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FOR THE ATTENTION OF ALL HANDS… NSCC TRAINING INFORMATION FOR 2006.  The following information will soon appear in the next edition of the WOG.  It is being promulgated here in advance of the WOG just so all know what they can expect as we move into summer training for 2006.

Summer training 2006.   2006 summer training is right around the corner, and as we have done over the last couple of years, we once again intend to promulgate the summer training plan for 2006 not later than end February. The first place you will see it is posted is at compass.seacadets.org .   Federal funding will once again be available to offset or cover most cadet training cost, much like last year.  The grant for 2006 is $1.7M, the same as last year.  We will be stretching those grant dollars as much as ever throughout 2006 (as we always do), and will again ask COTC’s to be conservative in their spending. COTC’s all do outstanding and we know they will do it again. The cadet deposit for 2006 will be $55 for one week evolutions and $110 for two week evolutions.  This is a modest increase of $15 per week and is driven by inflation reflected in average cost data we keep for every evolution at NHQ. Please note we were able to keep the deposit at its’ 2004 amount for the last 2 years with no upward adjustment, but as we enter 2006 that is just not possible.  Deposit requirements will be included in the summer training schedule.  Deposits may be higher for some other trainings that are particularly expensive (where we actually have to hire instructors or pay for more expensive instructional resources/materials). For cadets who perform multiple trainings over the summer, deposits for those trainings beyond the first training will be $100 for one week trainings and $200 for two week trainings.  Please note this is the first increase in this deposit since it first started in 2003. What this means is that the first training for every cadet is still subsidized and offered at the greatly reduced rate, but a greater portion of cost for second or more trainings is borne by the cadet.  With this plan we once again expect to be able to provide all cadets the opportunity to train and promote, still keep costs down to less than most other youth groups, and still be able to offer some really unique training opportunities.  Forms for 2006 training, the funding of training, and the guidelines themselves will be very much like last year.  With regard to base access, we will work each opportunity with the particular base, and the COTC for that evolution….any special requirements will be passed to cadets so they will know how to report and included on compass when we know them.  Current ID cards, a ready sea bag, deposit money in place, physical fitness, and ready cadets will be the same prescription this year, just like prior years, for a successful summer.  Think about what you will want to do so that applications can be submitted early.  Early submissions continue to be important this year, just as they always are.  Competition for billets will be keen and quotas will go fast, so start thinking now. For everyone, just like last year, be advised……. any and all of the evolutions scheduled will be subject to possible cancellation and relocation right up to the last minute….As we so well have come to realize, the world situation can change on a moments notice,  and the alert status in effect on the report date will dictate whether or not the evolution is held as scheduled.   Non refundable airline tickets are strongly discouraged.  If flying, use refundable tickets!

International Exchange Program 2006.  We expect most of the same exchange opportunities that we had in 2005 to be again available in 2006 to include Scotland and Russia.  Australia has already been advertised, and UK aboard the HMS Bristol will soon follow.  As they become available, we will get the word posted on the 1MC and to the website via the Compass portal.  All other International Exchange opportunities will be promulgated in an information letter in February as has been done in prior years. Information as it becomes available, as well as the international exchange information letter, will also be posted at  iep.seacadets.org  .  We expect to be able to provide good support to the International Exchange Program for 2006 with the same processes in place.  LCDR Mike Campbell continues as IEP Program Director and a merit based selection process for both cadets and escorts will once again be used for many exchanges. Guidelines for Canada East and West will be as promulgated in the Information letter.  Deposit monies may be expected and will be as promulgated in the Information Letter along with any other specific requirements. Look for it end February.

2005 Regional Director’s Conference.  For changes in policy and/or administrative procedures, see NSCC Action Letter 8-05.  Hard copy distribution to all units has been made and it is posted on the WEB.  You should all have this by now.  It is posted on the Internet and should be reviewed by all hands.  There were several important changes this year, among them are:

• Advanced training credit for advancement extended to include USN Recruiting Office support of at least 5 days NONCONSECUTIVE as well as current policy of 5 days consecutive.
• Cadet can not retain possession of cell phones during summer, fall, winter, spring Recruit and advanced training.
• Cadets must be able to pass the PT test in order to be promoted.
• Once again, the revised 9 day model for RT will be offered as well as the standard 12 day model.

Check out the Action Letter, A/L 8-05!

REMEMBER PLEASE !!!!!! All cadets must pass the PT test at RT to get credit for the RT; if they don’t pass they will have to repeat the RT.  The policy was put in place 2003 and is still in place this year. It remains a Unit CO responsibility.  All cadets must pass the PT test before attending RT and at RT, or they have to repeat the RT.  All are reminded that the PT program is modeled after the President’s Challenge, and that NSCC requirements remain below the 50th percentile nationally.  See NSCC Action Letter 9-02. Bottom line for Unit CO’s is that if your cadet cannot pass the PT test, do not send him or her to Recruit Training.

All hands asked to help in looking for additional training opportunities. The NSCC is ALWAYS looking for additional training opportunities to offer our growing numbers of NSCC/NLCC cadets.  Specifically, expanded one week or two week (or even longer) advanced summer training opportunities are desired.  Last year we saw national security training, expanded SCUBA opportunity, expanded sailing opportunities, new engineering courses, and several other just to mention a few.  While military training onboard bases, stations, and ships, continues to be of first preference in accordance with our program goal of making cadets aware of the prestige of military careers and also to increase advancement potential for those who join, we are not restricted to only that training.  Our other goals are:

• Develop interest and skills in basic seamanship and seagoing skills.
• Instill virtues of good citizenship and strong moral character and principles.
• Demonstrate value of alcohol, drug and gang free lifestyle.

One and two week training courses that support any of these goals are desired.  We are still looking and want to continue to expand these opportunities.  If you have any ideas or recommendations, call NSCC NHQ Capt Nyland or 1 SG Bunting at (703) 243-6910-4-8. We need your help, and remember, messing and berthing will be covered and this applies to both NSCC and NLCC training.  While we cannot get too pricey for any of our training, there is certainly much more that we can do.  Give us a call!   

New OPD 101, 201 Admin and 201 Training and OPD attendee per diem allowance.   The OPD per diem allowance in support of adult training will continue for 2005 at the current rate.

Adult escort allowance.  For 2006 summer training, we will once again be able to offset adult escort cost to and from training sites.  The mileage based compensation program established in 2004 for adult escorts will continue in 2006.  It is modest, and probably barely covers the cost of gas to and from the training sites, but hopefully it will help a little.  Thank you to all the adults who make the program possible, the message here is, in addition to saying thank you to all the adults, to also assist in getting adults the NSCC program training so that all can do an even greater job in supporting NSCC cadets across the entire program.