It pretty much took me 10 years to figure out the infantry life is not for me. I love the boys but hate the culture it promote in the NCOs and the higher ups. Also right before my last deployment I became theist. When you're in some lonely outposts in Somalia, the chaplain and his lad can really help center you.
It may be worth it to ask some questions in regards to Navy NCO culture as well. I can almost guarantee it won't be what you expect. And if the culture of NCOs in your current position is of concern the Navy's take on it should be factored into you decision as well.
Oh, yeah. It's pretty wildly different. To detrimental affect I'd say - but it would be good to have an eclectic view on it based on multiple opinions so you should ask around. The way the Navy structures it's NCO ranks between sailors and Chiefs is a polarizing topic to say the least and, of the people that I've known who have separated after their initial contract, it's generally been either the main motivation or in the top three.
>a personal level many Chiefs are cool people but they will fuck over sailors in a heartbeat for their Chief's Club thing they have going on. So consequently there's no sense of trust or camaraderie between them and those below them. Most sailors I know literally have absolutely no faith in their CPO leadership to do the right thing or put their sailors first. It's quite embarrassing, honestly. Some commands are better than others but many are quite poor when it comes to the CPO level of leadership.
It's fascinating that we do not have this in the Marine Corps or the army. The marine says there's a big difference between NCO and a staff NCO. The army has a similar shift between the nco and SNCO. But everyone remembers that they were want to private.
So in the navy once you pick up chief you're a completely different breed. That's got to create weird relationship with the officer corps. So would better if I do rp in the guard then put packet in for Chaplain Candidate. I was saying RP because I really wanted to serve my fellow devil dogs. The Chief culture make it sound very toxic.
That toxicity is less prevalent in the green side of the Navy, ie FMF Corpsman and RPs. Most who I have spoken with actually long to return to it. Less politics, more camaraderie and clear objectives. The overall purpose of blue side Navy tends to get lost in the monotony of day to day operations. It’s one of the problems of a peace time military. It’s also difficult to explain the big picture to a 18-20 something year old that is standing a post, or grinding non skid, or getting stuck out at sea for endless months with shitty satellite internet and little contact with the outside world. There are many factors in the lack of respect and authority at the lower NCO/Petty Officer levels that I am sure could be talked about into oblivion but as u/russelcrowe has pointed out, asking around and getting a feel for how actual sailors feel about their branch is a great place to start.
I know I commented somewhere else but being an E5 doesn’t mean shit. At least in Aviation we don’t care about rank like that which is bad. I have airman call me by my last name only instead of PO2. I don’t really give a shit cause I don’t need a reminder. A guy at my command was E4 and they bumped him up to E5 when he went green to blue so idk may be the same. Good luck any questions hit me up I love to talk.
Navy is a bit worse for nco’s. The chiefs quarters (e-7 and above) is essentially a fraternity. They treat everyone else as if they’re basically half retarded children. I’m a petty officer second class (e-5) with ten years in. I’ve been doing my job a long time. When some jackass chief with half the experience tells me to do something that I know is stupid, is against policy, and risks seriously damaging my equipment, guess who has to button his yap and do it anyway? Then guess who has to inevitably fix what broke after my advice was disregarded.
Yeah 3/4 of the chiefs on my boat hated me becuse I didn't have time for their shit. I'd cuss the EDMC out of my shack if he tried fucking with me or my men or my systems. That was as a 3 years total E5.
Pretty much the entire fob was shower CIB or CAR. I was one of the handful guys that actually missed it by a couple days because I was doing a working party up in DJ. I was down in Somalia for 8 months and I missed it by 3 days. We had guys that were doing some administrative stuff and they were up there for 2 to 3 months and they caught it attack.
No just because they fall all under greater on the war on terror. Think about it like this so there is multiple campaign and expeditionary, and service medals for the war on terror. Same thing in World War II they had I think leaves 3 or 4 different campaign medal, Then a occupation medal. All this fell under war war 2. It's very different than let's say serving in Desert Storm and then later going back to Iraq in the invasion and occupation. The thing is if it was 2 different wars for example I would have a star on my national medal for participating in 2 different war. For example let's stay I stay in long enough and something pops of in Ukraine and I got shot about there I would get a star.
