Book Description

These three USMC documents cover chaplain training and religious ministry: Religious Ministry Team (RMT) Training and Readiness Manual *Religious Ministry Team Handbook * Religious Ministry Support in the U.S. Marine Corps. The purpose of the Marine Corps Ground Training and Readiness (T&R) program is to provide the commander with training standards for all ground personnel. The goal is to develop Religious Ministry Team (RMT) capabilities for ministry in expeditionary environments. The performance standards are designed to ensure proficiency in core competencies. An effective T&R program is the first step in providing a commander with a RMT capable of providing religious ministry in support of a unit's wartime mission. The T&R program provides the fundamental tools for commanders to build and maintain RMT combat readiness. Using these tools, training managers can construct and execute an effective training plan that supports both unit and RMT mission essential task lists (METL). Marine Corps Reference Publication (MCRP) 6-12A, Religions Ministry Team Handbook, guides commanders, chaplains, Religious Program Specialists (RPs), and lay leaders in providing religious ministry and effective command religious programs (CRPs). It builds on the operational religious ministry principles in Marine Corps Warfighting Publication (MCWP) 6-12, Religious Ministry Support in the U.S. Marine Corps, and lessons learned from chaplains who ministered in war and peace. MCRP 6-12A clarifies the tasks and functions of the religious ministry team (RMT). It is a ready access to the tools RMTs need to perform their duties in today's expeditionary forces. Religious ministry in the Marine Corps is a combination of technique, common sense, art, experience, and caring about Marines and their families in garrison while being operationally ready at all times in every clime and place. Religious Ministry Support in the U.S. Marine Corps - As Lieutenant General Knutson noted in his foreword, this publication describes the Chaplain Corps' philosophy of providing ministry to the Marine Corps. This ministry is possible because of the partnership formed by the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps, forged in freedom and tempered in the adversities faced together over two centuries of chaplains serving with Marines. It is my hope that this keystone publication will give commanders and chaplains a clear understanding of the purpose, mission, and principles of religious ministry support and religious accommodation. This, and subsequent publications, will serve as the tools that will enable religious ministry teams to continue to provide the highest quality pastoral care to Marines, Sailors, and their families.