thedrifter
01-18-08, 05:52 AM
A higher calling
One of the Navy's religious program specialists of the year - an RP with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division - is set on changing people's perceptions. So far, he's on track.
Lance Cpl. Ryan Wicks
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (January 18, 2008) -- His job is to help chaplains create spiritual programs for sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and their families.
Sound like the description of a warrior?
Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Robart, a religious program specialist with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division seems set to change what people think of his job.
"I don't want to be the 'sailor' on the battlefield," he said. "I want my chaplains and Marines to be able to count on me to help them and not think of me as a hazard or hindrance when lives are at stake."
In order to keep up with the Marines around him, Robart inserts himself into anything that increases his combat proficiency.
He is the first religious program specialist to receive his wings from the U.S. Army Airborne School, and he has used his training with Marines to become Fleet Marine Force certified, which requires extensive studying and specialization in Marine Corps common skills.
Robart is also quite aware that in battle he may need to operate a variety a weapons in order to complete the mission. His leaders are taking note of his efforts both as an RP and a warrior.
On Dec. 14, Robart was named the Chief of Navy Chaplains Religious Program Specialist of the Year for fiscal 2007, Junior Sea.
He is a fourth award rifle expert and a pistol expert. He has been trained to operate the M-2 .50 caliber machine gun, M-240G medium machine gun, M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon and the MK-19 40mm machine gun. He is also proficient with the AT-4 rocket launcher, M-203 40mm grenade launcher, M-1014 shotgun, claymore mines and makeshift mines.
In addition to weapons training, Robart also trains for hand-to-hand combat. He is currently green belt certified in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.
Despite his hectic military schedule, Robart finds time to give back to the community by donating his time to extracurricular activities that benefit not only himself but those around him.
"I've been conducting English speaking classes with the battalion for Japanese locals," he said. "I've also gone to schools throughout Nago to help kids ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade learn English."
In addition to the English classes Robart is the instructor, sponsor, mentor and acting secretary on the executive board of the Okinawa Super Bikers motorcycle club.
He also participated in the Reserve Military Police Program. He completed 36.5 hours of training in addition to his regular duties to successfully complete the Pre-Service Academy at Camp Foster in January 2007.
In addition to his most recent award, he's received two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist Pin and the Airborne Training Parachutist Badge.
"It has been my absolute pleasure to have RP2 Robart in 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion," said Maj. Brian M. Howlett, the executive officer of the battalion. "He consistently demonstrates solid leadership qualities and professionalism usually seen in more senior noncommissioned officers and petty officers. He is dependable, mature and shows exceptional initiative by volunteering for every Headquarters Battalion event possible. Robart is a dedicated sailor who brings great credit upon himself, the United States Navy/Marine Corps team and 3rd Marine Division."
Even with the many accolades, Robart remains humble about his accomplishments.
"I don't feel any different having won the award," he said. "I'm happy my recognition went as far as it did, but I don't plan on doing anything differently. I'm just going to keep chugging along and doing what I can for my chaplain and battalion."
Ellie
One of the Navy's religious program specialists of the year - an RP with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division - is set on changing people's perceptions. So far, he's on track.
Lance Cpl. Ryan Wicks
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (January 18, 2008) -- His job is to help chaplains create spiritual programs for sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and their families.
Sound like the description of a warrior?
Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Robart, a religious program specialist with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division seems set to change what people think of his job.
"I don't want to be the 'sailor' on the battlefield," he said. "I want my chaplains and Marines to be able to count on me to help them and not think of me as a hazard or hindrance when lives are at stake."
In order to keep up with the Marines around him, Robart inserts himself into anything that increases his combat proficiency.
He is the first religious program specialist to receive his wings from the U.S. Army Airborne School, and he has used his training with Marines to become Fleet Marine Force certified, which requires extensive studying and specialization in Marine Corps common skills.
Robart is also quite aware that in battle he may need to operate a variety a weapons in order to complete the mission. His leaders are taking note of his efforts both as an RP and a warrior.
On Dec. 14, Robart was named the Chief of Navy Chaplains Religious Program Specialist of the Year for fiscal 2007, Junior Sea.
He is a fourth award rifle expert and a pistol expert. He has been trained to operate the M-2 .50 caliber machine gun, M-240G medium machine gun, M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon and the MK-19 40mm machine gun. He is also proficient with the AT-4 rocket launcher, M-203 40mm grenade launcher, M-1014 shotgun, claymore mines and makeshift mines.
In addition to weapons training, Robart also trains for hand-to-hand combat. He is currently green belt certified in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.
Despite his hectic military schedule, Robart finds time to give back to the community by donating his time to extracurricular activities that benefit not only himself but those around him.
"I've been conducting English speaking classes with the battalion for Japanese locals," he said. "I've also gone to schools throughout Nago to help kids ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade learn English."
In addition to the English classes Robart is the instructor, sponsor, mentor and acting secretary on the executive board of the Okinawa Super Bikers motorcycle club.
He also participated in the Reserve Military Police Program. He completed 36.5 hours of training in addition to his regular duties to successfully complete the Pre-Service Academy at Camp Foster in January 2007.
In addition to his most recent award, he's received two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist Pin and the Airborne Training Parachutist Badge.
"It has been my absolute pleasure to have RP2 Robart in 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion," said Maj. Brian M. Howlett, the executive officer of the battalion. "He consistently demonstrates solid leadership qualities and professionalism usually seen in more senior noncommissioned officers and petty officers. He is dependable, mature and shows exceptional initiative by volunteering for every Headquarters Battalion event possible. Robart is a dedicated sailor who brings great credit upon himself, the United States Navy/Marine Corps team and 3rd Marine Division."
Even with the many accolades, Robart remains humble about his accomplishments.
"I don't feel any different having won the award," he said. "I'm happy my recognition went as far as it did, but I don't plan on doing anything differently. I'm just going to keep chugging along and doing what I can for my chaplain and battalion."
Ellie