12 February 1998

NSCC ACTION LETTER 3-98

1. Purpose: This letter is being distributed in order to provide information to Sea Cadet leaders concerning recent policy changes that will impact USNSCC summer training. Appropriate dissemination of the contents will help to ensure proper planning and scheduling for another successful summer.

2. Discussion:

1. Minutes of the 20-21 September 1997 Regional Director's Conference ((reference (a)) were published on 22 October 1997 (limited distribution). In addition to many other items, decisions were made as to age for attendance at Sea Cadet Recruit Training Camp (RTC) as well as a minimum "enrollment" time requirement prior to attendance at either Sea Cadet or League Cadet recruit training. Although a date of 15 March was determined to be the "cut-off-date" for Recruit Training Camp attendance, enrollment statistics maintained at NHQ show that the months of March through June are the four highest enrollment months of the entire year. This information, when combined with the fact that good summer training benefits the cadets and leads to improved retention in the Program, has resulted in the need to change the policy decision made last September. The latest age and enrollment date requirements, for summer 1998, are shown in the Action paragraph below.

2. There are some understandable "differences of opinion" in E-2 (T) advancement for NLCC cadets who transfer to the NSCC ((Chapter Three B.4 of reference (b)), as a result of the words "may enroll" (seventh line in paragraph 4 on page III-2). In order to properly recognize the value of league Cadet training and development, "may enroll" is to be replaced with the words "shall be enrolled". All changes to be made are shown in the Action paragraph below.

3. Too many Commanding Officers have been submitting training requests for cadets who have not passed the required Physical Fitness Test. This is not "healthy" for Program youth and has resulted in additional injuries and medical claims, as well as cadets being sent home prior to the completion of training. Information provided in reference (c) is somewhat dated, and a new Action Letter on the NSCC Physical Fitness Program is expected to be distributed by/before 1 April. In the interim, in an attempt to provide Commanding Officers with a little more advance information, the policy outlined in the Action paragraph below will be in effect for all RTCs this summer.

4. Reference (d) describes the required NSCC physical examination as "similar to a sports physical". As a result, urinalysis and hemoglobin (blood) tests are no longer required as part of the physical examination as recorded on reference (e), except for the few exceptions addressed in paragraph 2.a of reference (d). Since many Medical Examiners (understandably) are reluctant to sign the NSC-5B without the urinalysis and blood test results, this form has been revised and is included as enclosure (1).

3. Action:

1. 1. Effective immediately, new enrollees will not be permitted to attend training at a Sea Cadet Recruit Training Camp unless:

   • they will be 14 Prior to 1 September 1998 (for '98 summer training).
     

   • they are former League Cadets who are 13, have successfully completed League Cadet Orientation Training scheduled by NSCC NHQ, and are considered "mature" enough by their CO to be accepted into the Sea Cadet Training Program. (This appropriately recognizes prior League Cadet training and experience.)

   2. Effective immediately, no Sea Cadet or League Cadet can attend Recruit or Orientation Training unless he/she has been properly enrolled by NHQ at least six (6) weeks prior to the scheduled training. Unit Commanding Officers must ensure that each newly enrolled cadet clearly understands what to expect at either Recruit or Orientation Training.

   3. Under Recruit Training, paragraph B. 1 on page IV-1 of Chapter Four of reference (b), add item B. 1 (d) to read: Be 14 years of age prior to 1 September of the calendar year attending summer training (or by commencement of the training camp if conducted during the winter Christmas Holidays), unless a "former" League Cadet who is 13 years of age, has successfully completed League Cadet Orientation Training scheduled by NSCC NHQ, and is considered "mature" enough by his/her CO to be accepted into the Sea Cadet Training Program.

2. 1. Change Chapter Three of reference (b), paragraph B.4 (starting at the seventh line on page III-2), to read: NLCC cadets who transfer to the NSCC, shall be enrolled as E-2 (T) provided they have a minimum of one year in the NLCC, there is no break in service between the NLCC and NSCC, they successfully completed an NLCC Orientation Camp scheduled by NHQ, and they have been promoted to at least Able Cadet (completed Part I and II of the NLCC Training Syllabus). The E-2 stripe is not to be worn during NSCC Recruit Training (Boot Camp). (The NOTE: at the end of paragraph B.4 is still correct as written.)

3. 1. Effective immediately, the following policy will apply to successful completion and eligibility for promotion at all USNSCC Recruit Training Camps.

   • A PFT "pre-test" should be held on the first full day at each recruit training site to determine who is qualified to perform regular physical training.
     

   • Cadets passing the "pre-test" should not have to take it again to graduate, and can receive normal physical training during the RTC period.
     

   • Cadets NOT passing the PFT "pre-test" will be provided separate fitness training. This will be provided to improve their fitness while also more closely monitoring them for possible injuries. They will be tested again prior to graduation and, if they do not pass:
     

     • They will be allowed to participate in graduation exercises, but will not be given credit for completing recruit training.
       

     • They will not be promoted until they successfully pass the PFT, and then only under the following conditions:
       

       • They successfully completed all RTC requirements with the exception of the PFT.
         

       • A "complete" PFT is conducted (can be accomplished at the unit) and an appropriate entry is made in the cadet's service record.
         

       • No follow on PFT (for promotion purposes) can be given, nor actual promotion made, any sooner than one month after the end of the RTC attended.
         

       • Minimum "Time in Rate" for the next advancement will not be "back dated", but will start upon PFT completion and actual promotion.

         In "fairness" to all, NO waivers will be given.

   Guidance will be provided to COTCs so they can again properly advise recruits who fail the "pre-test" that passing the PFT is a requirement. This will provide the cadets an opportunity to make a decision, at that time, as to whether they want to "stay or go".

   2. Under NSCC ADVANCEMENT REQUIREMENT, paragraph B on page III-1 of Chapter Three of reference (b), add the following to the words NSCC RECRUIT in the matrix block under REQUIRED TRAINING (TWT) for E-2 APPRENTICE: "plus successful completion of the PFT".

4. Use NSCC Form NSC-5B (Rev 2-98) for all future physical examinations. Destroy all forms in stock that are labeled NSCC Form NSC-5B (Rev 3/15/88).

5. List the changes shown in paragraphs 3.A.3, 3.B.1, and 3.C.2 above as Change #2 on the Record of Changes page in reference (b). (The most recent edition of reference (b) was published in the spring of 1997, and lists the NSCC ESCORT OFFICER HANDBOOK and the SHIPBOARD ORIENTATION GUIDE as REFERENCES on the bottom of the TABLE OF CONTENTS.) Write in the words April 1997 on both the cover and on the Record of Changes page on reference (a).

Cancellation: This Action Letter remains in effect until completion of the above actions, and for record purposes until 1 October 1998.

M. D. FORD

Distribution:
NSCC/NLCC Unit Commanding Officers
NSCC Regional/Associate Regional Directors
NSCC Headquarters Representatives
NSCC National Chairman and National President