the RP may deploy with Mobile Construction
Battalions (SEABEES) throughout the world.
Finally, the RP may serve with Marine Corps
units both in the continental United States and
at overseas locations.
NOTE: Each RP assigned to a Fleet Marine
Force Unit is required to attend a 5-week Marine
Infantry Training Course in order to acquire the
fundamental military and combat skills
necessary
to effectively protect the Navy
chaplain and to effectively operate in a combat
environment.
THE CRP AT SHORE COMMANDS
The Navy Department makes a continual
effort to provide its personnel with the same
opportunities for practicing their religious
beliefs as civilians enjoy in their communities.
Many factors affect the extent to which this can
be accomplished. Budget allocations, along with
the size, location, and nature of the naval
activity are some of these important factors. The
following sections will provide a general over-
view of the Command Religious Program at
shore commands.
CHAPEL FACILITIES
Practically all shore installations have at least
one fully equipped chapel facility for use by the
various religious groups or categories
represented by command personnel. Services
may be conducted in the station theatre,
auditorium, or some other convenient location
when chapel facilities are not available. Military
chapels will be discussed in another section of
this chapter.
DIVINE SERVICES
Larger shore installations provide a full
schedule of services on Sundays, Sabbaths, holy
days, and weekdays. This enables command per-
sonnel to attend the services of their choice.
These larger installations normally have a
minimum of two chaplains assigned. Chaplains
conduct public worship according to the manner
and form of their own particular faith group and
may wear the vestments of that liturgical tradi-
tion as appropriate. Personnel are encouraged to
attend services in communities near the installa-
tion when their particular faith group is not
represented aboard the command; or, the
commanding officer may invite a civilian
clergyperson to conduct services on the station
to meet the needs of these individuals.
CHORAL ACTIVITIES
Choral groups composed of service person-
nel and their dependents often provide music for
religious services and other programs on the
station. These groups may be invited to partici-
pate in community programs and may appear on
television or be heard on special radio broad-
casts.
SPECIAL RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Chaplains provide various religious
ministries to command personnel and their
dependents in addition to conducting regular
worship services. Examples of several special
ministries which are provided by chaplains are
shown below:
Baptisms
Weddings
Communion Services
Ministry to the Sick
Ministry to the Dying
Funeral Services
The Religious Program Specialist supports
command chaplains primarily through the
scheduling of special services and by ensuring
that each service is properly rigged.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious education programs for military
personnel and their dependents have tradition-
ally been provided at commands whenever a
substantial dependent population existed. Unity
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