1

Table of Contents

1. Joining the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps 2. Uniforms 3. Drills and Unit Events 4. Recruit Training 5. Advanced Training 6. Earning Rank And Getting Ahead 7. How We Communicate with You

Appendices

A. Cadet Seabag Checklist B. Required Knowledge C. Placement of Insignia D. Rates and Ranks E. Ribbons and Awards

APPENDICES C, D AND E

SHOULD BE PRINTED IN COLOR

LAST UPDATED MARCH 2015 PREVIOUS EDITIONS ARE OBSOLETE

 

3

1. Joining the NSCC

101 About the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps and Massachusetts Bay Division

The mission of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps is, “through organization and cooperation with the Department of the Navy, to encourage and aid American youth to develop, train them in seagoing skills, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kindred virtues.”

- NSCC Charter, 36 United States Code, Sec. 1541 The NSCC has 385 units nationwide, with over 11,000 cadets enrolled. The Massachusetts Bay Division is regularly one of the top-ranked units in the New England region, and even the entire nation. Our goals are to:

• Establish a mentally and physically demanding, disciplined and ethical military environment which supports each cadet’s pursuit of maturity, self-confidence, and personal responsibility;

• Provide challenging training opportunities for cadets to develop critical life skills, especially leadership and teamwork; and

• Introduce cadets to the people and equipment of the U.S. military, particularly the naval services, in order to involve and inform them of the reality of military service.

102 What are the qualifications to enroll in the NSCC?

To enroll in Massachusetts Bay Division, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• You are a highly mature young man or woman, at least 13 years old but not yet 18.

• You are a United States Citizen or can prove lawful status in the United States.

• You must be of good moral character, including: no criminal record, gang/drug history, history of promiscuity (e.g., pregnancy or causing pregnancy). Once enrolled, such behavior will result in your immediate termination and forfeiture of all earned benefits for future military service.

• You maintain satisfactory grades and continue advancing in school.

• You must be unmarried and agree to remain unmarried while a cadet.

• You are immunized against polio, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), hepatitis B, pertussis and tetanus, plus diphtheria and Menactra vaccine for meningitis. A waiver from NSCC National Headquarters is required if you are not.

• You are able to wear the modified U.S. Navy uniform in a professional, military manner.

4

103 Medical Qualifications

Because of the unique hands-on nature of our training, the NSCC adheres to strict medical standards for entrance. Our program complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but is patterned after military entrance standards while being age-appropriate and accommodating when possible. There are no waivers to the essential requirements of membership, however some non-essential policies or practices may be reasonably altered as necessary to accommodate otherwise qualified applicants. All cadets must be able to complete the following essential requirements of membership:

• Complete several at-home correspondence courses, which are open book multiple-choice exams required for each promotion.

• Complete up to three 60-question, multiple choice, closed book exams, given at drill under timed conditions (testing conditions may be modified if necessary).

• Participate in regular physical training, including military calisthenics, running, and exercises, at each drill.

• Complete a semi-annual Physical Readiness Test, which consists of a timed 1-mile run, pushups, situps, shuttle run and sit-reach. The minimum scores vary by age.

• Attend and fully participate in no less than 75% of unit drills, events and/or functions. A cadet may be excused from occasional training events so long as the overall attendance rate does not fall below the minimum of 75% specified in NSCC Regulations.

• Attend and graduate from NSCC Recruit Training which requires an overnight stay of as many as fourteen (14) days, and complete annual training requirements of at least five (5) days in length.

• Wear the NSCC uniform in accordance with U.S. Navy/NSCC Uniform Regulations.

104 Benefits of Membership in the NSCC

As a cadet, you'll have incredible opportunities to experience military life, make new friends, and hone key life skills. We regularly visit local military units, such as the USS Constitution, Coast Guard cutters that are homeported in Boston, and also U.S. Navy ships that visit Boston occasionally. In addition, our staff has law enforcement and military experience that we pass on to our cadets through both hands-on and classroom-based learning experiences. Our unit is heavily cadet-run. That means that as you advance in rank, we’ll put you in the same leadership roles that a Navy sailor would be in. You’ll be responsible for running large parts of the unit’s operation, and will be (maybe for the first time in your life) supervising junior cadets. Because our unit is run just like a Navy ship or reserve unit, you’ll be receiving training that only much older sailors would get. And as you progress in rank and develop your leadership skills, you'll be mentored by both senior cadets and the officers in the unit.

