Religious Program Specialists (Enlisted)
Opportunities
Religious program specialists assist military chaplains in building a culture of spiritual care and facilitating the free exercise of religion for military service members and their families. As experts in religious diversity, they conduct worship services, provide pastoral counseling, and offer crisis intervention. They also advise leaders at all levels on religious accommodation, ethical, and moral issues.
Training Provided
Religious program specialists in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience.
- Principles of religious support programs
- Guidance and counseling techniques
- Leadership skills
- Office procedures, clerical skills, and preparing forms and correspondence in Army style
- Religious history and background
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training.
Earnings
Military pay and benefits are set by Congress, which normally grants a cost-of-living pay increase once each year. All members of the military receive "basic pay," which is the largest component of a member's pay. A member's grade (usually the same as rank) and years of service determines the amount of basic pay received. Enlisted members can progress through nine enlisted pay grades during their careers. In 2024, most enlisted personnel started as recruits at Grade E-1 ($24,204/year basic pay); however, those with special skills or above average education started as high as Grade E-4 ($31,608/year basic pay). In addition to pay, the military provides many of life's necessities, such as food, clothing, and housing, or pays allowances for them. Other benefits include health care, 30 days paid vacation, legal assistance, recreational programs, education assistance, and military store privileges.
Services offering this occupation
Air Force
Army
Navy