CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

UNIT FORMATION, COMMISSIONING AND SUPPORT/OVERSIGHT

Section 1: Unit Formation

1710 - Authority

1710.1 NSCC units are normally formed by Navy League Councils. Units may also be formed by authorized service organizations (American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, FRA, NERA, etc.) or civic organizations (kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, Optimists, etc.) and/or local schools in areas where there is no council, or where there is no Navy League interest.

1710.2 The National Chairman, is approval authority for formation of units.

1711 - Formation Process

1711.1 Unit formation is a formal process:

  • A request to commence forming a unit is submitted to NSCC National Headquarters. The unit formation process commences when National Headquarters forwards a formation package including formation manual, promotional brochures, NSCC directives and other materials needed to guide and direct unit formation and operations. National Headquarters approval of the request signifies that the unit is formed, and is authorized to commence enrolling, outfitting and training cadets. Occasionally units will request formation and enroll cadets simultaneously, where there are sufficient numbers of prospective cadets to do so.
  • When formation requirements have been completed, the sponsoring organization will commence operations as a formed unit.

1712 - Responsibilities

1712.1 The Council President (or head of other authorized organization) will: (1) appoint a NSCC Committee, normally a chairman and three members; and, (2) submit to National Headquarters, via the Regional Director and the cognizant NSCC Headquarters Representative, a request for authorization to commence unit formation.

1712.2 The NSCC Committee is responsible for all phases of unit formation. National Headquarters will provide the committee with detailed unit formation guidance and requirements to be observed in the formation process. In conjunction with the prospective commanding officer of the forming unit, committee responsibilities include:  

    a. Carefully review NSCC Regulations, the NSCC Administrative Manual, and OPNAVINST 5760.5 (series). This Navy instruction deals with support of NSCC and is required reading.

    b. Contact the commanding officers of local Navy and Coast Guard activities, local recruiters, the Navy Recruiting District, Public Affairs Officer, school officials, the leadership of service/civic organizations, and other community leaders to enlist their assistance in forming the unit.

    c. Confirm with the commanding officer of the local DoD, or Coast Guard activity the availability of training facilities and materials, and of space for administrative functions and storage of unit equipment.

    d. May recommend to NSCC NHQ, the prospective adult leadership for the unit. Contact the commanding officers of Navy/Coast Guard activities, and leaders of service/civic organizations for help in identifying adult leaders. Female adult leadership is required if it is planned to have female cadets in the unit. Four, or more, prospective unit officers are desired, but not required for unit formation.

    e. May recommend to NSCC NSCC National Headquarters the name of a prospective unit commanding officer (PCO). NSCC NHQ (Chairman) is the sole authority to select the unit commanding officer from recommendations submitted during formation or when the unit is formed.

    f. In conjunction with the PCO, interview and assign prospective unit officers to billets. Use every means at their disposal to ensure that each adult leader is suited for instruction of young people.

    g. With the PCO, prepare a budget to reflect expected receipts/expenditures through the end of the fiscal year, 31 December.

    h. Recommend to NSCC NHQ a unit name. The unit may be named after a ship (but cannot include the "USS" designator), a geographical location, or an individual (i.e. Medal of Honor Winner form local area). The Executive Director must approve the name selected.

    i. With the PCO, prepare the formal request to form the unit for signature of the Council President. Adult leader officer appointment applications and cadet registration and enrollment forms (with enrollment fees for both categories) should accompany the formal request. Two or more officer applicants, are desired, but not required, to commence formation operations and five or more prospective cadets, are desired for approval to form a unit. Recommend initial rank for the PCO. The initial appointment rank for a new unit commanding officer is usually LTJG. This letter will be submitted to National Headquarters, via the Regional Director and NHQ Representative.

Section 2: Unit Commissioning

1720 - General

1720.1 An NSCC unit, once formed, may be commissioned when enrollment has reached a minimum of 25 cadets/4 officers and upon completion of a pre-commissioning inspection or annual inspection/evaluation. Commissioning indicates that a unit is properly organized and is attaining NSCC training goals. A Training Ship may be commissioned upon reaching 15 NLCC cadets/2 officers.

1720.2 Units should strive to complete requirements for commissioning not later than one year after unit formation.

1721 - Pre-commissioning Inspection

1721.1 The pre-commissioning inspection is held to determine if the unit is operationally and administratively ready for commissioning. The Executive Director will provide the inspection form upon request.

1721.2 The prospective unit commanding officer will schedule the inspection, with the cognizant Regional Director requested to provide the inspecting officer. If the Regional Director is unable to arrange for an inspecting officer, the unit commanding officer will coordinate with the NHQ Representative to make arrangements for a Navy/Coast Guard Officer to conduct the inspection.

1721.3 The inspecting officer will forward the inspection report, via the chain of command, to the Executive Director, indicating whether or not the unit is considered ready for commissioning.

1721.4 Successful completion of the required annual inspection (See Chapter THIRTEEN) will meet pre-commissioning inspection requirements.

1722 - NSCC Warrant

1722.1 The NSCC Warrant is the official commissioning document, and is prepared by National Headquarters upon receipt of evidence that all pre-commissioning requirements have been met.

