FALLUJAH, Iraq -- In the midst of the ongoing war waged by the Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Regimental Combat Team-1 against terrorism in Fallujah, Iraq; a different battle is taking place amongst the troops.The battalion chaplain, 33-year-old Navy Lt. Matthew S. Weems, flanked by his religious program specialist, Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron G. Neely, are one of the battalion's key weapons in the effort to maintain good morale. "We're here to give encouragement to the Marines and sailors," said Weems, a native of Kingfisher, Okla., "and to provide for the free religious expression of all in the command."Nicknamed, "The God Squad," by the Marines of the battalion, Weems and Neely provide more than just the weekly religious services expected of them. The Navy duo performs baptisms, run the Morale, Welfare and Recreation program and provides counseling services for Marines."More than anything else, I think our ministry of presence is the most influential thing we do," Weems said.Weems and Neely regularly attach themselves to convoys and patrols through the city as well as spend time at the battalion's firm bases to establish a rapport with the Marines. Maintaining visibility of the Marines and sailors within the city allows the chaplain to empathize with their situation and makes him more approachable, according to Neely, a native of Jeffersonville, Ind."It allows us to trust them more because they're out here doing what we do," said Lance Cpl. Daniel E. Pleger, 22-year-old assaultman for India Company.One of the most important roles a chaplain plays in a deployment is as counselor and advisor to the battalion. Some Marines may find it difficult to bring their personal problems to their leaders; the chaplain offers a comfortable environment for Marines and sailors to share their concerns."Marines are expected to be hardcore," Neely explained, "but they can find a sense of security in us."Whether a Marine seeks advice or just someone to talk to, the chaplain offers complete confidentiality within his office.With no fear of reprisal or judgment, Marines and sailors find the chaplain easy to approach about their problems."They don't have the Marine mindset," said Pleger, a native of Bremerton, Wash., "They listen without criticism." Weems and Neely spend 15 to 20 hours a week providing counseling to the Marines and sailors of the battalion. Although busy, the chaplain expected to spend more time counseling in a battalion of more than 800 Marines. "The number is so low because of the good living conditions out here," Weems said.Even though the chaplain's skills in counseling are not called upon as often as expected, the Marines and sailors of the battalion recognize and respect the efforts of their "God Squad.""It shows a lot of courage to come out and do what they do," Pleger said, "They are very motivated."