As a Religious Program Specialist (RP), you're more than a facilitator of religious services. To our Sailors, you are the listening ear, helping hand, and friendly face they may need to get through tough times.
From Judaism and Hinduism to Christianity and Islam, Religious Program Specialists ensure that every Sailor has proper access to the resources needed to follow their faith. This includes duties like preparing devotional materials, organizing faith-based events, maintaining religious records, and serving as a source of personal security for Navy Chaplains.
The role of a Religious Program Specialist is about bringing Sailors together and helping to support their mental health through faith, whether they're religious or not. From suicide prevention to relationship advice to self-esteem issues, you will make sure your fellow Sailors always have someone to talk to and a solution to their problems.
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Responsibilities- Support clergy of all faiths in the facilitation of religious activities
- Provide physical security for Chaplains during field exercises and in combat environments
- Maintain records, ecclesiastical documents, and references for various faith groups
- Operate, manage, and maintain religious ministry facilities afloat and ashore
- Assist in the preparation of devotional and religious educational materials and audiovisual displays
- Handle all phases of the logistical support requirements for religious programs aboard ships, at shore stations and hospitals, and for Marine Corps units and other sea service commands
- Operate/maintain libraries and publicize the command's religious activities
- Work under the oversight of Navy Chaplains
Work EnvironmentWherever Chaplains are stationed, Religious Program Specialists are there to assist. Working indoors, in the field, on bases, in hospitals, or in combat situations, they may serve literally anywhere in the world.
Training & AdvancementUpon completion of initial training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes (known as Boot Camp), those pursuing a Religious Program Specialist role report to the Naval Chaplaincy School & Center at Newport, RI, where they receive formal Navy training at "A" School for 8 weeks. From there, Religious Program Specialists attend "C" School for 5 weeks of Marine combat training.
Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance.
Qualifications & RequirementsA high school diploma or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Sailor as an RP in the Navy. Those seeking a Religious Program Specialist position must be U.S. citizens, possess a valid driver's license, be able to type 30 words a minute, and understand that their work schedule may require duties to be performed in the evenings and on weekends and holidays. Religious Program Specialists must be supportive of clergy and people of all faiths, set high standards, and be of good moral character.
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you're currently serving, whether you've served before, or whether you've never served before.