chaplain. When circumstances are agreeable, the
office of the chaplain will use this facility exclusively.
In other cases, the facility may be shared with other
command functions such as medical or dental
personnel.
In mobile or combat situations, you will more
likely use the chaplain’s field combat kit. In this case,
set up the contents of the chaplain’s kit or chaplain’s
combat kit for divine worship using the most suitable
area or space you can find. A jeep hood or stacked
boxes might act as an altar. In a field situation, you
may need to be more innovative and creative in order
to meet the demands of the circumstances under
which you must operate. Before you consider a
location in a combat situation, your primary concern
must be the physical safety and security of the
chaplain and those who have congregated to worship
or engage in other religious activities.
The Navy specifics the use of certain types of
ecclesiastical equipment for conducting divine and
religious services afloat and in the field. This
equipment is reduced in size and weight to permit
easy handling and uses a minimum amount of space.
Chaplains assigned to afloat, FMF, and CB units will
use
this
equipment
frequently.
Ecclesiastical
equipment within this category usually includes the
following items:
A portable Lee aluminum altar
Jewish chaplain’s combat kit
Protestant chaplain’s combat kit
Roman Catholic chaplain’s combat kit
Roman Catholic and Protestant chaplains’
field kits
Fleet Marine Force chaplain’s embarkation
equipment and supplies
In the following sections, let’s take a brief look at
each of these items.
Portable Lee Field Altar
The portable Lee aluminum altar is used when
chaplains conduct worship services under field or
combat conditions. It is used in conjunction with the
chaplain’s combat kit or field kit.
The portable Lee field altar is shown in figure 6-
6. View A shows the Lee altar enclosed in its portable
transport case. View B shows the Lee altar in its
disassembled state. Notice the position of the legs and
the leg extensions. View C shows the altar in its
Figure 6-6.—Portable Lee field altar: A.
Enclosed in portable transport case; B.
Disassembled; C. Assembled.
assembled position as it is being made ready for use.
Unfolded and assembled for use, the Lee altar measures
39" X 60" X 24." Folded and in its canvas case, it
measures 24" x 3 1/2" x 30." When the altar is in its
stored state, the linen package (contained in its canvas
pouch) is folded into the center, as shown in view B.
When the altar is assembled for use, the linens are
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