CHAPTER TWO

UNIT TRAINING

A. NSCC/NLCC Drills. Drills are periods that require full unit participation, which meet specific NSCC/NLCC training objectives. Field trips, parades, other civic/military events, regional training evolutions/competitions (Flagships), constitute a drill period and do not count as advanced training. Activities that do not involve the entire unit, such as color guard performances, are not counted as drills.

Unit commanding officers may conduct drills one night each week (minimum 2 hours required), or on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) counting one drill for three to four hours of training (minimum 3 hours required). Units must conduct a minimum of forty (40) drills each year. The unit commanding officer may conduct additional drills as desired. In order to promote maximum participation in summer training without impacting drills and attendance, Unit CO’s are authorized to construct their drill schedules so that all drill requirements are met September through May, leaving June July and August open for summer training participation (or other months of the Unit CO’s choosing).

B. Attendance. Unit personnel must attend a minimum of 75 percent of all scheduled drills to maintain “satisfactory attendance”. Members who fail to maintain satisfactory attendance, and who do not respond to counseling and other measures to improve attendance may be dropped from the program at the discretion of the unit commanding officer.

For reasons beyond their control – illness, family plans, etc. – members will miss drills. Absence for valid reasons, as determined by the unit commanding officer, are excused drill, and will not be counted as missed drills in determining satisfactory attendance. Unit commanding officers will establish procedures for reporting, recording and making up of excused/missed drills at the unit level. However, when submitting the Monthly Activity Report (NSCADM 002) to NHQ, excused drills are counted as absences.

C. Plan of the Day. The unit commanding officer or designated staff officer publishes a Plan of the Day (Month) and distributes copies to all unit personnel within ten days of the first scheduled drill for each month. At a minimum, the Plan of the Day should include:

1. Unit CO, XO and leading PO name, address, and telephone number.

2. Day(s) or month for which the plan is prepared.

3. Uniform of the day for officers and cadets.

4. Watch and duty assignment, as required.

5. Schedule(s) of activities.

6. Special notes.

7. Signature, rank, and title of the person who prepares the Plan of the Day.

D. Quarterdeck Log. The Quarterdeck Log is an official diary of everything that takes place during NSCC/NLCC Unit activities, and must be neat and legible. The Officer of the Deck or Petty Officer of the Watch, as assigned, maintains the log near the quarterdeck, and signs it when relieved at the completion of his/her watch. To correct an error in the log, the person making the entry draws a single line through the entire line of entry, enters the correct information on the next line, and initials the correction in the right hand margin of the page.

E. Training, General. NSCC training falls into several broad categories: NLCC, NSCC Recruit, NSCC Advanced, and NLCC & NSCC Unit training at the local training site. NLCC and NSCC Recruit and Advanced training are addressed in Chapters 3 and 4. Unit specific training is addressed in paragraph F. Motivational and Standards of Conduct guidance for all training is:

1. Motivational Training. Motivational training is commonly associated with some type of strenuous physical exercise as a result of disciplinary problems. Training of this type could be construed as harassment, physical abuse, or demeaning to the cadet and WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Unit Commanding Officers, COTC’s, Escort Officers, and all cadets/adults involved in training cadets and adults will ensure that strenuous physical activity WILL NOT be used as a disciplinary or motivational measure. Example: DO NOT “DROP” a company of cadets for “push-ups” because of “one” cadet’s misconduct.

The key in providing positive motivation is to instill a sense of personal responsibility for one’s actions. It is the responsibility of the Chain of Command to maintain “good order and discipline”. To do so, the following should be considered. The list begins with recommended discipline for minor infractions and increases to more severe measures, based on larger or repetitive discipline problems.

a. Personal Counseling. Counseling should always be considered the first step in correcting behavior. Counseling will be done in private (offending cadet by him or herself not in front of their peers) with the appropriate individuals present (at least two adults). When counseling female cadets, a female escort officer will be present. NO EXCEPTIONS. The objective of the counseling is not to demean the cadet/adult for his/her behavior, but to reinforce what is expected as an individual functioning in a regimented, disciplined, and structured environment. Profane or abusive language will not be used in the counseling session. If after a reasonable period of time, there is no improvement, the next higher level of action shall be taken.

b. Extra Military Instruction (EMI) EMI is defined as additional training necessary for an individual to correct one or more deficiencies in performance, attitude or appearance. EMI may consist of one or more of the following. Unit commanding officer’s, COTC’s, Escort Officers, and all cadets/adults WILL NOT be demeaning.

