue from the chaplain detachment lifecycle Liaison Officers (LNOs) is that the detachments typically don’t communicate with the mobilization station or First Army training units. They are not consistently returning phone calls and e-mails and oftentimes do not get paperwork completed quickly because they don’t have time or don’t know how. Chaplains are religious support subject matter experts (SMEs) as well as commissioned officers. They are expected to rise to the challenge and complete the tasks. The mobilization station LNOs and other enablers can make things easier or harder on you. Chaplains should be willing to go the extra mile and complete the tasks. Please remember to display meekness and have patience with each person.
1.1. Mobilization responsibility belongs to the higher unit to which the chaplain detachment is direct reporting unit (DRU).
1.2. The S-1 provides Human Resources support.
1.3. The S-2 verifies security clearances of those identified to deploy.
1.4. The S-3 or mobilization cell should be actively involved in each step of the process. Most Chaplains have never been in a commander’s slot, so all the activities that need completed are outside their normal operational knowledge. If there is no Chaplain in the slot for the multi-component joint assessment (MCJA), the S-3 should represent the chaplain detachment at the MCJA. It is a best practice for the mobilizing chaplain to attend the MCJA to ensure continuity throughout the process.
1.5. The S-4 or property book officer (PBO) handles the property book transfers for the unit prior to mobilization.
1.6. The senior ranking chaplain in the detachment will sign assumption of command orders and will assume responsibility as the officer in charge (OIC), but will be supported by the staff sections of their higher command. Below is an example of an “Assumption of Command Memo” for a Chaplain Detachment. Also included is a good tracker for the OIC to track critical events during pre- and post-mobilization.
Assumption of
Command Memo SigCD Data
Tracker.docx 2. The Road to War – Key Events for the Command
Appendix 19 V5 (SURE Instructions) (
CD Road to War ppt.pptx
2.1. Force Tracking Number (FTN) is generated. This is created in theater and outlines mission requirements. Special faith group requirements will be attached to the FTN.
2.2. Notification of Sourcing – Office of the Chief of Chaplains (OCCH) selects chaplain detachments for specific missions requested by the forward combatant command.
2.3. 100% Fill – Commands should fill chaplain detachments as soon as possible to complete the requirements. Complete the fill 120 days before joint assessment. No later than (NLT) M-180 (M- indicates the date before the team arrives at the mobilization station, the UMT should contact the mobilization force generating installation (MFGI) to provide complete contact information. It is preferred that contact information is given at the joint assessment (JA) if personnel are already identified. According to the standard timeline, the fill should happen prior to the JA.
2.4. OIC and S-3 should develop the Unit Training Plan prior to attendance at the Joint Assessment. It is essential to complete the plan so the post-mobilization training plan can be developed at this time.
2.5. Equipment Reset – higher command should ensure chaplain detachment is equipped with appropriate theater-specific equipment. Note that USAR/NGB computers and some other home-station and organizational clothing and individual equipment (OCIE) will not be permitted to be mobilized with the unit. The property book will need to be split. A detachment typically deploys with only weapons, night vision devices, and pro-masks.
DEPLOYMENT_DoDAAC_VERIFICATION_S 2.6. Joint Assessment – the OIC of the detachment should attend the joint assessment with the training plan ready, taking in consideration everything the unit personnel can have completed before Mobilization Training Center Arrival Date (MTCAD). All training completed prior to MTCAD must be included and signed off by the first general officer in the chain of command.
MCJA Slide Deck 17-4.pptx
Post Mob Training Formula Calculator.x
MCJA Slide Deck 18-3.pptx
3. Touch Points
3.1. Multiple touch points with the LNOs and your training observer controller/trainer (OC/T) team occur throughout the process of the “Road to War”. Most of these touch points are to keep you in communication with everyone and to be sure
that important landmarks aren’t missed. Ensure that the chaplain makes the appropriate phone calls, in progress reviews (IPRs), site visits, and each suspense. Detailed planning up front lessons potential push-back and problems prior to deployment. Don’t fight the system, but learn to work within its confines.