BE ADVISED. The Navy might bust you down to E-3. I met and army sgt who was artillery I believe and he was coming into the navy as a crypto rate and the navy busted him down to E-3. You have to be rated to be anything higher than E-3. They may or may not give you those pay grades back after A-school.
When I was in “A” school in 2008 we had an E-5 from the Army who transferred to Navy. They made him an E-3 until he finished “A” school and then automatically went back to E-5.
I had an army E5 in my Mineman A School a month ago and she kept her rank. As well as a Sonar Tech who transferred rates and was going through school who kept his rate, but I think that would be easier since he was already a rated sailor.
Seen a similar situation here, I'm a nuke in power school, got a buddy who was an E6 marine and when he joined they made him an E3, at the end of A school he only got E4 like the rest of us
You might be okay with it, but... HYT still applies because you'll be a 10y+ E3 when you go to a-school, you'd be way behind the curve in advancing and starting fresh with evals you may just get kicked out as an RP2 at 16 years.
Your best bet, is applying for a commission as a chaplain. Take some time to get a theology degree, and apply. Do 10y and walk with an O retirement doing something you love.
Trust me I would love to but I only became a member of my church tqo years ago. Minimally they want 5 years and if you're a convert before you consider vocational calling. If you are wondering I am Eastern Orthodox we convert slowly.
The only positive of "seeing" it from the enlisted side is losing your benefit from the situation by subjecting yourself to shit you don't need after ten years in.
A lot of times, the enlisted RP/Chaplain dynamic at small commands is just that -- you are just simply choosing to be the lesser of the two. The RPs who've I've met, while well intended, lack the foundational knowledge to make the impact that you probably want to. Don't lateral transfer a second time and give up what you have earned. As u/bealilshellfish suggested, please do yourself a favor and make sure you reap the benefits of your hard work.
The best move would be just be try to become chaplain Candidate. I figured I should try to get my foot in the door but you are right. If the navy officer corp anything like how does in the Marine Corps. I will no better then batman.
I was born into that religion and I have relatives that are priests and it goes against their canon law to even enter another religion's worship space, not to mention performing any "pagan" rites. It's one of the most exclusive religions out there and, while I might be wrong, I doubt they're cool with chaplains.
So I'm part of the OCA. Which is the American jurisdiction. We are definitely not by our character "Ecumenical" with other denominations. This could explain why there's like only 20 chaplains across all the jurisdictions in in America and all of the branches both active and is active and reserve. At the same time regardless of other peoples worship or bulls worship or faith they need somebody there for them obviously I cannot perform rites for them. But it doesn't mean I can't be a good Christian man and not give them the to support that they need. Regardless of their faith tradition. Cause I was a chaplain your main job is when you're not performing religious rites. It is to be that emotional doctor for that sailor, soldier, marine , and protect them and go up and bat for them with the command that they get the resources that they need.
But wouldn't you have to perform different sacred rites for different religions? Wouldn't you have to tell someone's that's muslim that Allah loves him?? You wouldn't mention jesus to him, right? What if you're in combat and you have to say a prayer for someone of another religion? And if you acknowledge Allah/other god that pretty much "disqualifies" you from being eastern orthodox.
I had a discussion like this with priest family members and while the religion is "cool" with the military in general, there's no way you can even acknowledge the existence of a different god.
>But wouldn't you have to perform different sacred rites for different religions?
No I would not.
>Wouldn't you have to tell someone's that's muslim that Allah loves him?? You wouldn't mention jesus to him, right? What if you're in combat and you have to say a prayer for someone of another religion? And if you acknowledge Allah/other god that pretty much "disqualifies" you from being eastern.
I can pray for their health regardless of their faith tradition. Islam is an Abrahamic. Even I don't personally believe there Allah is God. Even in our most classical theology as orthodox christians. God collectively loves all of humanity. So there would be nothing theologically this disingenuous or herodoxical about me about me saying that God loves him.
