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
