RP Skills and Knowledge

throughout the world; and the anchor indicates that religious support is provided continually for personnel of the sea services. RP Skills and Knowledge The enlisted career pattern for RPs is shown in figure 1-7. Personnel who meet certain specific requirements may apply for commissioning to Warrant Officer Ship’s Clerk (741X) and/or to Limited Duty Officer Administration 641X). The competition for these officer programs is intense. Therefore, it is extremely important for in- dividuals to prepare early in their careers in order to have a realistic opportunity of being selected for Warrant Officer or Limited Duty Officer. Chaplains and senior RP personnel are respon- sible for advising junior RPs as to the specific requirements of these two officer programs. The command career counselor will provide assistance upon request. Figure 1-8 shows the occupational Figure 1-7.—Career pattern for Religious Program Specialist. 1-8 standards for RP3; figure 1-9 shows the occupa- tional standards for RP2; figure 1-10 shows the occupational standards for RP1; and figure 1-11 shows the occupational standards for RPC, RPCS, and RPCM. As indicated by these occupa- tional standards, individuals must possess greater knowledge and skill as they move up the “enlisted ladder.” Increased knowledge may be acquired through completion of RP “A” and “C” schools; by attending other Navy schools such as leader- ship, career counselor, and instructor training; through completion of Navy correspondence courses and off-duty college courses; by attending workshops such as military rights and respon- sibilities, cultural expression in the Navy, and women in the Navy; and most important, through supervised on-the-job training by Navy chaplains and senior RPs. It is important to note that RPs are respon- sible for meeting the specific requirements of their current rate. They are also required to meet the occupational standard requirements of all the rates leading to their present rate. For example, an RP1 must be able to meet the requirements for RP3, RP2, and RP1 in order to perform at a satisfactory level as a first class petty officer. RP Duty Stations Religious Program Specialists serve in a number of challenging environments. They are stationed at shore commands throughout the world in such places as Japan, the Philippines, Guam, Hawaii, Alaska, Great Britain, Spain, and Italy. Stations in the continental United States include, but are not limited to: Norfolk, VA; Charleston, SC; Jacksonville, Orlando, and Key West, FL; Great Lakes, IL; Memphis, TN; Biloxi and Gulfport, MS; Corpus Christi, TX; San Diego and San Francisco, CA; and Bremerton, WA. At this time, male RPs may be assigned to aircraft carriers, cruisers, submarine tenders, supply ships, ammunition ships, repair ships, and many other types. Also, male RPs may deploy with Mobile Construction Battalions (SEABEES) throughout the world. Religious Program Specialists may also serve at Marine Corps bases both in the continental United States and at overseas locations. NOTE: Each male RP (females not assigned) assigned to a Fleet Marine Force (FMF) unit is required to attend a 5-week infantry training school. Subjects taught at this school include rifle and pistol familiarization