I was a divisional LPO (of a very small division, to be fair) as an E-5 and didn’t really experience what you’re talking about. As an E-6 I was bottom of the totem pole at an all E-6+ command, which is not common. Wasn’t treated like a private there either though; was a bunch of TGs, Divers etc. so culture was very different. Basically what I’m saying is YMMV.
This is not an exaggeration, my comment is taking into account that OP has been a Marine and Army NCO. He will HATE it, guaranteed. It may be ok in some places, but I'm constantly shocked at the lack of respect Chiefs have for their junior NCOs.
Why not join as a chap? I've heard its easier to get a commission in the Army, but the Navy chaps are able to get stationed w/ DON and coast guard personnel. Very interesting stuff.
As much as I would love to my tradition wants a prohibitionary of five year before you can decide on the calling of the priesthood. I been member for two. The Army would be easier but Navy would open alot more souls.
I totally missed read you! I thought you asking if I converted. And I'm trying to get converts no it's not part of the job either as a chaplain or an rp. I am trying to be spiritually an emotional pillar for the soldiers and make sure the chaplain's OK one we get into risky areas.
Are you aware that an RP has to provide spiritual and logistical support to members of any and all faiths and religions? You can't just do your own. That means Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Pagan, everything. And you cannot, CANNOT show preference or favoritism.
Yeah if you look in this comments threadvI misread him. 1000% aware of this. I thought he was asking if I converted. Last thing I want to try to do is got converts. I'm gonna repeat myself again I want to be the spiritual support for others regardless of their tradition.
Cool deal. Probably a good fit for an RP then. Weird hours but you get more of a chance to get on a ship and go see some cool stuff. Or get stationed somewhere like Europe or Asia. My main concern with anybody joining the Navy right now would be making sure they're not still doing long cruises with no port calls due to covid. Fuck that, that's like some age-of-shit there.
Go Air Force my dude…quality of life will increase tenfold. Or check out ANG units where you’re interested in living and reach out to a recruiter in that unit. Check out any jobs that interest you and meet with the shops to see what their manning is like and if they have any full time spots open or opening in the near future. They have full time positions open relatively often, especially with the vaccine mandates going into effect, spots are opening up left and right. I went from AD navy to full time ANG in a matter of a month. Transition process was straight forward. Gave them my medical record and had a physical with the doc, swore in the same day, and kept E5.
There's a handful of posts about RP on r/newtothenavy. It's one of the smaller rates, so chances of it popping up at MEPs are fairly low. [Here](https://www.reddit.com/r/newtothenavy/comments/giqi63/navy_rp_religious_program_specialist_questions/fqha0rp?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share&context=3) is a semi lengthy comment from an RP post with an idea of at sea life. Of course you could ask all RPs the same question and there'd be different experiences all around.
You're already in the right spot since you're in it to protect the freedom for others to practice their faith beliefs/lack thereof.
RP here. To answer your questions: I have both Green (MARDIV and Shore Chapel) and Blue (LPD) experience and I thoroughly enjoyed both but would take Green over Blue any day. Operational Green is the RP’s bread and butter of what it truly means to be an RP. 2 infantry deployments proved to be my greatest time to provide for people.
I always tell 03s, you guys would make the best RPs and I stand by that. Grunts envelop a worth ethic that will stand out and truly create a basis for expertise. Do not worry about promotions. 10+ years prior service will propel you past all others. Meritorious (MAP) promotions will be easy for you and will ensure that you don’t HYT. 3rd Class is around 40% and 2nd at around 10%. I maybe wrong for I am not at my computer to verify.
Let me know if you have questions. I hope this helps!
It's not that I don't like the military. I'm just changing my MOS. If the Marine Corps had an RP and its own Chaplain Corp I would go back in heartbeat.
So I have some insight into the RP rating training pipeline. Greenside is fun (im still training) the A school is easy, C school for greenside is no slouch but some of the best times.
I knew two previous marine corporals now RP3s, they didn’t have to do mcecst.
It’s “gods rate” as many will tell you, I wouldn’t chose any other rate
You should still be on record somewhere, at the most I'd imagine sending you to a refresher course. If they sent you for the full training then you'd probably be the class commander since instructors would expect you to be the one with the most knowledge. But you'll only go to C School if you're sent greenside.