  • Additional marching not to exceed one hour per day to be performed during other than normal training periods. Can be imposed individually or as a unit/group.
  • Curtailment of liberty or free time and assignment to additional watches.
  • Restriction to a specific area for additional study of NSCC Regulations, etc.

c. Executive Officers Screening Mast. If the above measures prove to be ineffective, an Executive officers Screening Mast may be held to determine whether the person should be assigned to a new section or new company, or referred to Captain’s Mast.

d. Captain’s Mast. Captain’s Mast shall be held for all who are unable to adapt to prescribe disciplined training. Mast proceedings shall determine the appropriate disciplinary action. If at training, it may be recommended for the person to return to the duty section, sent home, or depending on the severity of the action, discharged from the program.

e. Involving parents. Depending upon the severity of the offense, and the cadet’s initial response after the first counseling session, COTC’s may want to contact the parent. If EMI is determined to be appropriate, advising the parent or guardian in advance of the offense and the EMI to be awarded can only preclude potential parental displeasure after the action. If the cadet continues to not respond and/or parental difficulties arise, immediate return of the cadet to his or her home is always appropriate. Parents of cadets and cadets themselves elect to participate in the program, as it exists. If cadets and/or parents express displeasure with the existing program, they can always be invited to participate in one of the many other youth programs more to their liking.

2. Standards of Conduct. It is the responsibility of the chain of command to detect and immediately correct any behavior on the part of personnel conducting training that de-emphasizes the value of the individual that may otherwise produce negative results, oppression, mistreatment or cruelty. ALL personnel associated with training or performing the role of an Escort Officer must be meticulous in their personal behavior, military bearing, demeanor and overall actions to ensure the projection of a professional and positive image. ALL personnel will become familiar with and adhere to the policies in Appendix 1.

F. Training, Unit Specific. Unit training is one of the key elements to the NSCC program. It is the responsibility of the unit commanding officer to ensure a viable and continuous training plan is developed to support the mission of the units’ designation (division, squadron, battalion) and ultimately the goals and objectives of the Sea Cadet Program. It will be the driving force that results in unit retention and growth and ultimately overall growth of the Sea Cadet Program and improved citizenship for all cadet corps members. Unit training can be locally arranged; it can be away from the drill site; it can be as a team; or it can be individual. Lesson plans are available on the Sea Cadet Training website Compass. Unit CO ’s are highly encouraged to take advantage of these resources. It is also important to note that NSCC governing directives, to include the OPNAVINST’s, are purposefully extensive and liberal to allow a very wide range of activities in support of NSCC’s goals and objectives. OPD 201T is recommended for all NSCC Officers. It focuses on development of local training activities in support of Unit specific training.

1. Cadet Training. The NSCC cadet’s individual training program for advancement consists of Navy Correspondence Courses, Recruit Training (RT) and Advanced Trainings (AT). It should be supported by a strong unit-training program augmented with “ fun” activities, to provide a balanced program for training of cadets in a highly successful unit.

Successful units excel and gain their reputations for excellence by being the ones that do things for the cadets. Fun and exciting things that catch and retain the cadet’s attention so they will want to return to the next drill. Summer training provides lots of exciting opportunities for the cadets to participate in, but it only covers 3 months of the year. Cadet decisions regarding citizenship traits and character will be made at the unit level, based on the experiences and role modeling that the unit provides. That’s why unit training is so important. It’s these experiences that cause a unit to grow. To that end NSCC encourages:

  • Maximum participation by all adults in OPD 201T.
  • Close coordination with local active duty Navy and other service bases and stations for development of training opportunities
  • Incorporating USCG and other service leadership training programs into Unit training
  • Participation in USCG Auxiliary sponsored programs, assisting in boat shows
  • Asking Power Boat Squadrons to cover topics of interest
  • Aggressive pursuit of guest speakers to visit and instruct cadets
  • Participation in swimming and other waterborne programs
  • Development of physical fitness programs to enhance daily lifestyles to include proper nutrition
  • Training with other units in your area
  • Cross training with other federally sponsored youth groups, Young Marines, Civil Air Patrol.
  • Field trips
  • Participation is civic events, goodwill and community volunteer programs
  • Aggressive pursuit of opportunities to participate in ceremonies and parades, etc.
  • Participation in community Anti-Drug and Anti-Gang Programs. Contact local DEA Agents and local law enforcement agencies to conduct unit seminars.
  • Etc, etc.

