LESSON 1
Morals and Morale Overlap
For some it is difficult to see a relationship between the terms morale and moral, between
feelings of well-being associated with morale and the sense of rightness of morals. In Lesson 1 you will
see that these two ideas and senses are inextricably linked and sometimes conflicting; but they are the
heart of the UMT's work. For without an atmosphere of moral well-being, it is unlikely that a unit, a
family, or a soldier would have much morale.
Chaplains and Chaplain Assistants are assigned to units of battalion size or larger. Part of their
function is to assist the command in matters related to moral leadership, moral education and morale
building as affected by religion. You can help your chaplain, your unit, and yourself by working toward
better human relations with those with whom you work and live and socialize.
As advisors to the commander in the areas of morals and soldier morale as affected by religion, it
is the duty of the chaplain and chaplain assistant to encourage high standards of personal and social
conduct among officers and enlisted personnel, military families, and civilian employees. But the UMT
can only facilitate in these matters; the real morals and morale builders are the soldiers, officers, and
families who interact with each other on a daily basis.
Let's begin by defining our terms. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term 'moral'
pertains to character or disposition, considered as good or bad, virtuous or vicious; of or pertaining to
the distinction between right and wrong, or good and evil, in relation to the actions, volitions, or
character of responsible beings, ethical.
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