text: Chapter 4
  While the requirement to provide RS is the same, the plan for a combined arms battalion differs from a plan
  for a theater-level sustainment operation.
  4-14. After a commander selects a COA, the chaplain section or UMT completes the details of the RS plan
  for inclusion in the operation order. Depending on the level of command, the RS plan communicates the
  higher commander’s intent, provides guidance of the supervisory UMT, assigns responsibilities, defines area
  support requirements, and authorizes coordination between subordinate UMTs and adjacent commands. The
  RS plan, once published as a part of the operation order is a written order signed by the higher headquarters
  commander. As a result, supervisory chaplains and religious affairs specialists must exercise their staff
  responsibility to participate in the staff planning process and develop a thorough RS plan to assist subordinate
  UMTs in planning, preparing, executing, and assessing RS to their units. Subordinate UMTs receive an RS
  plan from higher headquarters and incorporate those requirements into their own RS plan.
  4-15. The RS plan is for the whole command. For example, a brigade RS plan contains information
  applicable to the whole brigade and would impact battalion RS tasks. A battalion RS plan would contain
  information for subordinate company commanders on the delivery of RS for their Soldiers. Many units
  publish a base order for a deployment and then cut fragmentary orders or warning orders as needed to sustain
  mission command. Fragmentary orders enable UMTs to disseminate information on RS activities, coordinate
  for support, and publish guidance on changes or additions to the original RS plan. Since chaplains have no
  command authority, it is critical they publish the RS plan (initial or updated) through the operations process
  and in coordination with the appropriate staff channels. This enables the RS plan to be incorporated as part
  of an operation order, fragmentary order, or warning order from a commander to subordinate commanders.
  This facilitates the UMT’s ability to coordinate key tasks for its concept of support with commanders, staff,
  and higher and subordinate UMTs.
  4-16. The amount of time and the priority of effort allocated to support the dual capabilities of religious
  leader and professional military religious advisor vary from UMTs and are based on the type of unit, the
  mission being executed by that unit, and the level of command. For example, the development of a religious
  area analysis may not be applicable to every UMT based on the mission requirements of the unit. A
  supervisory UMT can provide resources to the subordinate UMTs by accessing higher headquarters’ products
  and developing products specific to that unit’s AO. This gives subordinate UMTs more time to plan, prepare,
  and execute their mission. (See FM 6-0 for more detail on operation plans and order formats.)
  PREPARING RELIGIOUS SUPPORT
  4-17. The preparation phase consists of activities performed by chaplain sections or UMTs to improve their
  ability to execute an operation. It can include, but is not limited to—
  * Refining the RS plan.
  * Conducting or participating in key rehearsals.
  * Coordinating for support.
  * Conducting inspections.
  * Executing movement.
  4-18. The MDMP drives preparation. Time is a critical factor in all operations. During the planning process,
  chaplains and religious affairs specialists must determine the time needed to prepare and execute their
  mission. Proper analysis helps determine what actions are required and when those actions must begin to
  ensure mission success. The running estimate is used by chaplains and religious affairs specialists at all
  echelons of command to identify the current readiness of the chaplain section or UMT or subordinate UMTs
  in relationship to the unit and the RS mission. Running estimates are also used to track mission readiness
  goals and requirements.
  4-19. Preparation moves chaplain sections or UMTs from the planning phase to execution. Planning and
  preparation often overlap as chaplains and religious affairs specialists must accomplish required coordination
  while still developing a plan. It helps chaplains and religious affairs specialists understand the situation and
  their roles in a mission or operation. Team members use this time to update their situational understanding
  of both an OE and the religious needs of their Soldiers. During the preparation phase, actions could include—