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.
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