Time to Roll

Our days are numbered here in DC. We will soon be PCS-ing (transferring) to California. We will be leaving a little earlier than expected too, we'll be in California by the end of summer.

"What in the world are you going to be doing?"

The RP within the Fleet Marine Force (FMF): The Command Religious Program of each FMF unit is coordinated by the chaplain to meet the needs of assigned personnel. Chaplains and one RPs may be assigned to Marine units. At least one Chaplain and RP are normally assigned to accompany a Battalion when it deploys. The RPs are combatants who help the Chaplains administer to the needs of persons of all faith groups by performing the administrative or religious programming tasks that do not require ordination or licensing. In combat areas, the RPs also provide physical protection to Navy Chaplains, allowing them to carry out their duties and responsibilities as safely as possible.

Whether assigned to a ship or a shore activity, the RP must be able to perform a variety of duties in support of the Command Religious Program. In fact, the RP will directly affect the CRP through programming the religious needs and rights of sea service personnel and their families and by helping the assigned Chaplain in the delivery of ministry.

However, before I cross over to the "green side" (marines) I will be headed to some training called CREST (Combat Readiness Expedtionary Skills Training).

"What are you gonna do there?"

Religious Program Specialist Course Description

In this 40 training-day course, emphasis is on providing security, logistical, and administrative support for a Religious Ministry Team (RMT) delivering religious programs support to Marine Corps operating forces. This includes familiarization with USMC organization and procedures, competency in Marine Corps Martial Arts (Tan Belt), and providing religious program, logistics, and administrative support in a field environment. Additionally, training will include general military subjects, individual and small unit tactics, military drills, physical training/conditioning, first aid in combat environment, weapons familiarization with the opportunity to qualify on the rifle, and training in operating the HMMWV leading to a military operator’s permit. Completion of CREST-RP results in the student receiving Navy Enlisted Classification RP-2401 Marine Basic Combat Skills Specialist.

Any more questions? ...

We can't wait to go! We're ready for some warm weather and i miss seeing the water so i hope we get a place near the ocean! We also can't wait to move into a house! I can't imagine living somewhere where you don't have to climb 4 floors to get in your house! And i can't wait to park my car and swing my door wide open without fear of hitting the car next to me!

California here we come!