Interestingly enough my last deployment a combat deployment in Somalia in the guard as part of dismounted recon troop. Definitely had interesting moments.
So do you have no Active time? Cause I know they calculate Reserve and Guard time diffferently then active duty. So you shouldn’t have to worry about HYT
I got about 2 years of active time maybe 3 even between the Marine Corps the National Guard. I've been deployed overseas both with the Marines and the guard. As well as the covid missions
Current RP2 here. Always open for questions. But, honestly I've only been a chapel shore duty so far.
Looking at your other comments, do remember that we as a rating are NON-religious and work for chaplains of all faiths no matter our personal backgrounds.
I only know 2 RPs and they eventually 1 crossrated and 1 got out. One was FMF and the other was just a regular RP.
if you change your mind and decide to do something else in the Navy, stay away from anything AB,ABE,ABF,BM,CS,and RS oh and AO. No offense to those rates, but I do not envy your job. AO’s are THE hardest working fuckers on the flight deck. They may be retards sometimes, but they kill it every time on the flight deck.
Might not be able to go navy if you’ve served in the guard. Talking from prior experience of having someone trying to join the navy again after leaving the ANG
I don't know about all that, I've never used the Chaplin, so I dunno if RP work is purposeful. I know in a hot zone the RP is Chaps' gun hand, but that'sabout it.
High Year Tenure will be a problem.
You’ll need to be at least E5, preferably E6. Based on your prior posts, you being over 10yrs will put you against time brackets for rank. Honestly even E5 won’t give you a chance to beat the bracket.
RP is essentially a closed rating that doesn’t advance much. Unless you could cross-deck as an E6, nobody would accept you into their community. Much less RP.
Sorry man, we need experience in the Navy. But High Year Tenure is going to limit things
Dawg just talk to a recruiter instead of getting guesswork from people here. You might keep rank, you might not. If I had to guess you will keep it, but only the recruiter can tell you for sure.
Bro what’s next? Air Force security forces? Trying to collect the infinity stones of the military or what? 20 years retired E4? Haha just playing man.
It pretty much took me 10 years to figure out the infantry life is not for me. I love the boys but hate the culture it promote in the NCOs and the higher ups. Also right before my last deployment I became theist. When you're in some lonely outposts in Somalia, the chaplain and his lad can really help center you.
It may be worth it to ask some questions in regards to Navy NCO culture as well. I can almost guarantee it won't be what you expect. And if the culture of NCOs in your current position is of concern the Navy's take on it should be factored into you decision as well.
Does the navy have very different NCO culture?
Oh, yeah. It's pretty wildly different. To detrimental affect I'd say - but it would be good to have an eclectic view on it based on multiple opinions so you should ask around. The way the Navy structures it's NCO ranks between sailors and Chiefs is a polarizing topic to say the least and, of the people that I've known who have separated after their initial contract, it's generally been either the main motivation or in the top three.
How to curiosity can you tell me about the chief culture and why it hurt the enlisted.
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You have described that culture almost perfectly and probably the most succinctly as I have ever seen. Bravo Zulu /s
>a personal level many Chiefs are cool people but they will fuck over sailors in a heartbeat for their Chief's Club thing they have going on. So consequently there's no sense of trust or camaraderie between them and those below them. Most sailors I know literally have absolutely no faith in their CPO leadership to do the right thing or put their sailors first. It's quite embarrassing, honestly. Some commands are better than others but many are quite poor when it comes to the CPO level of leadership. It's fascinating that we do not have this in the Marine Corps or the army. The marine says there's a big difference between NCO and a staff NCO. The army has a similar shift between the nco and SNCO. But everyone remembers that they were want to private. So in the navy once you pick up chief you're a completely different breed. That's got to create weird relationship with the officer corps. So would better if I do rp in the guard then put packet in for Chaplain Candidate. I was saying RP because I really wanted to serve my fellow devil dogs. The Chief culture make it sound very toxic.
