Chaplains' assistants double as bodyguards in combat

Photo By Cpl. Triah Pendracki | Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicole Aslin, a religious program specialist with II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), works at her computer aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Sept. 5, 2009. The chaplains' assistants aboard the base often visit with Marines and sailors to establish a safe haven-like rapport with them.  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

09.18.2009

Story by Cpl. Triah Pendracki 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — Religious program specialists are Sailors who provide administrative assistance to chaplains, but if their chaplain's life is in danger, their job transforms form clerk to bodyguard in a flash.

The Geneva Conventions, which have 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 of Multi-National Force - West are required to protect their chaplains.

"One big difference between us and our Marine counterparts is that our only [combat] mission is to make sure the chaplain survives," explained Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicole Aslin, an RP aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. "We don't get to chase after the bad guys like the Marines do."

But they do get the training needed to save lives and work with Marines when they attend Chaplain RP Expeditionary Skills Training.

"When I went through my CREST nine years ago, it was like a mini Marine boot camp," said Aslin. "I can only imagine how it has adapted to the war and technology we have today. But, the basics will always be there, like land navigation, weapons and medical training."

RPs also have to maintain all qualifications Marines in their unit do.

"Knowing you are responsible for another's life always makes you want to learn everything you can to be that much better," said Aslin.

But protecting an unarmed chaplain is just part of the service they provide to their command.

For Marines and Sailors who are having trouble adjusting to deployment life or just need an outlet for stress, RPs can provide helpful information and schedule time for service members to speak with their chaplain.

"I feel like the best part of my job is being able to visit with Marines," explained Aslin. "Helping them get the help they need, and just knowing I am in a position to help them, even if I can only listen, is so rewarding."

"If I can direct one person to the chaplain for them to get their spiritual counseling, that alone is rewarding to me," explained Petty Officer 1st Class Tracy Roach, a religious program specialist with MNF-W.

Whether they are lending an ear to Marines and Sailors or guarding their chaplain's life, RPs, like Aslin, provide a service that helps ensure Marines and Sailors have the emotional and spiritual support they deserve.

"The most rewarding part of being a body guard for the chaplain is knowing my training makes it possible for him to do what he is here to do — care for the Marines and Sailors in a combat area," said Aslin.

• Date Taken: 09.18.2009
• Date Posted: 09.26.2009 06:42
• Story ID: 39291
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