1723 - Commissioning Ceremony

1723.1 The unit commanding officer should arrange and schedule the commissioning ceremony in coordination with the NSCC Committee Chairman, the commanding officer of the supporting Navy or Coast Guard activity, and the NSCC Regional Director. The NSCC Warrant, to be delivered at the ceremony, will be prepared and forwarded by the Executive Director.

Section 3: Unit Support/Oversight

1730 - General

1730.1 Once the unit is formed, the NSCC Committee discharges sponsor responsibilities by general oversight of the unit. This oversight includes reviewing/auditing financial operations and overall conditions of the unit regarding safety and well being of the cadets. The committee should assist, when requested by the commanding officer, constructive ways to ensure that the highest standards of training and discipline are achieved and maintained. The sponsoring organization has no direct authority over the NSCC unit. The committee is not authorized to intervene in the administration and daily operation of the unit. The prerogatives of command must be respected and observed. When, in the opinion of the committee members, the performance of the unit commanding officer is not satisfactory, they may recommend to the NSCC chain of command, in writing, through the council president that the commanding officer be replaced, with reason for recommendation. Responsibilities of the committee include, but are not limited to, the following:

    a. When requested, assist the commanding officer in the identification of adult leadership for the unit commanding officer.

    b. When requested, recommend a replacement for the unit commanding officer when he/she nears tenure (normally three years), or at other times when necessary or appropriate. If the commanding officer's performance is satisfactory and there are no replacements available, command tenure is automatically extended for another three years or until a qualified replacement is found and agrees to assume the CO duties.

    c. In conjunction with the Regional Director (lead action officer), may prepare and sign/endorse the required commanding officer's annual performance evaluation, Officer Promotion/Evaluation Form (NSCADM 017) and forward to the NHQ Representative, no later than 15 March of each year, for his endorsement and forwarding to NHQ.

    d. Upon receipt from the Regional Director, sign/endorse the recommendation on the unit commanding officer for promotion when eligible and warranted by his observed performance. The Officer Promotion/Evaluation Form (NSCADM 017) shall be forwarded to the NHQ Representative for his comments and endorsement to reach NHQ by 1 November of each year.

    e. When requested, assist the unit commanding officer in preparing the unit's annual budget utilizing the Annual Unit Budget/Audit Report Form (NSCADM 018).

    f. Ensure that an annual review/audit (utilizing the Annual Unit Budget/Audit Report Form (NSCADM 018)) of the unit's financial records is made, a copy of which is to be submitted with the unit's annual inspection/evaluation report. The unit, at a minimum, should maintain a simple income/expense ledger with back-up receipts and notes. This audit will be performed regardless of whether the unit is inspected or not.

    g. In coordination with the Regional Director, or the designated representative, participate in the unit's annual personnel inspection and as appropriate, unit evaluation (encourage attendance by members of the sponsoring council, or other sponsoring organization). Complete the Relations with Navy League/Sponsoring Organization portion of the inspection/evaluation report prior to the inspection date.

    h. Visit and periodically observe unit drill/activities to assess general operation of unit. Through the Regional Director, recommend such actions as may be necessary to maintain the highest standards for the safety and well being of the cadets.

    i. Assist the unit commanding officer in maintaining minimum satisfactory cadet enrollment: 25 NSCC/15 NLCC cadets depending on type of unit. Encourage members of the sponsoring council or other organization, to assist in unit recruiting and retention efforts.

    j. Plan for Council and unit promotion of the annual National Sea Cadet Corps Month, as announced by the NLUS National President or the NSCC National Chairman, and the NSCC birthday (10 September) to highlight the Cadet Corps programs. Use the occasion to raise awareness of the Cadet Corps programs and as a recruiting vehicle.

    k. Assist the commanding officer in funding for the unit in support of the budget to the extent possible.

    l. Assist the council or other sponsoring organization in providing appropriate recognition for the unit and for its cadets and adult leaders.

    m. Submit recommendations for NSCC awards, if warranted and appropriate, in accordance with the NSCC Awards Manual, or as otherwise requested.

    n. Act in a timely manner on all NSCC/NLCC administrative items requiring sponsoring council, or other organization, action and/or sanction as presented by the unit commanding officer.

    o. Provide the president and members of the sponsoring council, or other organization, with regular updates on unit activities and programs.

    p. When requested, assist in resolving any conflicts in application of NSCC policy and guidance concerns of the sponsoring organization that may arise. Bring such differences, when necessary, to the attention of the Regional Director and/or NHQ Representative with recommendations where appropriate.

    q. Maintain on-going communications with the Regional Director and request assistance when needed.

    r. When requested, assist the commanding officer of the unit with maintaining liaison with the commanding officer of the supporting military activity, extending appreciation for support of the NSCC/NLCC programs.

    s. Invite the unit commanding officer and unit officers to attend council/sponsoring organization functions, encourage them (as well as cadet parents) to join the Navy League and/or the sponsoring organization.

1730.2 The Regional Director is responsible for evaluation and effectiveness of the unit, providing guidance and direction as required. The Regional Director is authorized to direct corrective actions, which may include replacement of the commanding officer and/or his staff. The Regional Director may consult with the NSCC Committee Chairman, when necessary/desired to help ensure proper performance of these functions.