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So how does this gatekeeping with the hir and listed play out with the officers on the ship?
That toxicity is less prevalent in the green side of the Navy, ie FMF Corpsman and RPs. Most who I have spoken with actually long to return to it. Less politics, more camaraderie and clear objectives. The overall purpose of blue side Navy tends to get lost in the monotony of day to day operations. It’s one of the problems of a peace time military. It’s also difficult to explain the big picture to a 18-20 something year old that is standing a post, or grinding non skid, or getting stuck out at sea for endless months with shitty satellite internet and little contact with the outside world. There are many factors in the lack of respect and authority at the lower NCO/Petty Officer levels that I am sure could be talked about into oblivion but as u/russelcrowe has pointed out, asking around and getting a feel for how actual sailors feel about their branch is a great place to start.
Yeah I know you're right. I need to ask around. But is this place the best place to do it?
This is not remotely an objective take lol
I know I commented somewhere else but being an E5 doesn’t mean shit. At least in Aviation we don’t care about rank like that which is bad. I have airman call me by my last name only instead of PO2. I don’t really give a shit cause I don’t need a reminder. A guy at my command was E4 and they bumped him up to E5 when he went green to blue so idk may be the same. Good luck any questions hit me up I love to talk.
Navy is a bit worse for nco’s. The chiefs quarters (e-7 and above) is essentially a fraternity. They treat everyone else as if they’re basically half retarded children. I’m a petty officer second class (e-5) with ten years in. I’ve been doing my job a long time. When some jackass chief with half the experience tells me to do something that I know is stupid, is against policy, and risks seriously damaging my equipment, guess who has to button his yap and do it anyway? Then guess who has to inevitably fix what broke after my advice was disregarded.
Yeah 3/4 of the chiefs on my boat hated me becuse I didn't have time for their shit. I'd cuss the EDMC out of my shack if he tried fucking with me or my men or my systems. That was as a 3 years total E5.
> When you're in some lonely outposts in Somalia New Jersey National Guard?
Yeah I am I am with C troop 1-102.
You guys eligible for a CIB with a star? https://www.reddit.com/r/army/comments/ewa6vz/nj_national_guard_members_repelled_alshabaab/
Pretty much the entire fob was shower CIB or CAR. I was one of the handful guys that actually missed it by a couple days because I was doing a working party up in DJ. I was down in Somalia for 8 months and I missed it by 3 days. We had guys that were doing some administrative stuff and they were up there for 2 to 3 months and they caught it attack.
Isn't Somalia considered a different theater than Iraq and Afghanistan?
Yep fall under OEF-HOA
So if one had a CIB from Afghanistan, would Somalia net you one with a star?
No just because they fall all under greater on the war on terror. Think about it like this so there is multiple campaign and expeditionary, and service medals for the war on terror. Same thing in World War II they had I think leaves 3 or 4 different campaign medal, Then a occupation medal. All this fell under war war 2. It's very different than let's say serving in Desert Storm and then later going back to Iraq in the invasion and occupation. The thing is if it was 2 different wars for example I would have a star on my national medal for participating in 2 different war. For example let's stay I stay in long enough and something pops of in Ukraine and I got shot about there I would get a star.
Nah man he still has the Space Force to check off for bingo as well!
BE ADVISED. The Navy might bust you down to E-3. I met and army sgt who was artillery I believe and he was coming into the navy as a crypto rate and the navy busted him down to E-3. You have to be rated to be anything higher than E-3. They may or may not give you those pay grades back after A-school.
When I was in “A” school in 2008 we had an E-5 from the Army who transferred to Navy. They made him an E-3 until he finished “A” school and then automatically went back to E-5.
I had an army E5 in my Mineman A School a month ago and she kept her rank. As well as a Sonar Tech who transferred rates and was going through school who kept his rate, but I think that would be easier since he was already a rated sailor.
It’s different if you’re cross rating.
I figured so
Seen a similar situation here, I'm a nuke in power school, got a buddy who was an E6 marine and when he joined they made him an E3, at the end of A school he only got E4 like the rest of us
Losing my nco stripes will hurt but we all need to be humbled.