2. Adult Training. Officer Professional Development (OPD) Courses and the Officer Midshipman Study Guide (OSG) are available to enhance the adult volunteers knowledge of the NSCC/NLCC Program.

  • The OSG is a comprehensive exam on the Sea Cadet Program regulations, manuals, etc. required for Advancement to Ensign.
  • Adults are to forward the completed exam to the NHQ Representative for grading.
  • Upon receiving a passing grade, the NHQ Representative will notify the Unit CO and NHQ to update the adult’s service record.
  • OPD 101 provides an introduction to the Navy and its relation to the Sea Cadet Program.
  • OPD 201 consists of two modules OPD 201 Admin and OPD 201 Training (both required for promotion credit). These modules provide unit management procedures for Administration and Training.
  • OPD 301 is an introduction to command management and leadership.
  • Additionally, adults are the Escort Officers for the cadet training evolutions. Knowledge gained as an escort and enhanced by the OPD courses is required for advancement in the officer ranks.
  • At Appendix 2 is a flow chart detailing requirements for advancement and promotion in the adult/officer ranks. (NO Early Promotions) Depending upon funding availability, a modest per-diem allowance may be available to offset adult out of pocket expenses incurred when attending training.

3. Classroom Training. Instruction in Navy subjects such as, Alcohol and Drug Awareness, Sexual Harassment and Fraternization, and Standards of Conduct are classes to be taught semi-annually. Other subjects germane to unit orientation are highly encouraged. Check the Sea Cadet Training website at compass.seacadets.org for lesson plans on these subjects.

4 . Correspondence Courses. Select unclassified Navy correspondence courses are available to the cadets and adults at the unit level. Certain mandatory courses are the “homework” cadets must complete for advancement. The BMR is recommended for adults not having a military background. Guidelines for course enrollment and grading are provided in a Correspondence Course Manual separately promulgated to each unit. Additional copies are available at NHQ. Additionally all correspondence courses are separately provided on a CD disc to each unit. Local reproduction of the disc for use by each cadet is encouraged.

5. Practical (On-The-Job) Training. Units should take full advantage of “Hands On” training in work centers aboard Navy/Coast Guard ships and stations, supervised by qualified active duty personnel.

6. Physical Training. NSCC unit commanding officers (CO’s) will schedule physical fitness training as a regular part of the units overall training program. The Physical Fitness Standards are listed on form NSCTNG 020. To augment these standards the NSCC borrows heavily from the President’s Challenge Physical Fitness Program. CO’s are strongly encouraged to visit the website www.fitness.gov or www.presidentschallenge.org to review this program. Fitness programs are available for the cadets and adults as well. It is essential cadets are able to meet the rigors of recruit and other summer training evolutions. Cadets scheduled to attend NSCC Recruit Training must pass the minimum standards prior to the CO signing and submitting the Request for Training Authority (NSCTNG 001) to the COTC. Cadets must be able to pass the Physical Fitness Test prior to the completion of NSCC Recruit Training. If failed, the cadet is required to “repeat” Recruit Training the following year. Successful completion of Recruit Training is required to attend any type of Advanced Training. NSCC’s Physical fitness standards (and Navy’s swim qualifications) are at Appendix 3 along with comments regarding maintenance of a PT program at the unit level that encourages daily activity.

7. Swim Training. All cadets should meet the minimum swim qualifications in accordance with the Navy. Specific levels of swim qualification are a prerequisite to apply for select Advanced Training evolutions. This information will be noted on the Summer Training Schedule or in the Summer Training Guidance. Where facilities permit, the unit should train and practice with qualified instructors (USN, USCG, Red Cross, etc). See Appendix 3 for Navy’s swim qualifications.

