Influence of chaplaincy on preparation and execution of operations

This papers deals with one of the segments which can contribute to development and enhancement of the military strength of the Serbian Armed Forces in operations by its positive influence mainly on moral component. The newly established chaplaincy in the Serbian Armed Forces is the aforementioned segment. The author states the concrete possibilities of the influence on planning, preparing and executing an operation in all its phases with an emphasis on doctrinal provisions. It means that the imperative is not development of the theological thought, but contribution to further doctrinal regulation of operations, improvement of moral component, enhancement of the total military strength of the Serbian Armed Forces and improvement of the operational art as one of the defence sciences. This paper serves as a short reminder of general issues of the Serbian Armed Forces operations with an emphasis on the role of chaplaincy in increasingly present multidimensional operational environment with focus on the link to social and time dimension. There are several short comparative analyses in order to explicate chaplaincy in planning, preparing and executing operations. The first one is the intensity analysis of three parallel activities, which are different according to its pith. These are the activities conducted during all three phases of the Army operations: combat, CIMIC and chaplaincy. The second one is the analysis of intensity of chaplaincy activities in operations phases whereas the third analysis is related to predominant types of their execution depending on operation phase. The paper expresses personal views with the aim to focus attention to the need and potential directions of further doctrinal and by-law development of this field. Concretely, it is necessary to upgrade the set of doctrinal documents in the field of operations, service, CIMIC and human resources management doctrines. Furthermore, it is necessary to elaborate procedures of work of military chaplains in commands and headquarters in operations planning process, and the level of their implementation should be enhanced through professional development and training of officers