19 March 1999

NSCC ACTION LETTER 4-99

1. Purpose. To notify all units of the discontinuance of the E-1 Stripe.

2. Background. The E-1 stripe was used in the past to identify new recruits. Continued use of this designation is not desired in the NSCC for a variety of reasons.

3. Discussion. Most NSCC units have discontinued use of the E-1 stripe. There are however, some units which have continued using the designator. In order to eliminate any further confusion on the issue, use of the E-1 stripe is no longer authorized. This decision is based on the following rationale.

1. Unnecessary expense. Outfitting the minimum seabag of uniforms with the stripe would result in an additional expense of approximately $3.60 per Cadet.
   
   
2. Not consistent with USN/USCG insignia policy Navy and Coast Guard recruits haven't worn SR/E1 stripes in more than 25 years. "Slick sleeve" is the indicator of a recruit who has not yet "earned" a stripe.
   
   
3. Inconsistent compliance and enforcement. Only a small percentage of units follow the regulation, for the reasons stated above. The regulation is rarely enforced during annual inspection or Regional Competitions ("Flagship",ORI, etc.).
   
   
4. Requirement to remove during Recruit Training. For those few units who do enforce the regulation and have their recruits wear a single chevron, they are required to have their Cadets remove the stripe prior to attending recruit training.

4. Action. Effective 1 June 1999, the E-1 stripe is no longer authorized.

5. Cancellation. This notice is cancelled when incorporated into the next revision to appropriate manuals.

M. D. FORD

Copy to:
National Chairman/President
NSCC Headquarters Representatives
Regional/Associate Regional Directors
NSCC/NLCC Unit Commanding Officers