Chapter 1 The Religious Program Specialist

CHAPTER 1 THE RELIGIOUS PROGRAM SPECIALIST The Religious Program Specialist (RP) rating was established on 15 January 1979, and is designed to provide Navy chaplains with profes- sional support personnel who are skilled in religious programming and administration. Approximately two-thirds of the tasks RPs are trained to perform are in the area of religious programming. The remaining tasks are of a clerical nature. Figure II-1-1 shows a brief gen- eral description of the duties that the RP will perform. RP personnel, unlike chaplains, are combatants and have responsibility for the chaplain’s safety when assigned to units engaged in combat. It is important to note that personnel selected for the RP rating are limited to performing RELIGIOUS PROGRAM SPECIALIST DUTIES Determine religious program support Assist in preparation of devotional and reli- requirements. gious education materials. Assist in management of religious pro- Assist in the supervision of the office of the grams and facilities. chaplain. Maintain records of nonappropriated chapel Coordinate volunteer religious programs. funds. Maintain records of appropriated funds Train personnel in support of religious and property accounts in support of religious programs. programs. Instruct personnel in methods of religious Serve as chapel fund administrators and education. account custodians for nonappropriated funds_: Maintain liaison with ecclesiastical and community agencies. Maintain ecclesiastical documents. Maintain shipboard libraries. Requisition, receive, maintain, and safe- guard ecclesiastical equipment and sup- Perform administrative, clerical, and secre- plies. tarial duties. Figure II-1-1.—Duties of the Religious Program Specialist. 1-1