TELECOMMUNICATION MESSAGES

The Naval Telecommunications System provides a message service to its users within the Navy. Message traffic is often essential to the functioning of the chaplain's office. Users must prepare naval messages in a standard form. The Telecommunications Users Manual (NTP3(H)) contains detailed procedures for drafting and typing naval messages. In fact, the Navy expects you to follow this manual so exactly that "all outgoing messages of ROUTINE precedence that are not prepared according to ACP121 US SUPP-1, JANAP 128, and this publication, or contain errors of any kind that will impede processing and/or delivery will be returned to the originator with notification of corrective action required." Common practice will increasingly

require you to use a computer to prepare message traffic.

The most common messages you will see are operational messages and administrative messages. Operational messages are those directing or affecting the actual use or movement of forces, ships, troops and aircraft; issuing reports affecting the safety of lives, ships, forces, or areas; and message traffic relating to exercises conducted for fleet training and readiness. Administrative messages pertain to matters of such a nature or urgency including reports, perishable information, matters associated with operations and readiness, and urgent matters requiring considerable coordination or that must be brought to the early attention of seniors. Most messages originating in the chaplain's office will be administrative.

You must also be familiar with the United States Navy Plain Language Address Directory, USN PLAD 1. This is part of the Message Address Directory that contains authorized message addresses. Figure 6-5 shows a message drafter's checklist you can use when preparing a message for release. (The paragraph References refer to the location of these guidelines in the official publication.)

Communication means many things to many people. Letters, memorandums, reports, pamphlets, and booklets may come to mind to some. But others may think of modern communication devices such as the

Figure 6-5.-Message drafter's checklist. 6-18

telephone, radio, television, telecommunication, or computer. Still others may think of conferences, meetings, and talking. All these tools and media are means of communication. Regardless of the type of communication, however, the communications circuit is not complete until we have feedback. Feedback lets us know that the other person understands the message.

LOGISTICS

Logistics by definition is the procurement, organization, repair, and replacement of material and personnel. Naval logistics and material flow are terms used to describe the movement of materials through the Navy supply system. The scope of naval logistics includes the handling of nonproductive items, many of which we will talk about in the following paragraphs. The controlling factors of logistics are counting, control, routing, and locating. Inventory determines storage and housing methods. In general, the policing of a complete logistics program is not an option to RPs but a real necessity.

STORAGE OF ECCLESIASTICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

You should store most of the ecclesiastical equipment and supplies you use for the CRP ashore and aboard ship in an ecclesiastical gear locker. Ashore, storage is commonly in the sacristy or vestry. In the field, you will be dependent upon the chaplain's field kits and mountout boxes for storage of ecclesiastical equipment and supplies. Storage areas must be clean, dry places that are easily accessible. All items kept in an ecclesiastical gear locker, field kit, or mountout box are for use during worship services. Items you use for worship services should be cleaned, if possible, before being stored.

The key to storage is the orderly and logical placement of equipment and supplies. "A place for everything and everything in its place" is a good guideline for storage of ecclesiastical items. You should use an inventory list that gives the location of each item. You should also use a standard label marker to indicate the placement of all equipment charged to your care. If you return ecclesiastical equipment to its proper place after use, the items will be available and inventories and inspections will proceed quickly and smoothly. High-value items and items that have a special significance (consecrated items) require special handling, storage, and security.

RPs must know how to procure items of ecclesiastical equipment and supplies required by chaplains for worship services. You must identify ecclesiastical items requiring replacement due to wear or breakage and order the replacement items when instructed.

CLEANING AND SURVEYING OF LINENS, HANGINGS, AND VESTMENTS

Due to the importance and visibility of an RMF, the CRP facilities, equipment, and appointments must receive special attention. The care of CRP accoutrements (equipment and accessories), appointments (furnishings), and facilities is serious business. Although everything in the RMF requires some form of cleaning, maintenance, and surveying, here we will discuss those items for which you, the RP, will be specifically responsible.

Linens

Linens are normally laundered. You probably will arrange to have linens laundered through a commercial laundry with cost paid from the command operations and maintenance (O&M) funds. Care should be taken to have linens properly folded, or have them returned as flatwork unfolded and on hangers.

Hangings and Vestments

When conducting a worship service or officiating at a sacrament or ordinance, the chaplain may wear a vestment. A vestment is clothing that reflects the role as priest or minister to those served. Normally you should prepare vestments for the chaplain in the sacristy. After the service, you should return the vestments to the sacristy closet. You should always check the vestments for tears, stains, or wrinkles. You should make sure there are always clean vestments on hand for the chaplain to wear while conducting the service, Vestments are RMF property. Commands pay for dry cleaning of these garments with appropriated funds.

Vestments that are modified for use in field and combat situations are lighter in weight, washable, smaller, and made of wrinkle-resistant material. Because the material for each kind of vestment varies with the manufacturer, you should check the label for cleaning instructions. Each vestment requires individual attention and some such as surplice and alb need regular care.

Wax Removal

The best method for wax removal from cloth items is to place the item on a flat surface, place a brown paper bag, paper towel, or ink blotter over the wax, then press with a warm iron. You should keep the iron moving to prevent scorching. Take extra care with man-made fibers since an iron that is too hot can destroy some of them.

If the item is to be cleaned by laundering, you should use an alternate method for wax removal. Run hot water from a faucet or pour boiling water through the spotted area of the cloth. As the wax melts, it is washed out of the cloth by the heat and force of the water.

CAUTION

Never use this method for items that are dry cleaned.