5

105 After Graduation

Thanks in large part to the leadership skills, self-confidence and discipline you will learn here, our alumni go on to do great things. Our program prepares you for life, and we proudly stand behind you as you pursue your goals after high school. The Commanding Officer routinely writes letters of recommendation for deserving, top-performing cadets.

• We advise our cadets to pursue a four-year undergraduate education. As a non-profit youth program, we are not military recruiters and we do not have the goal of seeing all or even most of our graduates enter the military. However, cadets who do choose a military career will find that no other program prepares them as well as the NSCC.

• Interested in the U.S. Naval Academy? The NSCC is the U.S. Navy’s officially supported youth program, and at least 10% of each graduating class at the U.S. Naval Academy went through our program while in high school. Five of our unit’s own alumni have been accepted to Annapolis since 2007!

• In 2015, two of our graduating seniors were accepted into the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the most highly competitive of all the service academies. We’ve also had one West Pointer.

• Local options are even more accessible. Since our unit was formed in 2007, well over 15 cadets have attended the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and many have earned significant scholarships. Several others have attended Norwich University in Vermont.

• If enlistment in the armed forces is your goal, the Navy, Army, Marine Corps and Coast Guard each offer advanced paygrade to former cadets who have completed 1-2 years in the program.

“I definitely would not have been accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy without the help of Sea Cadets and because of that I owe the program a lot. Working hard as a Sea Cadet proved invaluable for me getting into the colleges I applied to. I'm positive the trainings I went on and the leadership lessons I learned in Sea Cadets will stay with me for the rest of my life. I believe the program made me a better, well-rounded college applicant and allowed me to excel specifically in leadership and physical fitness.”

Former Cadet, U.S. Naval Academy graduate, and now U.S. Marine Corps Officer Michael Byrne

6

106 Application Package

Should you choose to apply for membership in the NSCC and Massachusetts Bay Division, the application package consists of the following documents. We do not hold spots for applicants. Please do not submit incomplete applications!

Form: Description:

Cover Sheet The checklist is used to ensure your application is complete.

NSCADM 001 (NSCC Cadet

Application Form)

Cadet Enrollment (pages 1-2). You and your parents fill out this form. It lists basic things, like your name and address, your family’s contact information, and so forth. Pay particular attention to the Standard Release. Your family is agreeing to “hold harmless” Massachusetts Bay Division, the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps and the United States Government. This is a legally binding document.

Report of Medical History (pages 3-4). Your parents must fill out this form accurately and completely. It lists all the important details of your medical history. It will also be updated every year after you join.

Report of Medical Exam (pages 5-6). A licensed doctor or physician’s assistant must fill out this form and sign it. You may need to schedule a physical. If you’ve recently had a physical (maybe for sports programs in your school), your doctor should be able to copy the same information from your files onto our form.

Request for Accommodation / Medication Supplemental (optional). If you believe you will require an ADA accommodation or will need to take medication while at NSCC activities, please contact the Commanding Officer.

Uniform Agreement

As a condition of enrollment, you will be required to sign a legally binding Uniform Agreement, which explains our uniform lending policy. In short, we’ll lend you all the uniforms you need at no cost, but you must return them when you leave the program or you and your family will be liable for the full cost of replacing them.

Other Documents

• 1-2 paragraph statement explaining your reasons for applying to the NSCC and what you hope to get out of the program. Your statement must be typed on plain paper, double-spaced, with 1” margins on all sides, in 12 pitch Times New Roman. Do not exceed one page.

• Photocopy of your immunization record for filing in your official record • Official birth certificate (will be returned to you) • Most recent report card, demonstrating good standing in school

Payment • A check payable to U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (see next page)

7

107 Total Program Cost

Massachusetts Bay Division charges a yearly membership fee, allowing the unit to provide the unique programs that make us such a great program. Massachusetts Bay Division is 100% funded by enrollment fees and donations. However, the NSCC’s summer training programs (which are managed nationally, and not through the local unit) receive significant federal assistance. Thus, families only pay 30-50% of the actual cost of a typical 2-week training. This is a huge savings, and part of what makes the program such a bargain. NSCC volunteers are unpaid. 100% of our income goes to support unit training and operations.

