Shoptalk

Shoptalk Disclosure Shoptalk, or jargon, defines language or slang that is peculiar to a particular trade or profession. RPs, like chaplains, should be cautious when using language that may not be understood by those outside the CRP. For example, when using the term command religious program or CRP, emphasize the command nature of religious programming. Use command chaplain when referring to the designated director of the Office of the Chaplain. Use senior chaplain when referring to a chaplain’s rank in relation to other chaplains. Use liturgy when referring to worship, and so on. In nearly all instances, chaplains may be addressed by the term chaplain. RPs may refer to assigned chaplains by the term chaplain, regardless of rank or faith group, since this term is common to all faith groups and expresses the identity of clergy within the military community. Use of terms common within a particular faith group such as father, pastor, or rabbi may also be used when appropriate. The bottom line is—how seniors are to be addressed is their prerogative. When identifying various parts of the religious ministries facility (RMF vice chapel) or the ecclesiastical nomenclature of religious articles, always use the proper term. For example, in shoptalk you would speak of the apse, baptistery, choir gallery, narthex, nave, quiet room, sacristy, sanctuary, and vestry as you would use terms in any other technical field. Two other tools useful in learning shoptalk are the Naval Terms Dictionary by Noel and Beach, and the Dictionary of Naval Abbreviations by Wedcrtz, both published by Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Maryland. For any RP to know everything about all faith groups is virtually futile. For you, as an RP, to grasp this thought is most critical to the success of religious programming within the Navy and Marine Corps. In support of this concept, it is not the intent of this training manual to make RPs into walking encyclopedias of religious facts, nor to provide a detailed analysis of all the faith groups. Both RPs and chaplains must have timely, pertinent, and open disclosure concerning expectations, desires, and practices in the area of the chaplain’s faith group. This disclosure must take place frequently, either in one-to-one training or group sessions. The RP must make sure the planning, diagraming, coordinating, and starting of this type of training takes place. Remember, opportunities for learning about how to establish and maintain open communication either through on-the-job training for the individual RP or through onboard training for groups of RPs are as important as military schools, training manuals, and non-RP training sources. SUMMARY This introduction has provided basic information on the history, standards, duties and responsibilities, and military structure of the RP rating environment as well as the nature of the RP/chaplain relationship. You must understand the basic principles of your rating. You must also understand your position within the structure of the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps before proceeding to the following chapter on the technical aspects of your rating. xv