27 February 2004

NSCC INFORMATION LETTER 4-04

1. This is the NSCC information letter announcing 2004 NSCC/NLCC summer training opportunities. It is promulgated IAW ref (a). Submit applications for summer training in accordance with the guidance provided in this letter.

THE TWO BIG BIGGEST CHANGES FOR THIS YEAR ARE:

  • FIRST. The general training deposit is $80 for 2 week training, and $40 for 1 week training evolutions.
  • SECOND. For adult escorts, there is a mileage allowance to offset out of pocket expenses for travel to and from training sites. It's not much, but is 15 cents a mile with a cap of 800 miles per training evolution supported. COTC's control and administer this allowance program, see encl (4).

Still in effect from last year:

  • For cadets performing more than one training over the summer, the second and subsequent training deposit (third, fourth, fifth, etc., what ever it might be) will be a flat $180 each for any two week or longer evolution, and a flat $90 each for any one week evolution; evolutions as listed in the summer training schedule, encl (3). Unit CO's are responsible for monitoring cadet performance of TWT and ensuring the correct deposit is sent to the COTC.

Examples:

  • Cadet does one week POLA, pays $40…wants to do a second 2 week TWT training, pays $180.
  • Cadet does 2 week RT or TWT, pays $80… wants to do a second 2 week TWT training, pays $180.
  • Cadet does 2 week RT or TWT, pays $80…wants to do 2 additional 2 week TWT's, pays $180 each…..and if he or she wants to add an end summer POLA, pays the $90.

Just some examples to help all understand. It's structured so that every cadet gets one training evolution at the $40 or $80 deposit cost and can advance, anything beyond that is at the higher rate for all summer training in the 2004 summer training schedule having a training code assigned.

(NOTE: WE KNOW THE DIFFICULTY EVERYONE HAS IN GETTING ENOUGH ESCORTS…..SO WE TRY AND DO THINGS TO ENCOURAGE ADULTS TO BE ESCORTS…..ACCORDINGLY, CADETS WHO ARE DOING THEIR SECOND, THIRD, ETC TRAINING AND WHO HAVE AT THAT TRAINING A PARENT OR GUARDIAN AS AN ESCORT, THESE CADETS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE HIGHER DEPOSIT COST. THEY JUST PAY THE REGULAR DEPOSIT OF $80, OR $40 WHEN A PARENT OR GUARDIAN ACCOMPANIES AS AN ESCORT. COTC'S TO MANAGE THIS. ANY OTHER UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES/PROBLEMS WITH THIS POLICY ARE TO BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE FIELD REPRESENTATIVE, WHO WILL EITHER RESOLVE OR PASS TO NHQ FOR RESOLUTION.

  • For those training evolutions that are particularly expensive and far exceed the average cadet cost per cadet for training (we only have a few each year, sometimes SCUBA or special training off base will fall into this category) the deposit may be higher to offset the cost to the NSCC but still allow the training to happen. Double check the deposit fee listed in encl (3). This is where it will be listed.

While NSCC NHQ always regrets having to raise prices by adjustments to cadet deposits, all are necessary to cover each year's increasing costs, maximize opportunity for all cadets, keep it as fair as possible for the most number of cadets and to preclude last minute cancellations because of fiscal shortages. All are reminded that while our federal grant is a $1.5M grant the costs of our entire training program far exceed the $1.5M granted.

  • And also remember that cadets who do not pass the PRT at RT do not get credit for RT. THEY HAVE TO REPEAT RT TO GET CREDIT FOR RT!!!!!!! They can no longer return to the unit for sign off and crediting at a later date by their unit CO. NSCC Action Letter 9-02; para 1.k. refers. It says:

CADETS MUST PASS THE PT TEST AT RT IN ORDER TO RECEIVE RT CREDIT. FAILURE TO PASS THE PT TEST MEANS THAT THE CADET HAS TO ENTIRELY REPEAT RT. UNIT CO's ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR APPROVING REQUESTS FOR TRAINING FOR ONLY THOSE CADETS WHO CAN PASS THE PT TEST. The NSCC endorses good health and physical fitness of all cadets. NSCC Action Letter 4-98 explains in detail the merits of physical fitness and how the NSCC program borrows heavily from "The President's Challenge". The long standing requirement to pass the physical readiness test before going to RTC and to be physically fit during RTC was not changed with NSCC Action Letter 4-98 and is not changed now. It should be noted that NSCC standards remains below those of the 50th percentile of the President's Challenge, and that cadets are only required to meet a standard that is less arduous than that currently being met by at least half of all middle and high school youth of their age. What this change does is remove Unit CO authority to award RT credit to cadets at the unit level after having failed to pass the PT test at RT. This change reinforces Unit CO responsibility to approve training requests only for those cadets who pass the NSCC PT test and stay fit, and requires cadets who might fail the test at RT, to repeat RT until he or she passes the test and receives credit. Cadets can advance in the NSCC and participate in other trainings only with RT credit. This change remains effective for 2004 as it was in the 2003 summer training cycle.

ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER FOR SUMMER 2004 IS THAT MOST TRAINING IS SCHEDULED ONBOARD OUR NATIONAL MILITARY SERVICE COMPONENT BASES AND STATIONS. AND AS ALL OF YOU ARE MORE THAN WELL AWARE THE INTERNATIONAL SITUATION CAN CHANGE AT A MOMENT'S NOTICE AND SO CAN SECURITY REGULATIONS AFFECTING NSCC ACCESS TO BASES AND STATIONS. AVAILABILITY OF BERTHING CAN ALSO CHANGE VERY QUICKLY. ALL TRAINING EVOLUTIONS ARE SUBJECT TO LAST MINUTE CANCELLATION AND ALL NEED TO PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

AND BE REMINDED:

The NSCC Summer Training Schedule Information Letter 4-04 (this letter) is posted on the NSCC WEB Site at resources.seacadets.org . At this site is the ORIGINAL information letter itself with all the enclosures. Enclosure (3) is the training schedule as originally written as of the date of this letter. Understand that it is accurate only at the time it gets posted, and remains accurate only until someone phones in another change. Most of the time it is NOT up to date! In fact, encl (3) is probably already out of date as you read this right now!

HOWEVER, change information as received gets immediately posted under:

"CURRENT UPDATED SCHEDULE" RIGHT NEXT TO INFO LETTER 04-04 SUMMER TRAINING SCHEDULE.

THIS IS WHERE YOU SHOULD GO TO FILL OUT YOUR APPLICATION.

Phone numbers change, COTC's change, addresses where to send applications change, etc. etc. It happens everyday. Some trainings even get cancelled. At National Headquarters we take these daily changes and post them as they occur to resources.seacadets.org as described above. THIS IS WHERE YOU NEED TO GO FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.

Once again, here's how it works for you:

Changes will be promulgated on the Internet as described above. We will also compliment important/critical changes with 1 MC postings when appropriate. Further hard copy changes/updates will be promulgated only as need dictates.

ALSO BE REMINDED: ID cards must be current through the end of training. So pull out your ID and look at it now! If your ID card is expiring between now and the last day of your desired training, re-new it first thing, then put in your request for training. We will not cut orders for anyone whose record does not show that his or her ID will be current through the end of training….It's an insurance thing and there is no other way!

  • General Training Guidelines are at encl (1). Guidelines are arranged in sections by general topic or type training for your quick reference. This section includes procedures for submitting for 2004 summer training. This summer, the NSCTNG 001 (cadet), 002 (officer) goes to the COTC with a $80.00 deposit/quota reservation fee unless otherwise directed in encl (3). The COTC address where you send it has been included in the summer training schedule at encl (3). All hands must review this section in its' entirety, and pay particular attention to those sections relevant to their training.

  • Coast Guard Training opportunities are at encl (2). Specific guidelines for arranging this training are as provided.

  • The traditional NSCC/NLCC training schedule for 2004 is at encl (3). As additions, deletions, changes occur they will be immediately posted to the NSCC web site, and subsequently incorporated into change updates to this letter, as need dictates.

  • Federal Funding has been approved in support of NLCC/NSCC Summer Training in enclosures (2) and (3). Generally, cadet cost will be only $80 for TWT or $40 for Orientation (and other one week) plus transportation to and from the training site.

There is no cost to escorts except cost of transportation to and from the training site that is in excess of this year's travel allowance cap (15 cents a mile up to 800 miles per evolution).

Funding is also approved for additional USCG training not contained in enclosure (2) and for local training of 4 nights or more, creditable towards TWT for which a NSCTNG 003 or 004 is used.

Forms to be used and general guidelines for applying for funding support are at encl (4). Reproduce forms locally, download from the NSCC WEB site, or call NHQ for additional copies.

  • Cadets applying for multiple summer training opportunities must write across the top of their NSCTNG 001 the training codes of the other TWT's they are also requesting.

2. Training and funding support for training is in three general categories.

  • First, published summer training as contained in enclosure (3) to this schedule. COTC's will use NSCTNG021 to get their funds and cadet costs are prepaid except for the deposit. No additional requirements for Unit CO's except to ensure correct deposit.
  • Second, All Coast Guard training in enclosure (2) to this schedule and all other summer TWT training with the Coast Guard locally arranged and conducted using NSCTNG003/004's. Prior approval is not needed and cadet costs are reimbursable after training. Unit CO's have to submit a NSCTNG 022 (with copy of orders and receipts) to get monies to reimburse cadets. Re-imbursements are always subject to funding availability.
  • Third, local summer training of 4 nights, 5 days continuous conducted using NSCTNG003/004, for which prior approval has been obtained. Unit CO's must get prior approval from NHQ and cadet costs are re-imbursable. Unit CO's have to submit NSCTNG023 to get prior approval, and then submit it again after training to get monies to reimburse cadets.