3.2. LNO Touch points include the initial joint assessment, the IPR phone calls, and the site visit. The chaplain detachment OIC and a unit representative should be on every phone call to ensure items are not missed. During these calls, unmet expectations from any party will be provided and a follow up for the next touch points will be identified. Many higher commands have a mobilization section that can also assist the detachment through the process to ensure they have what is needed for these events. LNOs identify lack of communication from the detachments as the biggest issue.
3.3. Mobilization station OC/Ts are not normally your primary contacts; however, utilizing the OC/T operations chaplain to guide you through the system is normal. He or she will help smooth the links between the LNOs and the OC/T mission. There are multiple touch points between you and the OC/Ts. The main touch points with your trainers will occur at the following times:
MCJA: Initial contact with the LNO and Chaplain section.
M-180: 120th Operations Chaplain will request UMT information not already provided. Sometimes only a unit representative shows up at the JA because a chaplain has not been identified. This should be the exception, not the standard.
M-120: You will receive a packet to complete including self-evaluation.
You will also be asked for questions on our Pre-MOB questionnaire and should send favorite photo of the team, military biographies of each member, and ORB/ERBs for each person. This information is requested to get to know you better and to know who will be training. You should ensure it is up to date and accurate.
M-90: Requested information should be returned by this suspense.
M-60: Your training plan should be completed and returned to you by this date unless other coordination is still needed.
M-30: Final prep and changes made up until this point. By this time, you should have everything ready and set to go for your training. A final IPR will take place around this time involving the MOB Brigade, your LNO, and the chaplain team if available.
MTCAD: Mobilization Training Center Arrival Date.
PREMOBILIZATION
1. Training
1.1. Key Training Events
1.1.1. Mission Rehearsal Exercises
Detachments will complete a pre-mobilization exercise (CSTX/XCTC/ WAREX) prior to mobilization. During this exercise, a First Army OC/T Chaplain should verify completion of Commander’s Training Objectives and other training required to be completed prior to MTCAD. The chaplain detachment OIC will drive the exercise based on their internally generated commander’s training objectives (CTO). The OIC will need to develop CTOs, determine what you are there to accomplish, and train on the identified tasks. Chaplain detachments have shown up to an exercise and no one knows who they are or why they are there. Unless you have a plan or have identified tasks, you will be thrown into the exercise to supplement a unit and won’t have the opportunity to meet your training objectives. Reach ahead to find out who the Chaplain OC/T will be at your exercise and develop a plan prior to arriving. This task is necessary to protect yourself and ensure your CTOs are met. Detailed planning will enhance and ultimately determine the value of your training exercise.
Below is an example of the memo completed during a CTE/MRX.
1.1.2. Soldier Readiness Program (SRP)
Commands will schedule chaplain detachments for a Level 2 SRP prior to MTCAD to ensure all readiness issues are a GO prior to arrival at the mob station. This SRP serves to reduce post-mob “surprises”. Although it doesn’t happen often, some units have arrived without deployment-ready personnel due to medical non-deployable concerns.
1.1.3. Pre-MOB Training
Pre-MOB training tasks include any training tasks identified for the specific theater of operations. The following documents provide training requirements and guidance for different theaters of operations.
