30 September 1997

NSCC ACTION LETTER 10-97

1. Purpose. To announce the results of the NSCC officer uniform study and provide guidance to units of the follow on action required.

2. Background. Reference (a) advised that the Commander, Navy Recruiting Command was concerned about the standards of appearance of NSCC officers. On several of her visits to the field, she noticed that several NSCC officers did not meet standards. As a result of this, she requested that action be taken to correct the situation. NHQ personnel met with the Deputy, Navy Recruiting Command and members of the staff. They were advised of actions in progress to correct the overall image of the NSCC officer. The Deputy was briefed that the NSCC has a weight control program in effect and greater emphasis would be placed on meeting all standards. In addition to briefing Navy Recruiting Command, a uniform Study group was formed to review possible alternative NSCC officer uniforms. This group was to report their findings and recommendations to the Regional Directors at their meeting in San Diego in September.

3. Discussion. As a follow up to the Regional Directors' Conference, NHQ held additional discussions with Navy Recruiting Command concerning possible changes to the NSCC officer uniform. Discussions centered on the original guidance received at previous meetings with the Recruiting Command concerning standards of appearance for NSCC officers, NSCC officer uniform changes, and other policies impacting on the NSCC. The meeting was most beneficial and has resulted in the following:

• All NSCC officer uniforms, as prescribed in the present NSCC/NLCC Uniform Regulations, will continue to be authorized. However, some minor adjustments to present flashings may be made. This will be considered at a later date.

• No modifications may be made to the NSCC/NLCC Uniform Regulations. If a uniform or uniform article is not authorized in the NSCC Uniform Regulations, it is not authorized. There is no room for interpretation on this. Because it is an authorized Navy uniform does not mean it is authorized for the NSCC. The sole exception, until we can get a change out, is summer whites, which are authorized as an additional optional uniform for NLCC cadets as long as the entire unit is uniformly dressed.

• Height and weight standards, as promulgated in NSCC Regulations, are to be strictly enforced. These standards are less stringent than current Navy requirements and meet USCG standards. Personnel not meeting these standards will wear the alternate civilian attire described in Change #2 to Uniform Regulations, until such time as they meet prescribed standards. Since we have already had a transition period of several years' duration, there is no further grandfathering of personnel not meeting standards.

• Personnel who wear the alternate civilian attire will be considered for promotion to every rank/position within the NSCC Program. They are leaders and managers who contribute and perform on an equal basis with other personnel in the program. They, like all our leaders, contribute to the development of today's youth and tomorrow's leaders. We cannot succeed without all our present leaders.

4. Action. Unit Commanding officers and Regional Directors will take action and ensure full compliance with the above uniform policy and standards of appearance. Implementation of standards of appearance includes not only weight but personal grooming standards, and the meeting of proper uniform requirements as well. We need to continue to develop and maintain self standards that our cadets and supporters expect of us. It is important for each of us to improve on our professionalism and to maintain the high standards expected of us by the Sea Services. Unit commanding officers shall give this action letter wide dissemination.

5. Cancellation. This letter is canceled when the above policies have been incorporated into regulations.

M. D. FORD

Copy to:
National Chairman/National President
Regional/Associate Regional Directors
NSCC/NLCC Commanding Officer
NSCC Headquarters Representative