A group for family and friends of Religious Program Specialist (RP)...
‘Best’ Rate: Chaplain’s Assistant...
By Lance Cpl. Mel Johnson | 7th Marine Regiment | June 17, 2013 CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan -- Being a religious program specialist in the Navy is an important role filled with many responsibilities—from assisting the chaplains with their daily duties to coordinating different religious services. They also function as bodyguards for chaplains, who are noncombatants. Petty Officer 2nd Class Marlon Best, a 22-year-old native of Cleveland, originally joined the Navy to be a flight crewman, but soon…
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Navy's Newest Ministry Team Members Complete Training...
Story Number: NNS140304-16Release Date: 3/4/2014 3:21:00 PM
By Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Carla Barry, Naval Chaplaincy School and Center, Public Affairs
COLUMBIA, S.C. (NNS) -- The Navy's newest group of Religious Program Specialists (RPs) graduated from the Naval Chaplaincy School and Center (NCSC) at Fort Jackson Mar. 3.
These Sailors provide chaplains with the administrative, technical and logistical support needed to carry out religious programs and services. They are also charged with safeguarding chaplains - who are noncombatants and not authorized to bear arms. Trained as combatants, one of the RP's essential duties is to ensure chaplains are safe wherever they are assigned or deployed.
Religious Program Specialist Seaman Falon Jones, one of the 28 members of the latest RP class, said the training has readied her for the fleet.
"We covered a broad variety of topics that were relevant to the RP rating," said Jones. "For example, we learned in-depth about various faith groups and details about the Religious Offering Fund."
According to the class honor graduate, Religious Program Specialist Seaman Jason Hunt, the training offered an opportunity to learn about the history of the RP rating and provided an understanding of why the rating is important.
"What I learned from our RP history is the various faith groups served by religious ministry teams," said Hunt. "I also learned the duties of an RP and the duties of a chaplain. Because of my training I am better prepared to take my place in the fleet."
Guest speaker for the graduation ceremony was Master Chief Religious Program Specialist Dino Medler, the RP community's senior enlisted leader.
"I'm optimistic that this is only the beginning of a highly successful endeavor for all of you" said Medler. "Your commands are ready for you to arrive. Our fleet Religious Ministry Teams need you."
Medler also explained the importance of RPs having an understanding of what it means to be a Sailor.
"It is true that you are a Religious Program Specialist. But lest you forget, I'll remind you that you are a Sailor first and foremost," added Medler. "So along with your professional responsibilities, you must be about the command participating in Sailor kinds of things. This includes watch standing, quarters, Personnel Qualification Standards, warfare qualifications, and collateral duties. As Sailors you are evaluated by Navy standards and your contribution to the command's mission in addition to your RP duties."
Chaplain Capt. Kyle Fauntleroy, the center's commanding officer, said NCSC is committed to strengthening the nation's future by training, developing and inspiring Religious Program Specialists.
"At NCSC we cultivate the character of our students to be ethically, intellectually, professionally and physically prepared to serve their country and humanity," said Fauntleroy. "Our RPs must be strong in their resolve to build on the long maritime heritage and proud of the accomplishments of the United States Navy."
Your Navy Chaplain Corps, Providing a Ministry of Presence for 238 years...
Gary Sinise you da man!
From Left to Right. RP2 Cole, RPSN Walters, RP2 Traylor, Gary Sinise, and LCDR Kersten by the USNA Chapel.
Navy Chaplains to Receive More Training on Sexual Abuse...
Chaplain Lt. Jose Bautista-Rojas conducts Roman Catholic Mass in the chapel aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis. (U.S. Navy)
Naval Chaplaincy School and Center Graduates Newest Members of Navy's Religious Ministry Team...
Story Number: NNS130809-10Release Date: 8/9/2013 10:15:00 AM
By Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Carla Barry, Naval Chaplaincy School and Center Public Affairs
COLUMBIA, S.C. (NNS) -- More than 30 Religious Program Specialists (RPs) graduated from the Naval Chaplaincy School and Center (NCSC) at Fort Jackson, Aug. 9.
These specialists provide chaplains with the administrative, technical and logistical support needed to carry out religious programs and services. They are also charged with safeguarding chaplains - who are noncombatants and not authorized to bear arms. Trained as combatants, one of the RP's essential duties is to protect chaplains.
Religious Program Specialist Seaman Margaret Stafford said the training has readied her for the fleet.
"When I get to the fleet I'll be ready to provide religious ministry support to Sailors and Marines, my new command's religious program and to the chaplain," said Stafford.
According to Honor Graduate Religious Program Specialist Seaman Michael Calhoon the training fit his style of learning and was crucial preparing him for the fleet.
"The training was invaluable. I received computer based instruction, instructor lead training, and hands on training," said Calhoon. "The different teaching methods have prepared me for what's to come. My favorite part of the training was how to rig and unrig the religious services. Different faiths and denominations have different ceremonial elements which need to be ready for each religious service."
Guest speaker Master Chief Religious Program Specialist Dino Medler, the RP community's senior enlisted leader, said he was optimistic that the graduates would have success in the Navy.
"Our fleet religious ministry teams need you to always be committed to excellence," he said. "Remember that you bring a specific set of knowledge, skills, and abilities that no other Sailor possesses."
Medler also explained the expectations that he and the RP community had for the graduates.
"Consider the needs of others before your own. Provide empathy and support when needed, engage in clear communication, celebrate diversity and respect what each individual brings to the team," he said. "The quickest way to handicap your new religious ministry team is to function as an individual. I'm asking you to operate within the frame work of a team; to act in cooperation with others to produce a combined result that is greater than the sum of your separate efforts."
Chaplain Capt. Kyle Fauntleroy, the center's commanding officer, said NCSC is committed to strengthening the nation's future by training, developing and inspiring Religious Program Specialists.
"At NCSC we cultivate the character of our students to be ethically, intellectually, professionally and physically prepared to serve their country and humanity, and to uphold the long maritime heritage and proud accomplishments of the United States Navy," he said.