FORSCOM-RAF_Tng_Reguirements 22 M
ANNEX I SINAI.docx ANNEX H NORTHCOM.docx
ANNEX G PACOM.docx
ANNEX F SOUTHCOM.docx
ANNEX E EUCOM.docx
ANNEX D AFRICOM.docx
ANNEX C CENTCOM.docx
ANNEX B SPECIFIC.docx
ANNEX A GENERAL.docx
106th CH DET Validation MEMO.pdf88th CH DET MEMO.pdf
1.2. Commander’s Training Objectives
Although Chaplains are not commanders, the senior-ranking chaplain will sign assumption of command orders and assume command of the detachment, so it will be up to his/her assessment of the unit to determine what main objectives will need to be completed. Current guidance from First Army is attached and include essential training objectives, but the list is not considered exhaustive. These tasks will be collective tasks specific to the religious support mission. Below are the current tasks given by First Army and also includes Battalion/Brigade and Brigade/ESC/Division level assessments. These also include other documents that may assist you in tracking training. Consult the Army Training Network (ATN) for specifics related to each of these tasks. Access ATN through AKO by selecting “Self Service” then “My Training” in the drop-down task. Along the right side of the ATN home page is also a small black box that has “CATS” noted on it. Select this and then search for Chaplain Detachment collective tasks and training strategies. It is important that you know what type of chaplain detachment you are and what your future mission may be. SGM Gros gives an excellent summary of chaplain detachments based on FM 1-05. That document is included below. Also included is a standard CH Det Composition and TOE Summary
Chaplain Detachment Collecti
1A Training Assessment Matrix.xl
20171011 UMT task list CPT-MAJ.docx
20171011 UMT task list MAJ-LTC.docx
List of CH Det Premob Training.doc
1.3. General Officer (G.O.) Memo required tasks and training
Complete the training and submit the G.O. Memo to your higher for review as soon as possible. It can sometimes take up to thirty days to get it back. Some Chaplains have received it back a few days before mobilization causing too much of a time crunch. Some have not received it back until after arrival at the mobilization station. It will be staffed through all the sections, so a lot of time is needed. Even though the memo is often difficult to deal with, it saves a lot of issues later on. You will ensure the mob station staff provides the best support if you have it completed and submitted to your LNO as far out as possible.
The GO/State Adjutant General (TAG) Memorandum is the single most important document CDs need when reporting to the Mobilization Force Generation Installation (MFGI). This document verifies all of the training you are required to complete prior to arriving at the mobilization station and will determine if you are able to complete your mobilization time on schedule. Below is a template for your GO memo. The training listed in this memo complies with the guidance listed above in the “pre-mob training” section. Utilizing the UST in section 1.4 will generate a G.O. Memo.
CH Det Composition and TO
GO Pre-MOB Memo Blank Example.docx
1.3.1 Online Training
As the chaplain detachment OIC, many chaplains have completed the Commander’s Safety Course and some of the other courses online that are normally required of a unit commander. Some have felt like they probably didn’t need to do these trainings, but did them just to make sure everything was covered. It often turns out that the mob station at that time wanted the training completed, but it wasn’t communicated up front. Be prepared to do extra training after you arrive. Remember it is part of the flexibility you need as Chaplains and Religious Affairs Soldiers.
The majority of the online training requirements can be found on Army Learning Management System (ALMS), Army Training Requirements and Resource System (ATRRS), and Joint Knowledge Online (JKO). Recommend completing these no more than six months prior to arriving at MFGI, but you may want to verify specific guidance from the above annexes. Some trainings such as Isolated Personnel Report (ISOPREP) may require a tighter guideline.
Access these training sessions through AKO by selecting “Self Service” then “My Training” in the drop down menu. There should be links to each of these pages.
1.3.2 Self-Taught Courses
PowerPoints provided by your LNO, your command, or a search on AKO may enable you to complete and then report completion to your unit for the GO memo.
During a recent mobilization, one chaplain accessed a majority of the required briefings including trainings such as “escalation of force,” “rules of engagement,” and other similar topics not found online. Utilize as many of these trainings and prepare a sign in roster including all UMT members for each class to provide proof of completion for your GO Memo.