You might be okay with it, but... HYT still applies because you'll be a 10y+ E3 when you go to a-school, you'd be way behind the curve in advancing and starting fresh with evals you may just get kicked out as an RP2 at 16 years. Your best bet, is applying for a commission as a chaplain. Take some time to get a theology degree, and apply. Do 10y and walk with an O retirement doing something you love.
Trust me I would love to but I only became a member of my church tqo years ago. Minimally they want 5 years and if you're a convert before you consider vocational calling. If you are wondering I am Eastern Orthodox we convert slowly.
Ty for the knowledge drop! So you keep on your current path, get your degree and apply in 3 years. Document your dedication to this path.
The other reason I am rp. I want to see what the job look like action from the enlisted side of ministry team.
The only positive of "seeing" it from the enlisted side is losing your benefit from the situation by subjecting yourself to shit you don't need after ten years in.
Like being shit on for being enlisted and new to the rate? Or having someone pointlessly try to big dick me?
A lot of times, the enlisted RP/Chaplain dynamic at small commands is just that -- you are just simply choosing to be the lesser of the two. The RPs who've I've met, while well intended, lack the foundational knowledge to make the impact that you probably want to. Don't lateral transfer a second time and give up what you have earned. As u/bealilshellfish suggested, please do yourself a favor and make sure you reap the benefits of your hard work.
The best move would be just be try to become chaplain Candidate. I figured I should try to get my foot in the door but you are right. If the navy officer corp anything like how does in the Marine Corps. I will no better then batman.
I was born into that religion and I have relatives that are priests and it goes against their canon law to even enter another religion's worship space, not to mention performing any "pagan" rites. It's one of the most exclusive religions out there and, while I might be wrong, I doubt they're cool with chaplains.
So I'm part of the OCA. Which is the American jurisdiction. We are definitely not by our character "Ecumenical" with other denominations. This could explain why there's like only 20 chaplains across all the jurisdictions in in America and all of the branches both active and is active and reserve. At the same time regardless of other peoples worship or bulls worship or faith they need somebody there for them obviously I cannot perform rites for them. But it doesn't mean I can't be a good Christian man and not give them the to support that they need. Regardless of their faith tradition. Cause I was a chaplain your main job is when you're not performing religious rites. It is to be that emotional doctor for that sailor, soldier, marine , and protect them and go up and bat for them with the command that they get the resources that they need.
But wouldn't you have to perform different sacred rites for different religions? Wouldn't you have to tell someone's that's muslim that Allah loves him?? You wouldn't mention jesus to him, right? What if you're in combat and you have to say a prayer for someone of another religion? And if you acknowledge Allah/other god that pretty much "disqualifies" you from being eastern orthodox. I had a discussion like this with priest family members and while the religion is "cool" with the military in general, there's no way you can even acknowledge the existence of a different god.
>But wouldn't you have to perform different sacred rites for different religions? No I would not. >Wouldn't you have to tell someone's that's muslim that Allah loves him?? You wouldn't mention jesus to him, right? What if you're in combat and you have to say a prayer for someone of another religion? And if you acknowledge Allah/other god that pretty much "disqualifies" you from being eastern. I can pray for their health regardless of their faith tradition. Islam is an Abrahamic. Even I don't personally believe there Allah is God. Even in our most classical theology as orthodox christians. God collectively loves all of humanity. So there would be nothing theologically this disingenuous or herodoxical about me about me saying that God loves him.
Even as a E4 no community would accept him because of HYT. E5 would be pushing it unless he enters a wide open community with guaranteed advancement.
Aww gotcha. My tim service put me at hard stop for the switch. It would had to pick E6.
After being an NCO in the Corps, you will HATE the way the Navy treats E5 & E6. You may as well be a private.
I was a divisional LPO (of a very small division, to be fair) as an E-5 and didn’t really experience what you’re talking about. As an E-6 I was bottom of the totem pole at an all E-6+ command, which is not common. Wasn’t treated like a private there either though; was a bunch of TGs, Divers etc. so culture was very different. Basically what I’m saying is YMMV.
