Home of the 15th STB UMT

We're here for you. The UMT doesn't just wear the US Army uniform to blend in, we are soldiers. Although chaplains are prohibited from carrying weapons, we are an integral part of accomplishing the mission as support personnel. The Army recognizes people are more than just expendable items, that's why the S1 personnel function is separate from the S4 logistical and supply area. In theory, these could be combined, however, people should not have a National Stock Number (NSN)! The Army rightfully values human life.

To properly support the people who accomplish the mission, the Army has always provided chaplains. From a request initiated by George Washington's words in 1756, the US Army Chaplaincy was formed on July 29th, 1775, and is the second oldest branch of the Army, following the Infantry (Follow Me!). The establishment of the UMT allows the support of the institution from an internal perspective. This means the UMT relates to soldiers spiritually, morally, and ethically from a perspective whose experiences are similar. Soldiers train remotely, may be deployed regularly, can be on duty at odd hours, and have many demands which are ideal to accomplishing the mission, but are not very conducive to support only by civilian ministries. The UMT uniquely provides religious support to soldiers where soldiers are, from the battlefield to the home station.

The roll of the chaplain and chaplain assistant promotes good soldiers who are battle-ready; prepared ethically, morally, and spiritually to complete any Army mission. While the Army may view the UMT as mission enhancing, the UMT views supporting soldiers as the our ongoing mission.

What does support look like? A military life opens doors to many great challenges of courage and moral or ethical difficulty. Also, soldiers may experience temporary crises where a listening ear can be helpful. Honestly, support comes in many forms and is unique in each setting for each soldier. However, what follows is a few brief ideas which may help put meat on the bones of the words, "religious support."