1.3.3 3rd Party Classes (i.e., CLS)
When in doubt, find a way to complete the training. Some have had to squeeze in the Combat Lifesaver (CLS) training at the MFGI because they decided at the last minute that it was needed. The issue is that a chaplain detachment is considered a unit, so someone has to take it. Have everyone on the team complete CLS so that if you show up to mob station and someone gets medically disqualified, you still meet the requirement. If they were the one who was CLS-qualified, that means you have 3 ½ more days of training to squeeze in. For combatives, you can have your BN or BDE combatives instructor provide the necessary instruction to get signed off on. It’s
another class you don’t want to take at mob station. This is not the place to exercise the opportunity for injury! A bad enough injury will make the team non-mission capable.
Some classes cannot be handled by online training or by just utilizing self-taught classes. Some of these include weapons qualification, combatives, CLS, and grenade range. Perform as many of the warrior tasks as you can during pre-mob and additional trainings such as a HMMWV Egress Assistance Trainer (HEAT) at your MRX site, if available. It is best to complete required training pre-mob as a unit. It is essential to complete each class with all mobilizing members of the UMT.
1.3.4 Warrior Task Training
Complete all Warrior Task Training before mobilizing. Any training you have not completed will have to be completed at the mob station which is not ideal and may cause undue stress on your team and may delay your deployment date.
1.4. Responsibilities
The Chaplain Detachment OIC (or commander) is responsible for all training completion. Available assets to assist include unit S-3, Staff Operations and Training Specialist (SOTS), or training NCO to schedule and direct the CD to the appropriate training. Most required training will closely resemble the training of other mobilized units, so reach out to the mob section in your higher command to assist. Find out the responsible party for verifying completion of your GO Memo, because that person should know the specifics of the training required. Look at the CD training tracker below for reference. It may not be all-inclusive, but it provides a baseline you can utilize and add on additional classes as required by your mission. Refer back to the required training in the above list based on your mission location.
CD Training Tracker.docx
UST v8.6 - PACOM.xlsx
UST v8.6 - EUCOM.XLSX
UST v8.6 - CENTCOM.xlsx
2. Administrative Issues Prior to MTCAD
2.1. Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Evaluation Report (OER/NCOER) closeout.
It is essential that Chaplains and Religious Affairs NCOs arrive at the MFGI with completed OERs and NCOERs with a thru date of the day before MTCAD. The next evaluation start date is the MTCAD and CDs will be rated by their forward chain of command. ARCENT and other theater commands have had issues creating evaluations because they were not completed prior to mobilization.
2.2. Unit Status Report (USR)
The mobilizing Chaplain should learn to complete a USR as soon as he/she is assigned to the unit or identified for mobilization. No forward chain of command will
submit a USR for the detachment and the home station higher headquarters should not submit a USR for the unit during the deployment because they are not co-located and may not have the ability to communicate with them in certain secure locations. Below is a USR “how to” guide. More assistance is available on Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) once you have access.
USR How-To Guide ch1.docx
2.3. Security Clearances
UMT members require a Secret or higher security clearance without exception. Security clearances should not expire during the mobilization. Extenuating circumstances on a case by case basis may justify the use of an interim security clearance by exception.
2.4. SIPR Access and Tokens
Request SIPR access and tokens through your higher headquarters as soon as you are notified for deployment. If you wish to request your accounts through Fort Hood, request access NLT 8 weeks prior to MTCAD via Mr. Nickerson at [email protected]. Below are pertinent documents for SIPR/NIPR access.
FN_waiver_template_25Apr16.docx
OPERATION ORDER 13-016 (SIPRNET Toke
PKI order spreadsheet 4 Oct 16
SIPR PKI Token Memo SAMPLE.DOC
2.5. Official Passports
Official passports are usually only needed if the mission location requires you to have a passport. A majority of the locations Chaplain Detachments will travel only require a military CAC. Some countries, such as Kuwait, will give you issues if you show them your passport instead of your military ID. It is recommended to apply for a passport; however, it may not be needed. You can verify with your LNO if you should secure a passport. Below are documents that outline the application process and provide more information.