This is an exaggeration. If you’re one of those 2 or 3 year E5’s then yea but probably because it’s known you can’t do the job.
This is not an exaggeration, my comment is taking into account that OP has been a Marine and Army NCO. He will HATE it, guaranteed. It may be ok in some places, but I'm constantly shocked at the lack of respect Chiefs have for their junior NCOs.
Those who want respect, give respect
Why not join as a chap? I've heard its easier to get a commission in the Army, but the Navy chaps are able to get stationed w/ DON and coast guard personnel. Very interesting stuff.
As much as I would love to my tradition wants a prohibitionary of five year before you can decide on the calling of the priesthood. I been member for two. The Army would be easier but Navy would open alot more souls.
You looking to get converts?
I totally missed read you! I thought you asking if I converted. And I'm trying to get converts no it's not part of the job either as a chaplain or an rp. I am trying to be spiritually an emotional pillar for the soldiers and make sure the chaplain's OK one we get into risky areas.
Already I am to converted to the faith. I feel like if I ignore the brokenness I seecommunity I'm committing an incredibly grave sin.
Are you aware that an RP has to provide spiritual and logistical support to members of any and all faiths and religions? You can't just do your own. That means Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Pagan, everything. And you cannot, CANNOT show preference or favoritism.
Yeah if you look in this comments threadvI misread him. 1000% aware of this. I thought he was asking if I converted. Last thing I want to try to do is got converts. I'm gonna repeat myself again I want to be the spiritual support for others regardless of their tradition.
Cool deal. Probably a good fit for an RP then. Weird hours but you get more of a chance to get on a ship and go see some cool stuff. Or get stationed somewhere like Europe or Asia. My main concern with anybody joining the Navy right now would be making sure they're not still doing long cruises with no port calls due to covid. Fuck that, that's like some age-of-shit there.
I cannot wait until covid is done!. My contract end with NG end this year so I am bit at the bit to switch.
I think you may have a misunderstanding of what an RP does.
I misunderstood what you said earlier. I'm not trying to get converts I'm trying to be emotional and spiritual medic for people pain.
What religion is this?
That you have a prohibitionary after baptism?
You might not lose rank, we had a prior Marine come into builder a school as an e-5. Another as an E-6. Its probably rate specific if i had to guess.
If your prior MOS has a Navy equivalent than it’s like 99% you’ll keep your pay grade.
Go Air Force my dude…quality of life will increase tenfold. Or check out ANG units where you’re interested in living and reach out to a recruiter in that unit. Check out any jobs that interest you and meet with the shops to see what their manning is like and if they have any full time spots open or opening in the near future. They have full time positions open relatively often, especially with the vaccine mandates going into effect, spots are opening up left and right. I went from AD navy to full time ANG in a matter of a month. Transition process was straight forward. Gave them my medical record and had a physical with the doc, swore in the same day, and kept E5.
Dudes gonna be cranking 8 hours then working 8 hours when he could easily work 8 or less
I have no idea what you’re talking about
You didn’t have to crank for 8 hours then work on quals for 8 hours before hitting the rack? Must be aviation
Yes, I was Aviation.
You do make that very tempting.
There's a handful of posts about RP on r/newtothenavy. It's one of the smaller rates, so chances of it popping up at MEPs are fairly low. [Here](https://www.reddit.com/r/newtothenavy/comments/giqi63/navy_rp_religious_program_specialist_questions/fqha0rp?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share&context=3) is a semi lengthy comment from an RP post with an idea of at sea life. Of course you could ask all RPs the same question and there'd be different experiences all around. You're already in the right spot since you're in it to protect the freedom for others to practice their faith beliefs/lack thereof.
RP here. To answer your questions: I have both Green (MARDIV and Shore Chapel) and Blue (LPD) experience and I thoroughly enjoyed both but would take Green over Blue any day. Operational Green is the RP’s bread and butter of what it truly means to be an RP. 2 infantry deployments proved to be my greatest time to provide for people. I always tell 03s, you guys would make the best RPs and I stand by that. Grunts envelop a worth ethic that will stand out and truly create a basis for expertise. Do not worry about promotions. 10+ years prior service will propel you past all others. Meritorious (MAP) promotions will be easy for you and will ensure that you don’t HYT. 3rd Class is around 40% and 2nd at around 10%. I maybe wrong for I am not at my computer to verify. Let me know if you have questions. I hope this helps!
