Chaplains’ assistants place their lives on the line

Chaplains’ assistants place their lives on the line
1st Marine Logistics Group
Story by Cpl. Laura Gauna
August 16, 2013

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Religion has always been important to 19-year-old Seaman Apprentice Jacob L. Brown, a religious program specialist with Group Chaplain, 1st Marine Logistics Group.

When he learned that he could pursue it while serving his country, he jumped at the chance.

He knew he could continue his passion for religion, but what he didn’t expect was the collateral duties.

Religious program specialists are sailors who provide administrative and logistical assistance to chaplains, but when their chaplain's life is in danger, their responsibility transforms form clerk to bodyguard.

“There are two parts to an RP, the combat side and garrison side,” said Brown, a native of Anderson, Ind. “We are the eyes and the ears of the chaplain around the battalion. We meet the Marines, get a feel for the battalion and work with the chaplain in order to minister to the Marines and sailors. The other side is protecting the life of your chaplain while deployed.”

The Geneva Conventions, which set the recognized international standards for treatment and protection of victims of war, specifies that chaplains are noncombatants.

Although it is not stated whether chaplains may bear arms, chaplains in the U.S. military do not. As a result, RPs are required to protect their chaplains.
read more here

Don't be so shocked. Here are some Chaplains with the Medal of Honor

Civil War
Chaplain John M. Whitehead, Chaplain Francis B. Hall, James Hill became a Chaplain after earning the MOH, Milton L. Haney "acts outside the scope of Chaplain duties

Vietnam War
Chaplain (Major) Charles J. Watters, Chaplain (Captain) Angelo J. Liteky