Your LNO will need to contact Ms. Divina Bobb ([email protected] or 254-288-3866) to request the passports for your detachment. Once she receives approval from the State Department, send her the completed documents and you should receive the passports in about 4 weeks.
DOD DS 11 APPLICATION PROCE
DOD AUTH APPLY NO FEE PASSPORT A
DOS PASSPORT CITIZENSHIP AND PR
2.6. Replacing unit contact
It is best to get as much of an idea via NIPR of what you will be doing from the team you plan to replace. Chaplain detachment OICs can tailor mission-specific training at CSTX to replicate some of the tasks required forward. An example from one CD team of this was working with the Deputy Garrison Chaplain at Fort Hunter-Liggett, CA (FHLCA) to learn basic garrison responsibilities and how the relationships on a garrison will function. They also had the opportunity to serve at a Movement Enhancement Brigade (MEB) to learn brigade functioning and how the UMT fits into those roles. Their deployed mission was as the operations team for Area Support Group-Kuwait, which was a brigade-level garrison team providing support for the entirety of Kuwait. This is a great example of training the right things at the right time.
Plan to reach out to the unit you will replace NLT M-120. It is important to know what mission you should be preparing for; however, as a chaplain detachment, you could be utilized for another mission at any time. If you do not know what your mission will be or who you will replace, reach out to the 120th Operations Chaplain for details. 120 IN BDE UMT regularly contacts the Army Central Command (ARCENT) chaplains and other UMTs downrange for updated mission information/challenges/changes. 120 IN BDE UMTs has most likely trained the unit you are replacing, so we already have contacts established.
Once you have established communication, you should request their Tab D, religious support plan, MASCAL SOP, Memorial SOP, Ramp Ceremony SOP, and any other pertinent documents you can share on NIPR. If you don’t have SIPR access and they wish to share information with you, we can set up a secure video teleconference (SVTC) or communicate via SIPR e-mail.
You will want to get a sense of the type of ministry you may be providing. You could be dealing with only American Soldiers or you could be dealing with multi-multinational forces. You may be an area coverage chaplain or you may provide more operational or garrison ministry supporting another unit. Knowing your mission will -assist in receiving the right preparation pre-mob and post-mob.
3. Equipment
3.1. What to bring
Verify with your LNOs before arriving, but you will typically only bring basic equipment that you will need for training including your weapons, night vision devices, and protective masks. You will need to bring your ACH and LBE/FLCC for training, but you can plan to send that equipment home because you will be issued equipment for
deployment. It doesn’t hurt to bring what you think you may need and can always send back home.
3.2. What to leave behind
Do not bring USAR/NGB-owned computers, vehicles, radios, netting, or just about anything else on your MTOE. These items are not deployable and result in a lot of paperwork to get them to the mob station and to get them back. Save yourself some headache and don’t bring them.
3.3. What will be received at MOB Station
You will set up appointments with CIF and RFI to get the items you will be expected to deploy with. You will wear APFUs to the locations and will receive plenty of new items on your clothing records. During a recent deployment, a deploying chaplain was able to deny items he had already packed or didn’t think he would need. That is the CD OIC’s choice.
CBRN IPE Request UPC.XLSX
20160711_LRC_ MOB_Welcome_Lette
DARTS_Validation_for_OCIE MEMO 2016
OCP OCIE TURN-IN ACKNOWLEDGEMEN
OCIE_SUPPLEMENTAL_ISSUE_REQUEST(1
3.4. Setting up Transportation at MOB Station
Some teams have been able to draw a vehicle at the mob station, but it is one more thing to sign for and could just be another headache for a religious affairs specialist. If your white cell can get a rental, you will not have to deal with the specific requirements of a GSA.
You may be able to draw a vehicle for your transportation by arranging it through the transportation office at 254-288-7041; however, bringing a “white cell” who has a rental car as part of his/her travel orders is much preferred.