Charge Explanation of Charge Due

$250 Initial Enrollment Fee. This fee includes the following: • First year’s enrollment (subsequent yearly fee is $150) • Secondary accident insurance coverage • Training fee to support unit activities • Uniform costs included with your enrollment • Family purchases own boots and dress shoes

On Enrollment

$100 - 250 per training

Required Annual Training. Each cadet must perform at least one 1-2 week training each year, usually during the summer break. Your first year’s training will be Recruit Training. After that, you’ll go on an Advanced Training each year. You can do more than one if you wish. Each training costs approximately $120 per week (2015 rates), which includes lodging, food, and training expenses. You are generally only responsible for transportation.

Spring, summer or winter school breaks

108 Donation Opportunities

Although our yearly dues cover most obligated unit costs, such as uniforms and basic operating needs, Massachusetts Bay Division also depends on the generosity of families and the community to make large, one-time (capital) purchases. We have been fortunate to have an incredible support group that has made small donations and arranged for larger ones. For example, in 2008, a donation by the Mackay family allowed us to purchase Color Guard gear. In 2009, a raffle by the Marine Corps League in Watertown raised $3,000, allowing us to purchase a 28-passenger bus for the unit. As you can see, these donations go a long way and although we realize that not every family can contribute more than they already pay in dues, please consider a gift of any amount if your resources permit. If your employer offers a donation program, please recommend us to them. Massachusetts Bay Division is a certified non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) IRS Code, so any donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent permitted by law.

8

9

2. Uniforms

201 What Uniforms Will I Need?

Your cadet seabag, when completed, will have all your required uniforms in it. We can supply a large part of your seabag at no cost – provided you return the uniforms to us when you no longer need them. Please see Appendix A for a complete list of what you will need.

You are joining a youth program that is directly supported by the U.S. Navy.

Cadets have been specially authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear the

uniform of that service, as modified by NSCC insignia. People on the street,

especially during parades, will look at you in uniform and think you are an active-duty

sailor. Therefore, we expect you to wear the U.S. Navy uniform with the same

pride and respect that an active-duty sailor would.

You can often tell a good cadet by how sharp his/her uniforms look. If you are always spotted with a bad haircut, never shine your shoes and forget to wear your nametag, you will not get far in this crowd. If however, you come in to your first drill looking sharp in uniform, you will be noticed almost immediately and looked upon as a potential leader. There are two types of uniforms you will be wearing in the NSCC. They are:

• Navy Working Uniform (NWU). Cadets wear the Navy’s new blue/gray camoflauge working uniform, called the NWU, to most drills.

• Service Dress White or Service Dress Blues. The traditional Navy “cracker jack” uniforms. You wear the whites during the summer, and the blues in the winter months. Dress uniforms are worn at annual inspections, parades, and ceremonial events.

NSCC Insignia. The Navy has given Sea Cadets special permission to wear its uniforms. But, you are required to wear NSCC insignia. Appendix C shows the proper placement of the insignia. It is the responsibility of the cadet to know where this is to be placed on the uniform, and it is the responsibility of the cadet to insure that all uniforms have the appropriate insignia.

202 Getting Your New Uniforms

Soon after you enroll in the division, our Supply Officer will fit you for uniforms. Remember that anything issued to you by the unit remains unit property and must be turned back in after you depart the program. You and your family are legally responsible for up to the full value of any items that you fail to return. For health and safety reasons, we require you to buy your own combat boots and dress shoes from the Coast Guard Exchange or Army/Navy Thrift Shop.

