High School Graduates or GED Eligible for Security Clearance Demonstrate support for Navy's Equal Opportunity Program Have no speech impediments Demonstrate the ability to write effectively No convictions in military or civilian court in last 3 years Be willing to serve ALL faith backgrounds Be willing to serve as a combatant with the USMC Merger threatens rating Between 2002 and 2004, a manpower proposal was put together that would merge the RP rating– along with CTA and LN – back into the Yeoman rating as a “right-sizing” and cost-cutting measure. Long-rumored to be on the verge of ending the rating, it was the RPs role with the Marine Corps and the Corps’ emphatic support of what RPs do that eventually spared the rating from this merger. Still making news January 23, 2004 Religious Program Specialist 1st Class (FMF) Robert Page was awarded a Bronze Star with the Combat Distinguishing Device "V" for Valor, indicating direct combat involvement, for his actions near An Nasariya, Iraq, in March while supporting Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=11600 Badges The Compass, Globe and Anchor The compass suggests the direction which religion gives to life. The globe symbolizes the fact that religious ministries are available throughout the world. The anchor indicates that religious support is provided continually for personnel of the sea services. See also United States military chaplains Chaplain assistants (Army) References External links United States military chaplaincy United States Navy ratings