Religious Program Specialist Training Era Ends, "F" School Makes Transition

WASHINGTON, D.C. (NNS) -- An era in the training history of religious program specialists (RPs) in the U.S. Navy passed Oct. 8 with the final mobile-classroom-based "F" school for the 31-year-old Navy rating.

All future "F" schools for RPs will take place aboard Ft. Jackson, S.C. at the Naval Chaplaincy School and Center, where prospective Navy chaplains also receive their initial training.

The three-week "F" school provides advanced training for E-5s and above, and focuses on leadership and management skills.

"This class was a great opportunity to network with our fellow senior enlisted RPs and offered a very thorough range of essential training," said Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Cayce Mautino.

Until the school house at Ft. Jackson was built, chaplains and RPs received their training at different locations. The move will help both groups consolidate learning resources and will also contribute toward increased professional camaraderie.

Chief Religious Program Specialist Sheronica Prater, a master training specialist, has been teaching the mobile "F" school for years and said she will miss the old format.

"I liked getting out on the road every year and teaching the class," said Prater. "It gave me an opportunity to get to know our RPs better. I enjoyed the fellowship."

RPs serve together with their chaplains in religious ministry teams (RMTs), accommodating the free exercise of religion for all sea service personnel. RPs in expeditionary environments are combatants who provide force protection expertise for RMTs.

Speakers during the recent course included Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SS/SW) Rick D. West, and Navy Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Mark L. Tidd who addressed the group during the graduation ceremony.

"Our mission is to answer the call to serve; serve our people in the sea services and their families, serve our military institutions and their leadership, and serve each other, take care of our own people," said Tidd.

For more news from Chaplain Corps, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/crb/.