4. PERSONAL READINESS
4.1. Medical Readiness – TRICARE
Because of where one chaplain lived, he opted for Tri-Care Prime Remote. Although it resulted in tighter management by the primary care manager, there are lower out-of-pocket costs. Most also recommend utilizing Express Scripts for your medications as opposed to the local pharmacy. It will cost you less in the long run. Even if you have other civilian insurance, make sure you utilize your available TRICARE benefits because it will not cost you out of pocket for care including the Active Duty Dental Program.
You and your family are eligible for TRICARE beginning 180 days before mobilization begins. Eligibility requires hard copy, individual orders. If you have not been
placed into the unit, you will not be able to receive TRICARE benefits. It is imperative that commands place personnel into the unit as soon as possible.
The Soldier is eligible for full benefits including dental, but the family will only be eligible for medical unless you pay for additional coverage. Recommend taking advantage of this benefit early to ensure readiness for the mission instead of waiting until the last minute. You will need to request your specific level of TRICARE coverage according to the region in which you live and according to your preferences.
You can find more information at www.tricare.mil.
4.2. Financial and Family Preparations
There are great resources available for pre-deployment preparation. You should consider financial and legal preparations, especially if the deploying chaplain detachment member is the spouse who usually has the responsibility for those areas. Consider some of the many benefits of deployment and be prepared to discuss them with your spouse. Below are two different pre-deployment guides that may be a great help.
4.3. Communication downrange
This is included as a separate portion in the guidebook because communication with your family is one of the most important considerations of the entire deployment. You have an opportunity that Soldiers in past wars did not have, so take advantage of technology. One chaplain said the following:
“When I was in Kuwait, I purchased 200 minutes of talk time the entire time I was there; however, I purchased 60 GB of data for my iPhone on a monthly basis for around $56.00. I was only charged for calls that I made, so I utilized the desk phones when I called people, but received plenty of calls on my personal phone. If you are able to purchase data like that, you should be able to utilize the MagicJack app, Facetime, Skype, Google Hangouts, and other apps to call home any time and also receive calls from family members. If you do this, I recommend only allowing certain people to have your information to contact you so that you are not overloaded with curious people.”
Each deployment is different. In most countries, you should be able to have a mobile phone with data options. You will likely have internet connectivity wherever you travel, but don’t take it for granted. Check with your counterpart to find out what communication back home will look like while you are deployed. You could be in a location with little or no communication due to high operational tempo, travel, visiting remote areas, or due to blackout.
POSTMOB
1. White Cell
1.1. What is a White Cell?
A “white cell” is an individual or a group of individuals who are not mobilizing, but are sent with the mobilizing unit to provide administrative support throughout the post-mob to allow the unit to focus on training. For a chaplain detachment, one person is sufficient.
This person should have a working knowledge of logistics. He/she should be placed on TDY orders and provided with a mini-van or vehicle large enough to accommodate the personnel and equipment that will be required for the mission. Orders should extend from MTCAD to RLDP. This person should attend the pre-mob site visit with the detachment so they will each be aware of the requirements and responsibilities.
1.2. Why you need one
When one team mobilized in 2014 through Fort Dix, the process became grueling when they needed to complete all the “extras” needed from the LNOs. Because they showed up and were missing a few trainings they weren’t told about, they had to squeeze in more training within the originally projected timeline. With the added stress of movement and logistics, it was difficult to get value out of the training. There was no recovery between events and the training became “check the block” instead of providing value.
It is imperative to have a white cell. While the mobilized unit is focusing on getting through each station of post-mob, the white cell will coordinate all the logistical pieces, complete required documentation for the detachment commander to approve and sign, and will provide transportation for the duration of the post-mobilization. Without the white cell, the detachment personnel will be responsible to attend commander’s update briefs (CUBs) and other meetings that could interfere with their UMT training, their MRX, or other essential training.
