26 March 1998

NSCC ACTION LETTER 5-98

1. Backround. NSCC Cadets traditionally engage in a wide variety of activities under the banner of NSCC training and/or authorized events, all designed to meet the goals and objectives of the NSCC program as established ref (a). Ref (b) sets the parameters for those activities which include in addition to Naval, general military, and Sea Service orientation and training, other activities such as community support, public event participation, civic activities, field trips and athletics. These are in addition to correspondence course study and the more traditional classroom instruction, and serve only to highlight the wide variety of training opportunities available for pursuit. This training approach extends beyond stated goals and objectives to ensure enhanced advancement opportunity and to provide cadets the opportunity to have what is intentionally referred to in ref (a) as, "some serious fun". A lively, viable, interesting training schedule having extensive variety, with physical fitness interspersed throughout, and multiple opportunities to do things beyond the scope of the normal everyday activities of cadet peer groups is strongly endorsed. As well, unit training schedules so constructed greatly enhance recruiting, retention, improve cadet opportunities for growth, and greatly enhance attainment of program goals and objectives.

2. Discussion.

1. Instances have occurred where ambition, outstanding initiative, and good intentions have taken cadets and units beyond the scope of program parameters and placed them in circumstances where their safety and well being may have been jeopardized. These instances are generally not scheduled and appear responsive in nature where cadets and units assist local and/or other organizations in providing emergency response to local events. While units and cadets are applauded for their sacrifice, dedication, and contributions, the very nature of their participation or response challenges NSCC insurance coverage in that it is reactionary rather than pre-scheduled and not formally promulgated in advance to unit membership at large. It also represents activity, although admirable, that falls outside of NSCC goals and potentially violates the parental trust assumed by and expected of the NSCC in guaranteeing the safety, health, and well being of each and every cadet.

2. The NSCC training approach purposely affords units the opportunity for participation in many events which last five days or longer. Evidence continues to present itself that training evolutions 5 days or longer for which NSC-24Cs have been locally generated are not being forwarded to NSCC HQ as required ref (c). The reason these NSC-24Cs are to be sent to Headquarters is to complement NHQ efforts to document all the outstanding training being afforded NSCC youth. This record of training represents to supporting organizations your outstanding work and serves as the basis for continuing support of the NSCC. As a non-profit organization, the NSCC continues to rely upon its ability to demonstrate among supporting organizations the contributions being made to our Nations youth. Submission of NSC-24C inputs for all training 5 days or longer is critical to this effort.

3. Action: Unit Commanding Officers will:

1. Closely scrutinize and deter NSCC Unit involvement in activities of an unscheduled, responsive nature such as emergency response to extremes of weather, natural disaster, catastrophic events or other circumstances which may hazard or appear to hazard the health, safety, and general well being of any cadet. Consider in your decision making that insurance may not cover participation in unscheduled events and also consider whether or not the activity falls within the parameters of ref (b). Because all circumstances which might lead to this type of participation cannot be predicted, it is incumbent upon Unit COs to exercise the best of judgement to ensure that cadet participation and all participation consequences reflect positively upon the NSCC and do not violate the parental trust placed upon the NSCC for safe guarding their children and not jeopardizing in any way their health, safety and well being. Unit CO's must also ensure the parameters of training intended per ref (b) are not broached.

   1. The merit of individual participation is recognized and remains a decision of the individual and the parents. That participation, however, falls outside of the domain of the NSCC and cannot be endorsed, advertised or recognized as an authorized NSCC activity.

   2. As well, any inherently dangerous training, even if scheduled well in advance, that prepares cadets to engage in emergency response activities as part of formal rescue teams or similarly prepares them to be members of emergency reaction teams outside of NSCC program intent, goals, and objectives, is not authorized.

2. Review unit policies for submitting NSC-24Cs and ensure submission of NSC-24Cs for all training 5 days or longer. NSCC HQ will record all submissions by unit and will on 01 OCTOBER of each year tabulate for each, its record of NSC-24C submissions. Records will reflect submission totals for the preceding 12 months. Copies of this report will be provided to units during the fourth quarter of the calendar year for use during inspections conducted the following calendar year first quarter. Inspection credit will be based on this report.

4. Cancellation. This action letter will remain in effect until incorporated into the Advancement and Training Manual.

M. D. FORD

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