Navy Chaplains are non-combatants, but RPs are considered combatant and will receive combat training.
Navy Religious Program Specialists (RP) primarily assist Navy Chaplains in the performance of the chaplain’s duties, but also support the Chaplains in developing and supporting programs designated to help meet the needs of US Marines, Sailors, RPs also serve as Navy Chaplain’s armed bodyguards.
As such, the Navy has provided training in basic combat and life-saving skills necessary for operations in combat situations, specifically through the Expeditionary Combat Skills (ECS) course taught solely onboard the Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) in Gulfport, Mississippi.
