 11 March 1998
NSCC ACTION LETTER 4-98
Cancellation: Ref (a) is cancelled. This
action letter constitutes the revised NSCC Cadet physical training policy and establishes
new requirements. It is effective upon receipt.
1. Background. Ref (b) establishes as
first among the four basic objectives of the NSCC to imbue a sense of patriotism, courage,
self-reliance and confidence in Cadets. Physical fitness is confirmed in the Surgeon Generals Report
on Physical Activity and Health (Physical Activity and Fitness Research Digest, Series 2,
No. 6 July 1996) as beneficial in preventing disease and contributing to a higher
quality physical and mental life. It is provided as encl (1). Regular physical activity
and fitness supports the first basic objective of the NSCC. As well, school officials
nationwide have recognized the importance and benefits of physical fitness and many have
adopted "The Presidents' Challenge", also at encl (1), as their vehicle of
promoting among adolescents a higher quality of life through physical fitness.
2. Discussion.
A regular program of physical fitness within NSCC
supports the objectives of the NSCC program, compliments physical fitness programs in
place in many of our schools under the title "The Presidents Challenge" and
supports recommendations in the Surgeon Generals Report
on Physical Activity and Health. Accordingly, physical fitness activities as a regular
part of NSCC training will continue to be emphasized, and will continue to be included in
ref (c). Athletics are to be a part of the regular overall training schedule and CO's will
schedule physical fitness programs in unit training.
Physical fitness training has proven to be essential
to ensuring cadets are able to meet the rigors of recruit and other summer training. The
action paragraph below establishes the revised physical fitness program requirements for
the NSCC. This program borrows heavily from encl (1), "The Presidents
Challenge", which is provided in its entirety for information and also for use, as
appropriate, in administering NSCC physical fitness programs. At encl (2) is the cadet
exercise chart (NSC-26), It remains unchanged. At encl (3) are the revised standards for
the NSCC program.
The minimum standards reflected encl (3) should be
recognized as below those of the 50th percentile presented in encl (1) as necessary for
that programs National Physical
Fitness Award. That means that cadets are required to only meet a standard that is
less arduous than that currently being met by at least half of all middle and high school
youth their age. The revised standards at encl (3) are to be acknowledged as minimums
for program participation and should be presented as such. While this is what you
"have to do" it is highly encouraged that unit and individual cadet goals for
physical fitness be established so that each cadet is challenged to became as physically
fit as he or she can be. The education, training and practice of unit physical fitness
programs should he based on the over-riding objective of the NSCC, improved lifestyle and
mental health through fitness as presented by the Surgeon General and Presidents'
Challenge, and common good sense!
3. ACTION. Unit Commanding Officers will:
First, review ref (d) and (e). Understand and include
in unit training what a physical fitness program is and what it isn't. Reinforce that
physical fitness training never to be used as a hazing, harassment, or punitive tactic or
measure. It is not motivational training. The Navy's core values of Honor, Courage and
Commitment, along with every seniors' responsibility to ensure the health and well being
of all juniors under his or her charge, dictate that any violation of these standards
constitute grounds for immediate dismissal from the NSCC. Schedule training to explain
encl (1) and emphasize long term mental and health benefits. Explain the recognition and
awards available through school participation. Explain the leadership responsibility
inherent per refs (d) and (e) to guarantee physical fitness program implementation and
administration which clearly emphasizes only positive aspects. The leadership challenge
here is to instill in cadets not only the desire to do it, but also the desire to do it on
their own and to want to do it better!
Review revised requirements encl (3) and incorporate
exercises into unit programs. Use encl (1) to compliment your program. Record results
using encl (2). Continue to include in unit training regular athletic activity and
physical fitness training per ref (c). Conduct physical fitness training at least monthly,
Encourage cadets to participate in sports, athletic events, and daily physical fitness
exercises. In the conduct of unit physical fitness training, ensure no one involved with
training cadets forces any cadet to perform excessive/strenuous physical exercise which
might cause exhaustion, injury or result in life threatening situations.
Review ref (f) NSCC Action Letter 3-98.
Ensure subject change has been incorporated into
appropriate references as directed. Re-emphasize that in order to attend recruit training,
cadets must have successfully passed the physical readiness test.
Explain and incorporate into training the policy
established with regard to physical fitness pre-testing at RTCs and policy with regard to
RTC participation, graduation, and crediting for those cadets not meeting minimum
standards when tested at the beginning of their recruit training. The requirement to
pass the physical readiness test before going to RTC and to be physically fit during RTC
remains unchanged. This new policy only recognizes those few instances where
irregularities in the conduct of PRT testing at the unit level occur and a cadet arrives
at RTC unprepared to meet the physical rigors of RTC. This pretest serves to identify him
or her and ensure program adjustment to preclude injury for that cadet. He a she will be
allowed to stay and participate, but will not receive advancement credit until PRT minimum
standards are met. Ensure all cadets preparing for RTC are advised of this policy upon
enrollment, during training prior to, and immediately before departing for recruit
training. Make sure they know what to expect.
Reinforce the over-riding goal of improved physical
fitness for all and reduced injury during RTC.
Policy and guidance for adult NSCC members remains as
directed in refs (g) and (h).
4. This action letter remains in effect until
incorporated into the Advancement and Training Manual.
M.D. FORD
Distribution:
NSCC/NLCC Unit Commanding Officers
NSCC Regional/Associate Directors
NSCC Headquarters Representatives
NSCC National Chairman and National President |