13 January 1995

NSCC Information Letter 4-95

1. Early in 1994 several NSCC training evolutions were declared high-risk training by the Chief of Naval Education and Training (CNET). These training evolutions were determined to be high risk training because of the possibility of injury or even death that could result from the training evolution. Because the training was classified as high-risk, CNET recommended to Navy Recruiting Command that certain training not be authorized for the NSCC.

2. Over the past year NSCC NHQ has been working with Navy Recruiting Command to restore most of the training that was not authorized for NSCC. Reference (a), which is not held by field commands, is the latest in a series of letters between Navy Recruiting Command and CNET. It recommends certain actions by various commands which will result in reinstatement of SEAL and Special Boat Unit (SBU) Training. Based on this, we are hopeful that SEAL and SBU training will be available for Summer 1995. NSCC NHQ will keep all concerned advised as to the availability of SEAL and SBU training for the coming summer.

3. In addition to SEAL and SBU training that has been lost, there are some Navy activities that have ceased training of youth organizations in damage control and fire fighting techniques. This is a result also of guidance from CNET to various Navy training activities. Some of our NSCC units have been impacted by this loss of training. Navy Recruiting Command is also working on restoring this training for us. We anticipate that this situation will be resolved shortly.

4. While NSCC NHQ is working with Navy Recruiting Command to restore lost training, there are some training evolutions that we have been requested not to hold. We have agreed to this request and the following training evolutions should not be scheduled.

1. Marksmanship training (involving live weapons firing) conducted aboard NAVY ACTIVITIES.
2. Repelling exercises from high heights (12 feet or more)
3. Strenuous obstacle courses which would fully tax an individual cadet who is not in good shape. Use of obstacle courses is acceptable, but common sense must prevail and we need to insure that good judgment is used in exercising cadets in this type evolution.
4. Long distance swimming. Swimming is authorized and recommended, but again good judgment is required to insure that cadets are not overly taxed or placed in a physical training evolution that is beyond what they are capable of doing.

5. When conducting physically demanding training evolutions or exercises, it is important to remember that a cadet should be allowed to cease participation upon his/her request. The cadet should be allowed to drop on his/her request without being harassed. This is a built in safety factor which not only protects the participating cadet from injury, but also the instructor and NSCC from a potential lawsuit. Also when conducting physically demanding training, there should be a medically trained person standing by to assist should the need arise.

6. Much initiative and great training is taking place at field activities. We wish all commands taking the initiative to create interesting and meaningful training, to continue to do so, We do not want to dampen your enthusiasm. Use your common sense and good judgment in ensuring safety is paramount in all your activities. With proper planning and attention to details you will minimize injuries to your cadets and provide them with a great training program. Keep up the good work.

A. J. KREISER Executive Director

Distribution:
NSCC Unit Commanding Officers
Regional Directors
NSCC Headquarters Representatives

Copy to:
National Chairman