8. Small Arms Safety and Training. The objective is to ensure that all small arms training conducted by NSCC personnel are conducted in a safe and efficient manner. Safety SHALL always be paramount to any Small Arms training conducted by the NSCC. When League Cadets are included in small arms training, their age, physical ability and physical size will be taken into consideration when selecting the type of firearm to be used in the live fire training. Prior to conducting live fire training, all personnel, including all adult escort officers and volunteer range personnel shall be present for a firearms safety briefing. This briefing shall cover the Cardinal Rules of Firearms Safety (in the checklist), basic firearms nomenclature, range commands and rules, fundamentals of marksmanship. The policy, checklist and lesson plan are available on the Sea Cadet Training Website compass.seacadets.org.

9. Specialized Training for Increasing Cadet Challenges. The NSCC training program provides specialized training for cadets seeking exceptional challenges. These programs include, but are not limited to, multiple SEAL and SWCC courses, EOD/MDSU training, SCUBA, FAA and Flight Schools , among others. For these types of training, cadet prerequisites have been developed/adjusted to further promote cadet success and to prevent harm. Additionally, the instructor/escort corps is tailored from subject area experts and further embellished as necessary to guarantee not just a successful program for cadets, but also a program that will meet parental expectations. If cadets want these additional challenges, they are encouraged to apply for these existing programs as published in the NHQ training schedules. Including specialized training having exceptional challenges and/or modeled in the form of games or war gaming, without development of appropriate prerequisites, embellishing the instructor/escort cadre, and without prior approval of NHQ is NOT AUTHORIZED. Examples include: war gaming modeled after Navy SERE training having a POW phase; combat/aggressor force- counter force training; any POW training with or without restraint devices; BUD’s like training outside of existing NSCC approved programs; paintball or air soft; rappelling not on an approved tower having qualified instructors, and any small arms training not IAW established guidelines and policy as prescribed in para (1) above. PAINT-BALL IS NOT AUTHORIZED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Call NHQ for any questions.

10. NLCC Training. NLCC Training Ships and Companies, use the NLCC Training Syllabus that provides classroom lessons, practical factors, and exams for advancement through all NLCC ranks at the unit level.

11. Drill Teams/Color Guards. Unit drill teams and color guards for local and regional activities offer not only training in precision marching, but provide opportunities for public appearances that enhance unit recruiting and cadet self esteem. CO’s will set high standards of military smartness and precision so that teams reflect credit upon the unit and corps. The NSCC/NLCC Uniform Manual lists the appropriate color guard uniform.

12. Boating and Power Squadrons. Boating offers opportunities to learn seamanship. Unit CO ’s may invite the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to conduct classes in Boating Safety and Seamanship. CO’s will ensure adequate adult supervision and compliance with all safety rules and precautions. Cadets can earn special appurtenances in accordance with the NSCC/NLCC Awards Manual.

13. Education-Orientation Visits (EOV). EOV’s are special tours or training at Navy or other military facilities that may require Local Training Orders (NSCTNG 003). As an example, the United States Naval Academy offers a one-week seminar each summer for youth. Though EOV’s are bona-fide NSCC/NLCC activities and may result in ribbon awards; they do not necessarily count as advanced training (AT). NHQ will evaluate each EOV to determine credit for advancement.

14. DEFY Program. Units are encouraged to partner with and become mentors for the Navy’s Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) program. Visit the DEFY website www.hq.navy.mil/defy or contact the DEFY Program Office (202) 433-3113 for information regarding a DEFY program in your area. The program provides an excellent opportunity to enhance the units program for Drug Awareness. Additionally, DEFY provides excellent recruiting for the NSCC/NLCC program.

15. Drug Enforcement Agencies (DEA). A list of local DEA Agents is provided in the Summer Training Guidance. Units are strongly encouraged to contact the agents for unit seminars.

16. Extra-Curricular Activities. Flagship Competitions support the basic training objectives of the NSCC/NLCC Program.

17. Training Support. The Naval Sea Cadet Program is carried in law with Navy sponsorship specifically assigned to Commander, Navy Recruiting Command by OPNAVINST 5760.2C. OPNAVINST 5760.5C details specific support to be provided. Copies are readily available at NHQ.