EMPLOYMENT OF CIVILIAN CLERGY

Commanding officers are responsible for the proper and effective utilization of OPTAR funds. The supply officer is responsible for maintaining OPTAR records and submitting status and transaction reports to the command- ing officer. In discharging this responsibility, the supply officer relies on the storekeeper who performs the task as the OPTAR recordkeeper. This designated individual maintains the Requisition/OPTAR Log (NAVCOMPT Form 2155) shown in figure II-3-6. It is very important that all departments aboard ship or at a shore installation maintain a close liaison with both the supply officer and OPTAR recordkeeper to ensure that accurate records are kept. The com- mand chaplain must assume responsibility for the proper utilization of the OPTAR funds which are allocated to the office of the chaplain. The RP will be expected to oversee the expenditures within the office of the chaplain or, at least, will be assigned accounting respon- sibilities for the CRP OPTAR. Through careful planning and strict adherence to locally established OPTAR procedures, the RP will be able to contribute significantly to the overall mission of the ship or command. The RP should seek advice from the personnel in the supply department whenever needed. EMPLOYMENT OF CIVILIAN CLERGY Many of the concepts involved with how the Navy obtains and spends money were explained in the preceding sections of this chapter. It is important to remember that OPTAR funds have to do specifically with the purchase of supplies and equipage; and, that all other funds and appropriations are used for other designated functions. The next area that will be discussed has to do with obtaining the services of auxiliary chaplains, contract chaplains, and clergy for occasional ministries to assist in the Command Religious Program. Procedures and guidelines for the employment of these clergypersons are outlined in SECNAVINST 1730.3. The RP should be familiar with the termi- nology associated with the hiring of civilian clergy who assist in the CRP. Listed below are three definitions which RPs should know con- cerning the employment of civilian clergy- persons. 1. Service contract—one which calls directly for a person’s (contractor’s) time and effort rather than for an end product. 2. Personal services contract—the procuring of services by contract in such a manner that the person (contractor) is in effect an employee of the Government. 3. Nonpersonal services contract—the pro- curing of services of a person (contractor) by agencies of the Department of Defense in which the person (contractor) is not considered to be an employee of the Government. AUXILIARY CHAPLAINS Commanding officers may obtain the serv- ices of civilian clergy to serve as auxiliary chaplains in meeting the religious needs of per- sonnel when military chaplains are not available; or, when there is a specific need for additional professional personnel to supplement the already existing professional staff. These clergy- persons will be hired on a “personal services” basis. Guidelines for Appointment The RP must be aware of the guidelines surrounding the appointment of auxiliary chaplains. Some of the specific guidelines are listed below. 1. Auxiliary chaplains will be given appoint- ments for conducting regular services on a fee basis. 2. Auxiliary chaplains will be employed only in those situations where adequate coverage by commissioned Navy chaplains is not available. 3. Auxiliary chaplains will be responsible to the commanding officer of the ship or installa- tion which they serve; and, their supervision will be exercised through the local activity’s com- mand chaplain. 3-10