CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR RPs

shown in figure 1-5. It consists of a compass, a globe, and an anchor. The compass suggests direction, which religion gives to life; the globe symbolizes that religious ministries are available throughout the world; and the anchor indicates that religious support is provided continually for personnel of the sea services. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR RPs The enlisted career pattern for RPs is shown in figure 1-6. However, career opportunities for highly motivated and talented personnel are not limited to the enlisted ranks. Personnel who meet certain specific requirements may apply for commissioning to Warrant Officer Ship’s Clerk (741X) and/or to Limited Duty Officer Adminis- tration (641X). Because the commanding officer’s recommendation for these commissioning pro- grams is based upon consistent outstanding per- formance, candidates must recognize the need to “rise above the norm.” Personnel who often perform “above and beyond the call of duty” are the ones the Navy needs to select for these commissioning programs. There is no substitute for sustained superior performance in any paygrade, so all personnel, whether interested in a commission or not, should strive to maintain optimum performance standards throughout their tour of duty in the Navy. As personnel managers, senior RPs should always note outstanding performance of sub- ordinates and identify positive characteristics of top performers who should be encouraged to apply for commissioning. SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED OF RPs Skills and knowledge required of RPs are specifically defined in occupational standards. Occupational standards delineate specified tasks that demonstrate the ability to perform within a given paygrade. While personnel are required to meet all standards of their present paygrade, they must maintain the requirements of all paygrades leading to their present one. It should be noted that occupational standards are MINIMUM standards representing the lowest level of skill required for RPs to function effectively at a given paygrade to fulfill Navy needs. Occupational standards reflect the Navy’s requirements for enlisted skills as determined by manpower management. They also form the basis for personnel training and advancement. Figure 1-5.—Religious Program Specialist rating insignia. 1-9 Figure 1-6.-Career pattern for Religious Program Specialist.