2. Transportation at Fort Hood
One team had a mini-van for a two-person detachment, so it was more than adequate. It would be a little tighter for a larger UMT; however, you can at least pack a group in the van with the equipment you need for the entire process. If you want to really be sure to be good, get a 15-pax van.
Information was provided above regarding transportation; however, if you bring a white cell, you should be able to request a vehicle through the Defense Travel System (DTS) to provide appropriate space. The entire team will visit CIF/RFI and will draw joint service lightweight integrated suit technology (JSLIST) equipment, so you will need to
have space in the vehicle for the large amount of equipment you may have to carry. A compact car for a 4-person detachment will not be enough.
3. MRSOI Process
3.1. SRP
An account from one chaplain was this: “I arrived at the medical portion and they wanted to give me multiple injections that I already had received, but were not on my military medical record. I was able to have my wife e-mail me the digital copies of my shot records and it saved me a few extra holes in my arm. Another situation I had to deal with was high blood lipids. The latest documentation I had was eight months old, so it took extra time to get the labs and get the results. Make sure you have any known medical issues under control before you go to mob station. You will do yourself no favors if you ignore it.”
The SRP process will verify your correct finances, Eagle Cash Card, ID Cards, personnel processing, and medical. This will be more in depth than your standard SRP process. You could be through the process within several hours or it could last several days. You are allotted 5 days to complete; however, unless you have additional issues, you will normally complete this within the first couple of days.
Arrive with any documentation or any paperwork that could help you get through quickly. If you had any medical appointments within the few weeks prior, bring documentation to support. This could include HIV draw, flu shot, or dental exams. Bring a thorough medical record to be sure you don’t receive more immunizations than you need. If you have a record of high blood lipids, you can bring your most recent lab work to persuade them to not draw more blood and “draw out” the process. Arriving with the appropriate eyewear (2 pair of your current prescription with eye-pro and goggle inserts) will save time in that station. Because you have Active Duty Dental Plan six months prior to your mobilization, you should get any dental issues resolved as early as possible so you don’t require any work completed post-mob. This will stretch your MRSOI timeline and cause further pain. You should be issued nine months of your current medications; however, be prepared to receive a substitute for some if they don’t carry your specific prescription.
I recommend you bring your current financial information, including routing number and account number, to make sure your Eagle Cash Card and pay process is set up appropriately. You should also have your ID updated before you arrive so you can skip that line. Other ways to be prepared is to have your unit update your DD93, DA5960, and SGLV and bring a copy. You will be able to get through the lines more quickly.
3.2. CIF/RFI/JSLIST
When mobilized to CENTCOM AO, a previous CD team was provided with equipment and was able to turn down certain pieces of equipment, gloves, cold weather
gear, etc., if they already had it or just didn’t want it. Fort Hood may have different requirements for what you can and cannot reject.
You may be required to draw more equipment depending on your specific location. You will be provided with the necessary equipment; however, you are not supposed to train with any of the equipment given at CIF/RFI. You will show up in APFU and will be issued four sets of your duty uniform, combat shirts, etc. There will be a prescribed list of equipment for the location you will go. Each combatant command AO will have different requirements and it continually changes depending on the current status in the command and the other possibilities of your final destination.
3.3. Other essentials
There are two units you will work with. Your LNO and training OC/Ts are from the 120th INF BDE. Your resources, including CIF/RFI, lodging, and other essentials will be provided by Hood Mob Brigade. Below are some essential documents and information.
2_Site Visit Brief as of 30 Aug 17.pptx
3_Unit POC Template.pptx
4_Directions to Building 410 (HMB).
5_NFH Strip Map.pptx
6_Local Hotels.pptx
4. Functional Training
4.1. Functional Training and development
Your functional training will primarily consist of classroom training; however, other training may be available upon request or as the mission dictates. Other than doctrinal training, you may have the opportunity to receive training in military hospital ministry, family life ministry, pastoral skills training, and other available training as requested.
