19 April 1996

NSCC ACTION LETTER 5-96

1. Purpose: To cancel reference (a) and issue new weight standards for enrollment and appointment as an officer in the Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

2. Background: References (a) and (b) established height and weight standards for NSCC officers and addressed the need for presenting a sharp, neat, military appearance. Officers were required to conform to the same height/weight standards that applied to the U.S. Navy.

3. Discussion: NSCC officers, midshipmen and enrolled instructors have been granted the privilege of wearing the naval officers' uniform, appropriately modified by NSCC insignia, in recognition of their role in furthering the goals of the U.S. Navy in training American youth. It is incumbent upon each to wear the uniform with pride and dignity, presenting a sharp, neat military appearance, reflecting credit upon the Naval Sea Cadet Corps and the Navy at all times. A key element in this regard is weight control. For this reason, among others, NSCC has established weight standards for officers, midshipmen and uniformed instructors similar to those established by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.

While paralleling Navy and Coast Guard standards, NSCC weight criteria are less stringent. This accommodates the fact that NSCC adult leaders are volunteers from all walks of life, ranging in age from 21 to well over 55 years old. These volunteers, as a group, may not, nor are they expected to, meet the rigid medical and physical requirements prescribed for active duty and reserve personnel. NSCC weight standards will, however, accommodate the vast majority of adult leaders while maintaining desired standards of military appearance.

It would be Counterproductive to not provide for those exceptionally well qualified individuals unable to meet NSCC weight standards but who are making, or can make, meaningful contributions to attainment of program training goals. Witthout a provision to accommodate these volunteers, there would be a significant decrease in the number of adult leaders available to instruct cadets and manage the program, a factor that would adversely affect the quality of training and administration provided to the Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Accordingly, a provision for waiver of standards is included in the governing criteria.

4. Action: The following action is directed to conform with current NSCC policy regarding weight standards for NSCC officers, midshipmen and uniformed instructors.

1. Enclosure (1) lists established weight standards for NSCC officers, midshipmen and uniformed instructors.

2. Individuals requesting an officer, midshipman, or uniformed Instructor appointment in the Naval Sea Cadet Corps must meet weight standards in enclosure(l) and present a sharp, neat military appearance.

3. Individuals requesting an officer, midshipman, or uniformed instructor appointment who are unable to meet NSCC weight standards may be enrolled as a non-uniformed instructor.

4. A sharp, neat military appearance will be a factor considered by future promotion boards. Service records must have a current full length photo or one must be submitted with the promotion recommendation.

5. Commanding Officers who currently do not meet NSCC weight standards and who are performing satisfactorily, will be retained. Any other officer unable to meet weight standards will require a waiver before being considered for assignment to command. Waivers will be submitted via the chain of command with an endorsement by the sponsoring organization if applicable.

6. Regional Directors and unit Commanding Officers are responsible for recommending officers, midshipmen and instructors under their command, or requesting initial appointment or assignment to their command, for waiver of standards in enclosure (1). Waiver requests will include a full length side view photograph and a written statement detailing performance, contributions to the program and future potential of the person for whom the waiver is requested. Endorsements will comment on these factors. All requests will be submitted to the NSCC Executive Director.

5. Cancellation: This Action Letter is effective immediately and remains in effect until incorporated into the NSCC Regulations Manual.

A. J. Kreiser

Distribution:
NSCC/NLCC Unit Commanding Officers
NSCC Regional/Associate Regional Directors
NSCC Headquarters Representatives
NSCC Board of Directors

Copy to:
NSCC National Chairman
NSCC National President