Army MOS · Support
56M Religious Affairs Specialist
Overview
Religious Affairs Specialists provide technical expertise for religious support operations and advise commanders on how religion affects the unit and mission. They integrate religious support across military operations, strengthen spiritual readiness, and manage religious support resources at tactical, operational, and strategic levels.
Minimum clearance: Secret
Core Skills
- case management and client support
- confidential data handling
- records and information management
- program and event coordination
- training and briefing delivery
- cultural and religious awareness analysis
- advisory and staff support
- crisis response support
- ethical decision-making
- stakeholder engagement
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Teams
- Event scheduling software
- Budgeting software
Civilian Career Paths
- Chaplaincy
- Administration
- Training and Education
- Behavioral Health
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Human Services: Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) · Funded · Promotion points · STAR
- CompTIA Project+
- Associate Protection Professional (APP) · Funded · Promotion points
- Bachelors Social Work Licensing Examination
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP) · Funded · Promotion points
Career Growth
- Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) · Funded · Promotion points · STAR
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) · Funded · Promotion points
- Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) · Funded · Promotion points
- Physical Security Professional (PSP) · Funded · Promotion points
- Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)
What the Work Involves
- Organize and lead regular religious services.
- Schedule special events, such as camps, conferences, meetings, seminars, or retreats.
- Counsel individuals regarding interpersonal, health, financial, or religious problems.
- Prepare and maintain records and reports, such as budgets, personnel records, or training manuals.
- Coordinate services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing and event security.
Related Occupations
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Mental Health Counselors
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a four-year degree or equivalent experience.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into 56M. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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