ADVISORY ROLE OF THE CHAPLAIN

chaplain serves as an advisor to the commanding officer on the use of chapel facilities. The RP assists the command chaplain in ensuring that Department of Defense policy and local com- mand directives are followed concerning the proper utilization of chapel spaces. THE COMMAND RELIGIOUS PROGRAM AT A SHORE INSTALLATION The Navy Department makes a continual effort to provide its personnel with the same opportunities for practicing their religious beliefs as civilians enjoy in their communities, Many factors affect the extent to which this can be accomplished. Budget allocations, along with the size, location, and nature of the naval activ- ity are some of these important factors. The funding responsibility for the logistics support of religious programs in the naval service is set forth in SECNAVINST 1730.5. CHAPEL FACILITIES Almost all shore installations have at least one fully equipped chapel facility for use by all religious groups represented by command per- sonnel. Services are usually conducted in the theater, auditorium, or some other convenient place when no chapel facilities are available. DIVINE SERVICES Larger shore installations provide a full schedule of services on Sundays and weekdays. This enables command personnel to attend the services of their choice. These installations nor- mally have a minimum of two chaplains assigned, one of which is likely to be a Roman Catholic priest. Chaplains conduct public wor- ship according to the manner and form of their own particular faith group. They may wear the vestments of that liturgical tradition as appropriate. Personnel are encouraged to attend services in communities near the installation when their particular faith group is not represented aboard the command; or, the com- manding officer may invite a civilian clergy- person to conduct services on the station to meet the needs of these individuals. CHORAL ACTIVITIES Choral groups composed of service person- nel and their dependents often provide music for religious services and other programs on the sta- tion. These groups may also appear in commu- nity programs including performances for radio and television. SPECIAL RELIGIOUS SERVICES Chaplains offer various religious ministries to command personnel and their dependents in addition to regular worship services. Some of these special ministries are: baptisms, weddings, communion services, ministry to the sick and dy- ing, and funeral services. The Religious Program Specialist assists assigned chaplains primarily through the scheduling of these and similar activities; and, by ensuring that each service is set up properly for the chaplain. ADVISORY ROLE OF THE CHAPLAIN The chaplain is a key officer in promoting (he religious and general well-being of command personnel as an advisor to the commanding officer on religious and morale matters. Col- lateral duties are properly confined to the field of religion and morale so as not to interfere with the primary duties of the chaplain. An example of an appropriate collateral duty is the respon- sibility to furnish the commanding officer with information to assist in paying proper respect to the religious institutions and customs of various foreign countries. Chaplains need to be informed concerning local religious beliefs and value systems in order to perform this collateral duty. The RP may be tasked by the chaplain to research the religious beliefs of a particular country in order to lend support in determining the proper respect that needs to be rendered. COMMAND CHAPLAIN The ranking (senior) chaplain is usually designated as the command chaplain where more than one chaplain is assigned to a com- mand. Besides advising the command on matters pertaining to religion and morale, the command chaplain supervises the ministries of all other 1-7