RP DUTY STATIONS
RPs serve in a number of challenging
environments. They are stationed at shore com-
mands throughout the world in such places as
Japan, the Philippines, Guam, Hawaii, Alaska,
Great Britain, Spain, Italy, and many others.
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.
By far, one of the most rewarding and challeng-
ing tours for the RP is serving a tour of duty
aboard ship. The RP may be assigned to aircraft
carriers, cruisers, submarine tenders; supply
ships; ammunition ships; repair ships; and many
other types. Also, 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.
COMMAND RELIGIOUS PROGRAM
JARGON
Jargon is generally defined as language that
is peculiar to a particular trade or profession.
Chaplains and RPs should be cautious when
using language that may not be understood by
individuals not closely associated with the
chaplain and CRP. For example, the term
“Command Religious Program” should be used
whenever appropriate to emphasize the “Com-
mand” nature of the religious program. Also,
the term “Chaplain’s Office” should be avoided
when referring to an entire chapel complex; the
correct term is “Office of the Chaplain.”
“Command Chaplain” should be used in-
stead of “Senior Chaplain” when referring to
the chaplain who has been designated by the
commanding officer to direct the operation of
the office of the chaplain. “Command
Chaplain” is a functional title while “Senior
Chaplain” refers to a chaplain’s rank in relation
to other chaplains.
SUMMARY
This introductory chapter contained infor-
mation on the historical aspects of the Chaplain
Corps and the Religious Program Specialist
rating. Also, the general duties of the RP were
described in terms of occupational standards.
The remainder of this module consists of
four chapters. These chapters will be devoted to
describing supply functions, operating targets,
and accounting for nonappropriated chapel
funds. As stated earlier, Module I (Personnel
Support) and Module III (Administration) are
currently under development for third and
second class petty officers and will cover the
occupational standards which were not ad-
dressed in this module.
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