Home of the 3-509th UMT

Garrison

In garrison, the UMT operates much like other soldiers. We maintain skills through training as well as providing pastoral care through counseling, offering religious services, and coordinating events which encourage unit cohesiveness and building strong families. Another supporting concept which transcends all areas of UMT ministry is the concept of ministry of presence. This generic term describes the face-to-face time unit members have with the chaplain in various settings, especially wherever the unit member works. Unlike the civilian world where clergy members do not have access to the parishioner's work atmosphere, chaplains regularly take the opportunity to visit with soldiers on soldiers turf. This is an intentional method of ministry. A multitude of benefits arise out of the ministry of presence, such as understanding better the unit's mission, building relationships with soldiers, assessing the morale of the unit, having opportunities to speak privately with those who would otherwise not go see a chaplain, and the list continues! Ministry of presence sets apart the military chaplaincy in a way civilian ministry could not begin to replicate. However, these benefits are necessary in a fluid Army culture which regularly transitions while preparing and executing Army missions.

Other garrison supporting functions include participation in military ceremonies as well as performing weddings, funerals, memorial services and ceremonies for active, reserve, and retired soldiers. The UMT also provides a host of training on topics such as suicide prevention and ethics. Post-wide support of soldiers is also expected. Soldiers may contact a chaplain 24 hours a day through the rotational on-call chaplain. Typically, these duties are assigned through the Installation Chaplain's office. The UMT is blessed by the opportunity to serve soldiers in these many various capacities.