10

203 How to care for your uniforms

Proper care of your uniforms is not difficult -- but looking your best will take some time and effort. Our advice to you, as a young adult, is: Learn how to wash and iron your own uniform and shine your own boots. Rather than have your parents do it for you, assume the responsibility of looking professional yourself. Most cadets are very competitive about their own appearance, and the cadet with the best-shined shoes gets noticed by others. Looking sharp in uniform is expected of Sea Cadets, and your new shipmates will notice you approvingly very quickly if you show some effort in this area. Cadets who just have their parents (or parents who won’t let their children do it for themselves) are considered as “taking the easy way out.” If you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t worry! You will be fully trained in proper uniform care during one of your first drills. And if you have questions, you can and should ask. Here are some specific cleaning notes you should remember when you get your uniforms: Dress Blues. NEVER WASH YOUR DRESS BLUES IN A WASHING MACHINE. This uniform must be dry-cleaned!!! Don’t trust the dry-cleaner to know how to press Navy uniforms – most have no clue and will get it wrong every time. Use a lint brush or masking tape to clean off dust and light dirt. Males, you will need to learn how to iron the creases into the pants and jumper. Dress Whites. These can be washed in the washing machine. Be careful not to use too much bleach. When ironing polyester whites, keep your iron on a medium setting -- too high and you’ll burn the uniform. The pants are pressed inside out with the crease on the SIDES. Navy Working Uniform (NWU). The blue/gray camoflauge is the uniform we wear at most unit drills. You can wash these with like colors in the washing machine. Read the tag inside each garment if you need further guidance. If you press the uniform, just iron out the wrinkles. Military creases are not required. Shoes. You must purchase your own boots and dress shoes. You need military-issue shoes (BATES is the preferred brand). DO NOT PURCHASE “CORFAMS” (FAKE LEATHER) SHOES!!! Ribbons. Check Appendix E for a list of devices that NSCC cadets may earn. Ribbons are worn ¼ inch above the left pocket of the dress uniforms (over your heart). A unit-issued nameplate will go on the other side. Haircuts. All cadets must have haircuts that comply with U.S. Navy standards when in uniform. Males must have no facial hair and sideburns must not extend past the middle of the ear. Females must wear their hair up so that no hair touches the collar. See http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/um/femalehair.html for more information.

11

204 U.S. Navy & Coast Guard Uniform Store Privileges

Sea Cadets with a valid ID are permitted to use the Base Boston Coast Guard Exchange to purchase boots, shoes and a few assorted items you may need. Coast Guard uniforms and Navy uniforms are very different, so do not buy Coast Guard items except for boots and shoes. If you need a piece that the unit does not stock, consult the Supply Officer. Cadets should use the U.S. Navy Uniform Store at Naval Station Newport whenever possible (a valid NSCC ID card is required to enter), or call the toll-free Navy Uniform Store number at (800) 368-4088. The Uniform Store stocks brand new uniforms and you can buy new gear instead of the used uniforms that we issue. However, you will have to pay for it at your own expense. Each cadet must purchase their own boots and dress shoes (either by phone, or at the Navy/Coast Guard Uniform Store). The Supply Officer will provide you a list of which boots are appropriate.

Please be careful when purchasing uniform articles from local thrift shops or

Army/Navy stores. Many stores sell “knock-off” products that are easily recognized

as fake by military personnel. Additionally, the poor quality of some knock-off gear

(especially shoes and boots) can cause significant foot problems after only limited

wear! Spend some money on your boots and shoes – it is worth it. BATES is the

preferred brand and is by far the most comfortable and reliable.

Males: • Bulk Not Greater than 2 inches. • Sideburns may not fall below the middle ear • No facial hair such as beards or moustaches

Females: • Maximum hair length: 1 ½”

below the top of the collar

12

13

3. Drills and Unit Events

301 Do I Have to Come to Every Drill?

With your enrollment, you are making a year-long commitment to regularly attend unit drills and events. The minimum attendance record (which you are expected to ‘exceed’) is 75% attendance at all drills and mandatory unit events. You can and will obviously miss a few here and there. If you contact your chain of command and present an acceptable excuse (see below), your absence will be excused and there’s no penalty. However, unexcused absences will be tracked, and specific penalties will be imposed. You can show us how much of a responsible young adult you are by requesting excused absences when you must miss a drill. Failure to do so (which really is nothing more than “skipping”) will have real consequences. Your attendance record is tracked closely, and the unit policy is strictly enforced. If you need to miss a drill, you need to contact your Company Leading Petty Officer (CLPO) by e-mail. Acceptable reasons for missing a drill include:

• Family emergency, in which case we ask that you let us know as soon as possible (and we understand that may have to be “after” the drill in certain types of emergencies);

• Family vacation, however you should let us know well in advance;

• A sudden rush of schoolwork, which also should be planned in advance; or

• Sickness. Please don’t come, especially if you’re contagious.

302 X-Ray Division – Learning the Ropes!

There is an awful lot to learn once you sign up. We realize that and we’ve designed a system to help it all make sense! Right after you join, you’ll enter “X-Ray Division.” This is a part of our unit that is dedicated to training brand new Sea Cadets (such as you!). During this period of 3-4 months, we’ll assign you to a senior cadet who knows the ropes – he or she will walk you through the basics. You’ll meet other new cadets, get your uniforms issued, undergo basic training, get all your questions answered, and most importantly - begin working on your requirements so you can start doing the “cool stuff.” As a brand-new cadet, your rank is E-1, or “Seaman Recruit.” You should immediately have higher goals. You’ll be drilling with X-Ray Division until you finish your requirements to advance to Seaman Apprentice Temporary (E-2T). Once you advance to E-2T, you attend recruit training, and then we remove the “Temporary” part of being a Seaman Apprentice. See Appendix D for a chart showing the rates and ranks of NSCC cadets and officers.

