RELIGIOUS  LITERATURE The command usually has a supply of religious literature  in  book  and  pamphlet  form  available for use by its personnel. Pamphlet racks contain- ing  such  literature  are  likely  to  be  found  at  the entrance  to  the  chapel,  in  the  office  of  the chaplain,  and  at  other  convenient  locations.  Many stations also have libraries with sections devoted to  religious  books  and  novels. COMMAND   CHAPLAIN The   ranking   (senior)   chaplain   is   normally designated as the command chaplain when more than  one  chaplain  is  assigned  to  a  command. Besides advising the command on matters pertain- ing to religion and morale, the command chaplain supervises  the  ministries  of  all  other  chaplains assigned to the unit. Also, the command chaplain performs duties similar to a department head or division officer in relation to managing RPs and other enlisted personnel who are assigned to the office  of  the  chaplain. ADVISORY  ROLE  OF  CHAPLAINS The  chaplain  acts  as  an  advisor  to  the  com- manding officer on matters pertaining to religion and  morale  and  in  this  capacity  is  a  key  officer in promoting the religious and general well-being of  command  personnel.  Collateral  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  ap- propriate  collateral  duty  is  the  responsibility  to furnish the commanding officer with information to assist in paying proper respect to the religious institutions   and   customs   of   various   foreign countries.  Command  chaplains  need  to  be  in- formed  concerning  local  religious  beliefs  and  value systems  in  order  to  perform  this  highly  important collateral  duty.  The  RP  may  be  tasked  by  the chaplain  to  gather  information  about  the  religious beliefs of a particular country in order to lend sup- port  in  showing  the  proper  respect  for  the country’s  beliefs  and  traditions. PASTORAL   COUNSELING The chaplain is concerned with the well-being of all command personnel and their families and is available to counsel and advise individuals on religious,  personal,  and  morale  matters  as  well  as other  areas  of  concern.  In  the  performance  of their duties, chaplains assist personnel and their families in times of bereavement, domestic crisis, and  when  religious  guidance  is  requested.  To enhance  the  Command  Religious  Program, chaplains  normally  maintain  liaison  with  com- munity,  social,  religious,  health  and  welfare agencies.  These  sources  are  made  available  to military  families  upon  request.  Some  of  the resource  agencies  are: American  Heart  Association American  National  Red  Cross Catholic  Social  Services Community  Chest Community  Services County  Departments  of  Health County  Mental  Health  Associations Navy  Relief  Society United  Way It is imperative that the RP maintain a current listing  of  resource  agencies  in  order  to  ensure  that referral  information  is  continually  available  for assigned chaplains. MILITARY  CHAPELS  ASHORE Of all the buildings located on a military base, the chapel is unique in that its architectural form generally reveals its function. It is important to note   that   chapel   facilities   are   Government property  and  are  not  controlled  or  regulated  by the  religious  bodies  of  America.  These  facilities are built to support the Command Religious Pro- gram.  The  commanding  officer  has  authority  to utilize   buildings   designated   as   chapels   for   a multitude  of  religious,  command,  and  civil activities.  Normally,  the  command  chaplain  serves as  an  advisor  to  the  commanding  officer  on  the use of chapel facilities. The RP assists the com- mand  chaplain  by  ensuring  that  Department  of Defense policy and local command directives are 1-14