The classroom training is an adult-learning model training of 3-5 days at the 25th Street Chapel on Battalion Avenue, across from the DIV WEST HQ in BLDG 10041. It is conducted in an informal manner and does not require special equipment. The typical training day begins around 0930 and ends around 1530 with time for lunch given. Lunch options during those days include the surrounding DFACs or other food establishments on post. During this training, you will receive a Brigade Chaplain Toolkit that will provide a basis for your ministry if you don’t already have documents completed.
The other training opportunities would take place at their corresponding locations as required: CRDAMC(hospital), Family Life Center, etc. If you will be supplementing a specific type of unit, you may have several hours of training with one of the same type of active component units on FHTX.
4.2. Special request training
Special request training will be accomplished if it supports your mission and the capability to provide it exists. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to receive all of the above-listed training.
4.3. Self-Evaluations and Information
Your training plan at the MFGI is based on your self-evaluation. This is an essential document that you need to complete and submit to the MFGI UMT Ops chaplain. Below is a normal time-line of events in which you will receive emails and documents from and be required to complete and submit and return to the 120th INF BDE UMT.
By this point in time, you should have a working knowledge of your UMT tasks and should be able to determine your level of proficiency. If you have questions, you can reach forward to the 120th Operations Chaplain. We will accept your self-evaluations; however, you may still receive specific subject matter reinforcement training and you may not receive everything you have identified depending on the training timeline and the capability to provide that training.
4.4. Requirements
Bring your entire team and be prepared to actively learn. No special equipment is needed during this course; however, you should make sure you bring anything you will need to take notes including pen, paper, computer, etc.
A major component of the training is religious support planning, so you should bring your current Tab D, your UMT SOPs, other documents you may have received from the unit you are replacing or its higher headquarters. If you know where you are going you should have the current MASCAL and Memorial SOP as well as the current higher HQ Tab D if it has an UNCLASSIFIED version.
5. Mission Rehearsal Exercises (MRX)
5.1. What to expect
Each detachment MRX is different. The goal for the MRX is to evaluate you on training that you have received at FHTX and for scenarios you may face in your identified mission. You will work with the Senior OC/T to determine specific scenarios you would like to experience and you will also receive injects specifically required by your 1A OC/T. You can request specific injects for specific people in your UMT if needed. Perhaps a younger Chaplain needs a suicidal ideation scenario or a religious affairs specialist may need to deal with a religious accommodation issue. There will be some flexibility on these issues and they will support your CTOs.
5.2. How will it work?
You will receive multiple injects from multiple sources. You will likely receive scenarios via e-mail, phone, and in-person role players. The methods will be based on the specific inject and requirements that are part of the task. Our future goal is to partner chaplain detachments with other training units; however, timelines don’t always line up and the missions don’t coincide.
The exercise is typically 3 days in length and happens during regular duty hours. Additional injects could take place before or after hours. You will be given exercise instructions and parameters by your OC/T.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMMANDS TO FILL THE SLOTS
1. Identify if personnel currently in slots can deploy. Currently-assigned UMT members should meet all readiness criteria and should not be deficient in medical readiness or cannot mobilize due to ETS or MRD dates unless a waiver or extension can be secured.
2. Utilize pre-developed list of Chaplains and Religious Affairs Specialists/NCOs who are prepared to deploy. Chaplains at every level should retain a list of qualified individuals who are prepared to mobilize at any time. Some mobilizations can be within a 60-90 day window depending on the Joint Assessment. Although rare, it can happen last.
3. Reach outside of command to Readiness Division and MACOM Deputy Command Chaplains. Most Command Chaplains retain a list of Chaplains and RAS/NCOs that have contacted them for deployment opportunities. You should only utilize this channel if you are unable to fill the slots with members within your command.
4. Contact First Army MFGI Chaplain as a last resort for possible fill.