3. Enclosure (3) provides dates and locations for NSCC Recruit Training, NLCC Orientation, and International Exchange Programs, together with advanced training opportunities which have been scheduled to date. Shipboard training opportunities will be separately promulgated if they become available. It is expected these formal opportunities will be minimal as has been the case in 2001 through 2003. The best way to obtain these opportunities is through local units working closely with locally home ported ships. Units not local to home ported ships must work and coordinate through local Regional Directors. Age guidelines for youth embarking on US Navy Ships is as contained in OPNAVINST 5720.2L CH-1 dtd 6 Aug 02. It says that embarkation of children under age 12 is not recommended. As we receive additional information or additional opportunities, we will update enclosure (3) with changes and include additional guidelines as they might develop. Monitor the internet website for these changes and updates. Unit commanding officers are strongly encouraged to review references (a) and (b), and to comply with the instructions contained therein in preparation for summer training.

4. Every effort is being made to obtain confirmation for those training sites or details listed as "Pending", "TBA" (to be announced), "TBD" (to be determined) or simply left blank. As confirmation/availability is obtained, NHQ will update the website. DO NOT submit Training Authority Requests for TWT's listed as "Pending" or "TBA" or with details left blank. Wait until they are confirmed on the website or via hard copy changes. Updates and/or changes will be posted first on the website.

5. Unit CO's are reminded that following training, COTC's will be directed to submit NSCTNG-012's back to unit CO's with a copy to Regional Directors. Your success in preparing cadets for summer training is being incorporated into future inspections. Your formula for success is to simply follow the instructions and guidelines as promulgated.

6. NON REFUNDABLE AIRLINE FARES AND TRAINING CANCELLATIONS. Unit CO's once again, brief your cadets and parents on this. Please be reminded that non-refundable airline fares are just that! And that includes payment of penalties by NHQ. We strongly encourage everyone to consider carefully the purchase of non-refundable tickets. By far, most of the time, most of the summer training evolutions occur as scheduled in the summer training schedule. But please understand that they are dependent upon escort availability, host site accommodations, and host training site security measures in effect at the time of training. Any training can be cancelled anytime! If escorts become unavailable due to emergency (and we can't find a replacement), or operational commitments suddenly preclude our being able to use host site facilities, training can be cancelled at the last minute. Changes to non-refundable airline tickets incur a penalty that averages about $75 to $100. NSCC National Headquarters cannot reimburse for these penalties, regardless of reason.

7. Please note; we are interested in continuing to expand training opportunities for cadets. Sailing camps in San Diego and Pensacola, as well as additional opportunities to visit and train at the Merchant Marine Academies, or to train in the Navy's Rescue Swimmer program, as well as JAG and EOD/MDSU training, were added in prior years and some appear again this year. Anyone having a suggestion or plan for additional training for cadets is highly encouraged to contact NHQ, Capt Nyland. Criteria is that proposed training must support the goals and objectives of the NLCC/NSCC; goals and objectives as published in our annual report, and be cost effective. Call NHQ Capt Nyland with your ideas.

8. For everyone and for all training, please find at encl (5) the national list of DEA agents who are available to give drug prevention lectures and presentations to your cadets. There is no fee, and these agents are trained, ready and responsible for these presentations. Call them.

9. Some special notes/reminders:

  • Be wary of allowing cadets to travel commercially unaccompanied or unescorted. We had instances in prior summers where commercial air travel arrangements were made for a cadet/cadets without consideration to the fact that the airline chosen would not allow under aged children to travel unescorted by an adult!!!! If parents or units arrange for unaccompanied commercial travel for cadets be sure to ask if the carrier will honor your arrangement.

  • For Local Training and other training not in this schedule. Most bases where we do our training remain very sensitive to visitors, and very focused on their particular base security measures. Where we have regained access it is through good working relationships, trust, and in many cases site unique arrangements between our hosts and their NSCC unit and their officers. Everyone must honor and respect these arrangements, and the way you do it is through advance coordination with the cognizant Regional Director. Para 1 (e) of NSCC Action Letter 6-00 dtd 14 December 2000 refers and it is more important now than ever. Don't go steaming full speed ahead in uncharted waters! If you want to train at a site that is not your normal site, check with the local NSCC personnel (the Regional Director for that area) first. And if he or she advises that it is not wise to go, don't go! This applies to locally arranged training, and any other training not listed in this summer training schedule.

  • Medical information sheet required for adults, NSCC Action Letter 9-02 of 8 November 2002 refers. It reminds us that adults can have medical problems too, and unit CO's and COTC's need to have a place to go to find your record of medications, your unique health situation in case of emergency; a place to go for answers that any emergency room physician is likely to ask. The place to record this information is on the 5A, and the place to put it is in your own record that you bring to TWT and any other trainings. The 5A is to be completed upon enrollment, updated every five years or whenever a change occurs, and 30 days prior to escort duty! Once again, NSCC Action Letter 9-02 refers.

  • ASTHMA: Any history is STILL disqualifying. See NSCC Action Letter 6-00, para 1.c.

10. This letter along with updates promulgated as changes to this letter will also be posted on the 1-MC and Sea Cadet Resources Web Page; resources.seacadets.org . Naval Reservists interested in providing support for NSCC Summer Training 2004 are authorized to submit requests for paid annual training orders IAW ref (c). This information letter is canceled effective 1 February 2005.


H.J. Nyland

                
Approved ______________
M.D. Ford
Executive Director

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

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