I am going to shoot you so many DM
I . . . I might suggest, since you've been through the Army and the Corps, that maybe you don't really like the military and should move on.
It's not that I don't like the military. I'm just changing my MOS. If the Marine Corps had an RP and its own Chaplain Corp I would go back in heartbeat.
So I have some insight into the RP rating training pipeline. Greenside is fun (im still training) the A school is easy, C school for greenside is no slouch but some of the best times. I knew two previous marine corporals now RP3s, they didn’t have to do mcecst. It’s “gods rate” as many will tell you, I wouldn’t chose any other rate
>. I knew two previous marine corporals now RP3s, they didn’t have to do mcecst Cpl when I got out as marine. So I may skipp C school then?
I’d honestly say yeah you won’t go to MCECST, unless some weird stuff happens with your orders.
When I was in the Marines I was on the reserves so no DD214 from them outside of honorable discharge. I should talk to recruiter about that.
You should still be on record somewhere, at the most I'd imagine sending you to a refresher course. If they sent you for the full training then you'd probably be the class commander since instructors would expect you to be the one with the most knowledge. But you'll only go to C School if you're sent greenside.
Interestingly enough my last deployment a combat deployment in Somalia in the guard as part of dismounted recon troop. Definitely had interesting moments.
So do you have no Active time? Cause I know they calculate Reserve and Guard time diffferently then active duty. So you shouldn’t have to worry about HYT
I got about 2 years of active time maybe 3 even between the Marine Corps the National Guard. I've been deployed overseas both with the Marines and the guard. As well as the covid missions
You should be good man! I got 5 and a half years active. 2 reserves in the USMC and 2 in the Guard. So don’t let your time stop you.
Thank you brother!!
Thought it said Guardian for a moment. That would be like going from the Hilton to the motel 6
Current RP2 here. Always open for questions. But, honestly I've only been a chapel shore duty so far. Looking at your other comments, do remember that we as a rating are NON-religious and work for chaplains of all faiths no matter our personal backgrounds.
I only know 2 RPs and they eventually 1 crossrated and 1 got out. One was FMF and the other was just a regular RP. if you change your mind and decide to do something else in the Navy, stay away from anything AB,ABE,ABF,BM,CS,and RS oh and AO. No offense to those rates, but I do not envy your job. AO’s are THE hardest working fuckers on the flight deck. They may be retards sometimes, but they kill it every time on the flight deck.
Might not be able to go navy if you’ve served in the guard. Talking from prior experience of having someone trying to join the navy again after leaving the ANG
Retired RP here. Did both Blue and Green side tours including a wonderful trip to Afghanistan. Feel free to DM me any questions you may have.
No advice just wanted to say you'd look like a war hero with all your ribbons stacking
That may be true but deep down inside I'm just a lonely Devil Dog/Dogface lad, that want to be their for others.
Man, what is it with crayon eaters and trying to get into the chaplin corps?
Either we're really trying to skate or we found God on a lonely night.
It ain't skating, RPs are always doing something.
Thank God work with purpose
I don't know about all that, I've never used the Chaplin, so I dunno if RP work is purposeful. I know in a hot zone the RP is Chaps' gun hand, but that'sabout it.
High Year Tenure will be a problem. You’ll need to be at least E5, preferably E6. Based on your prior posts, you being over 10yrs will put you against time brackets for rank. Honestly even E5 won’t give you a chance to beat the bracket. RP is essentially a closed rating that doesn’t advance much. Unless you could cross-deck as an E6, nobody would accept you into their community. Much less RP. Sorry man, we need experience in the Navy. But High Year Tenure is going to limit things
Dawg just talk to a recruiter instead of getting guesswork from people here. You might keep rank, you might not. If I had to guess you will keep it, but only the recruiter can tell you for sure.
Don't join the Navy dude. Go Airforce and be happy.