About this Unit
The Chaplain Assistant (56M) military occupational specialty (MOS) was established by the U.S. Army in 1909 to support chaplains in providing spiritual care to soldiers. Originally known as "Chaplain’s Clerk," the role evolved through the 20th century, particularly during World War II, when chaplain assistants were vital in coordinating religious services and ensuring the safety of chaplains in combat zones. In 2001, the MOS was officially designated as 56M, emphasizing both administrative duties and the protection of chaplains during operations. The 56M MOS was discontinued in 2019, when it was merged with the Religious Affairs Specialist (56M) role to better reflect the evolving responsibilities of religious support personnel in the modern Army.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War I: The role of the Chaplain Assistant in the U.S. Army originated during World War I, when there was a clear need for enlisted personnel to help chaplains with administrative and logistical support on the battlefield.
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MOS Designation 56M: The official Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) code for Chaplain Assistant was 56M, which stood for “Religious Affairs Specialist” after a rebranding in 2017.
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Unarmed Role: Traditionally, Chaplain Assistants were among the few soldiers authorized to carry weapons while working with chaplains, as chaplains themselves are classified as non-combatants and prohibited from bearing arms.
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Guardians of the Chaplain: On the battlefield, Chaplain Assistants often acted as bodyguards, protecting chaplains while they ministered to troops in combat zones.
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First to Respond: Chaplain Assistants received training not only in religious support but also in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and casualty care, making them vital first responders in emergencies.
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Multi-Faith Support: The 56M MOS required soldiers to learn about and support the religious needs of service members from diverse faith backgrounds, not just their own tradition.
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Field Expedient Worship: Chaplain Assistants became experts at setting up makeshift chapels in tents, vehicles, and even foxholes, enabling worship services no matter the conditions.
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From Assistant to Specialist: In 2017, the Army changed the title from “Chaplain Assistant” to “Religious Affairs Specialist” to better reflect the complexity and importance of the role.
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Stories of Valor: There are documented cases of Chaplain Assistants receiving commendations and medals for bravery under fire, such as PFC John H. McLaughlin, who saved wounded soldiers during a mortar attack in Vietnam.
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End of an Era: In 2021, the 56M MOS was merged into the broader Religious Affairs Specialist field, but its unique history and contributions continue to be honored throughout the Army.
