INSCOM Chaplains' Annual UMT Training: Moving Soldiers to the Higher Moral Ground

More than 64 chaplains and religious affairs assistants from the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) and its major subordinate commands gathered for annual Unit Ministry Team (UMT) training at Camp Dawson Event Center, Kingwood, West Virginia, April 29 to May 3.

UMT training is a great way for chaplains and their assistants from across the command to network and share experiences with each other. The event's theme, "Moving Soldiers to the Higher Moral Ground," focused on the unique aspects of supporting the INSCOM Enterprise. The training challenged participants to examine who they are as religious leaders while focusing on three areas of concerns: Ethics, Suicide Prevention, and Moral Injury.

Several guest speakers shared lessons with the group, including U.S. Army Office of the Chief of Chaplains representatives, Chaplain (Col.) Karen Meeker and Regimental Sergeant Major Ralph Martinez.

Dr. Tom Van Dillen spoke on the "INSCOM Health Assistance Readiness Team (I-HART), Chaplain (Maj.) Eric Park presented the newly developed "Army Strong Life Program," Chaplain (Capt.) Rob Wilkerson spoke on "Chaplain Led Assistance in Suicide Prevention," and " Dr. Ken Bush, retired Army Chaplain (Col.) spoke on "Military Ethics/Personal Code of Conduct," and Jeff Zust, retired Army Chaplain (Col.) spoke on "Moral Injury."

During the event, two UMT's were recognized for their excellence, the 902nd Military Intelligence Group's Chaplain (Capt.) Jonathan Lorenz and Sgt. Charael Landers received the Brigade UMT of the Year award and the 202nd MI Battalion's Chaplain (Capt.) Azande Sasa and Spc. Ahmad Schaffer received the Battalion UMT of the Year award.

"It is was a pleasure spending quality time with our chaplains and religious affairs specialists for a week filled with learning, comradery and spiritual blessings," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Rick Cantrell, INSCOM deputy command chaplain. "We were so fortunate to spend time with each other, sharing experiences and receiving some great briefings by our very special guest speakers that will assist our Soldier and civilian workforce. The INSCOM annual UMT TRNG event received visibility from the Chief of Chaplains simply because we had all military compos represented at the training event which is unique."

During his closing remarks, Chaplain (Col.) Daniel S. Oh, INSCOM command chaplain, noted that all of the guest speakers exceeded his expectations.

"The learning experience our INSCOM UMTs received was outstanding," said Oh. I could not have asked for a better time of fellowship while engaging top notch guest speakers."