CHAPTER 1
THE COMMAND RELIGIOUS PROGRAM AND THE
RELIGIOUS PROGRAM SPECIALIST
The Religious Program Specialist (RP) rating
religious programming. The remaining tasks are
was established on 15 January 1979, and is
of a clerical or administrative nature. Figure 1-1
designed to provide Navy chaplains with profes-
shows a brief general description of the duties
sional support personnel who are skilled in
that the RP will perform. Personnel of the RP
religious programming and administration.
rating, unlike chaplains, are combatants and
Approximately two-thirds of the tasks which
have responsibility for the chaplain’s safety
RPs are trained to perform are in the area of
when assigned to units engaged in combat.
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 1-1.—Duties of the Religious Program Specialist.
1-1
