RELIGIOUS PROGRAM SPECIALIST (RP) Scope of RP rating: Religious Program Specialists manage and execute the Commanding Officer’s Command Religious Program (CRP) which accommodates the diverse religious ministry requirements of Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families. RPs are professionally trained to accommodate religious ministry requirements. RPs support the provision of religious ministry through the CRP. RPs facilitate the free exercise of religion for all Sea Service personnel. RPs support the delivery of care as part of the Religious Ministry Team (RMT). RPs play an integral role in advising leadership on morale, ethical decision-making, cross cultural awareness, and conflict resolution. RPs in expeditionary environments are combatants who provide force protection expertise for RMTs. Functional areas and tasks: The functional areas of the RP rating are ministry support and accommodation; pastoral care support; religious advisement; expeditionary ministry support; finance and accounting; library; and administration. Some tasks performed by RPs include: Determine CRP requirements. Coordinate with local faith-based organizations for outreach opportunities. Develop religious ministry support plans to ensure faith group coverage for free exercise of religion. Provide spiritual triage in crisis situations. Advise personnel on religious observances requirements. Advise command chaplain on morale and spiritual well- being of personnel. Support chaplains of all faiths and religious activities of the command. Maintain records, ecclesiastical documents, and references of various faith groups. Prepare CRP budget. Design CRP website. Assist in preparation of devotional and religious educational materials, and audiovisual displays. Determining, developing, managing, and maintaining the administrative and logistical support requirements of religious programs aboard ships, shore stations, hospitals, Marine Corps units, and other sea service commands. Provide force protection expertise for RMT in combat environments. Coordinate shipboard library programs. Perform bookkeeping and accounting functions related to Religious Offering Fund transactions. Train command religious program volunteers. Credit Recommendations The American Council on Education recommends that semester hour credits be awarded in the vocational certificate or lower-division bachelor’s/associate’s degree categories. Career Path After Recruit Training Enlistees are taught the fundamentals of this rating through on-the-job training and formal Navy schooling. Advanced technical and operational training is required in this rating during later stages of career development. School Class “A” School Marine Combat Training “C” School Present Location Meridian, MS Camp Lejune, NC Approximate Training Time 3 Weeks 7 Weeks Subjects Basic skills required in rating Basic Marine Combat Skills Training Methods Self paced Group paced After “A” school, Religious Program Specialists are assigned to serve under Navy Chaplains at Navy / Marine Corps sea / shore stations throughout the world. Qualifications and Interests Requirements for the RP rating include being a U.S. Citizen, valid stateside driver’s license, no speech impediment, and security clearance eligible. In their role of facilitating the free exercise of religion applicants must be able to support chaplains of all faith groups and accommodate all religious activities of the command. RPs must have high standards of personal integrity and moral character.. Working Environment RPs are globally deployed and work in a variety of environments wherever chaplains are stationed with Navy and Marine Corps personnel. Opportunities About 750 men and women work in the RP rating. Qualified and self- motivated people have a good opportunity for entry into this rating. Related Civilian Jobs-O Net SOC Code O Net SOC Title Administrative Services Managers Meeting and Convention Planners Counselors Social Workers Directors, Religious Activities and Education RP Volunteer Statement of Understanding RPs are combatants and as such are not protected under the rules of the Geneva Convention for all religious personnel. Female RPs will serve as authorized by law. Certification must be indicated that applicant has signed following NAVPERS 1070/613 entry: “I hereby volunteer for Religious Program Specialist (RP) rating understanding that I will be required to be supportive of clergy and people of all faiths, and if eligible, may receive combat training and assignment to serve as a combatant in units of Marine Corps, both in garrison and Fleet Marine Force (FMF).”