The Religious Program Specialist rating (RP) can trace its
roots directly back to the 1953 establishment of an Exclusive Emergency Service Rating called Chaplain’s Assistant, which absorbed the Emergency Service Rating of Personnelman (W) (Chaplain’s Assistant). As the name implies, Chaplain’s Assistants provided support for Chaplains, but were not required to be ordained. Recognizing the need for a full-time rating that would address the need for Chaplain Assistants and provided career opportunities that would attract Sailors, the RP rating was established in January, 1979.
But establishing a rating and populating it with Sailors are two entirely different matters. Sailors wishing to convert to the Religious Program Specialist were required to meet a number of requirements put in place to ensure newcomers would be serious in their dedication to carry out their new responsibilities. Only those Sailors who had been endorsed by a Chaplain and had received a recommendation from their Commanding Officers would even be considered for conversion, a stipulation that went far in sorting out superior candidates.
High School Diploma or GED was required—a higher standard then than it seems today—along with eligibility for security clearances. Potential RP Sailors also had to show support for the Navy’s Equal Opportunity Program, demonstrate the ability to write clearly, have a clean record in both the military and civilian court systems for the past three years, and state that they were willing to serve Sailors from all faith backgrounds. Last but not least, they had to affirm they were willing to serve in a combatant role with the United States Marine Corps.
With the rating firmly established for over thirty years, the Navy can now seek Religious Program Specialists from among new enlistees rather than luring them from other ratings—but the requirement of be willing to serve in a combat role with the USMC is still in place. After attending the RP rating’s Class “A” School in Fort Jackson, South Carolina fore two months, Sailors seeking the RP rating attend a five-week Marine Combat Training “C” School held at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina.
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