14

15

4. Recruit Training

401 What Exactly is Recruit Training?

Recruit Training (“RT”) is a two-week training which you are expected to attend during your first year in the NSCC. RT is a pre-requisite to earning rank and being eligible for advanced trainings. At RT, you will learn how to march, how to wear your uniform properly, and most importantly – how to work as a TEAM. You will be challenged mentally and physically, and you’ll probably go beyond the limits you’ve set for yourself.

402 Is it Hard?

It is hard, no doubt, but it’s very rewarding. It’s also age-appropriate. While you will be challenged mentally and physically, there will be no hazing or verbal harassment. Contrary to popular belief, RT really is a wonderful experience that you will remember for many years.

403 Do I Really Have to Go?

Yes. Recruit Training mandatory for all first-year NSCC cadets. It is the first part of your development as a cadet, and you can’t go on Advanced Training or earn rank without it. Recruit Training is usually 9-14 days long and takes place in July or August of each year. You must pass Recruit Training to take part in any of the advanced opportunities available to cadets. The unit Training Officer will make you aware of the process. If there is absolutely no way you can attend any of the Recruit Trainings during your first summer, the Commanding Officer can, in his discretion, allow you to remain in the unit for one additional cycle (year). That one-time waiver is dependent on your overall motivation in the unit. Inability to attend Recruit Training after two years in the program is cause for disenrollment.

404 More Information

You can learn more information about our local RT at Fort Devens, MA, and read parents/cadet guides, by visiting http://www.newenglandseacadets.org/training/rtc/.

16

17

5. Advanced Training

After you successfully complete Recruit Training, you’ll be required to attend one Advanced Training ("AT") per year. Most trainings are 1-2 weeks in duration and take place at military installations nationwide, including several in the New England geographic area.

501 Types of Advanced Training

Here's a sample of the trainings that are typically offered year-to-year:

Aviation Embed with a Navy/Marine Corps squadron ground crew team and learn how to do maintenance on aircraft

Construction Learn how Navy SeaBee teams work

International Exchange Travel to Australia, Bermuda, Korea, Russia, the UK, and several other countries (for senior cadets)

Submarine Seminar Spend 1-2 weeks at the Navy's submarine base in New London, CT

Petty Officer Leadership Academy Learn leadership skills from the Navy's Command Master Chiefs at the Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport, RI

Medical Training Experience what Navy Corpsmen do for a living

Music School If you play a brass instrument and want to pursue it, train with the official U.S. Navy Band in Virginia

Urban Counter-Insurgency (UCOIN) A highly challenging and competitive training run by the U.S. military special warfare community

Sea Perch / STEM Learn engineering, math and science skills by building an underwater robot

Master-At-Arms Training Receive law enforcement training from military Masters-at-Arms

Sailing School Learn basic and advanced sailing techniques

Scuba School Get your PADI certification and dive on shipwrecks in the Great Lakes

Seamanship Training Develop your nautical skills, including navigation, engineering and watchstanding

18

19

6. Advancing in Rank

601 Introduction

Just like the military, the NSCC is based on rank. Petty officers outrank seamen, and junior cadets are expected to obey lawful orders from their leaders, usually senior cadets. This is patterned after the Navy and Coast Guard, and just like them, our cadets can rank from Seaman Recruit to Chief Petty Officer. When you see a cadet with a petty officer crow, or especially a Chief Petty Officer, you should know that cadet has put in several years of hard work to reach that rank. He/she likely knows a lot about the program and you should try to learn as much as possible from him or her.

602 Chain of Command

In the military, the chain of command is critical – it’s how we accomplish our mission. Senior officers pass orders down through the chain of command, and cadets handle requests, problems or concerns up through the chain of command. “Bucking the chain,” or going around someone in your chain, is a real no-no. While you’re in X-Ray Division, your Division Leading Petty Officer is the person to talk to. Once you graduate from X-Ray Division, you’ll be assigned to another Division. Here are descriptions of some of the cadet and officer staff jobs in the unit:

Billet Description

Company Leading Petty Officer

The Company LPO is your direct superior in the chain of command. He/she is responsible for usually between 8-10 cadets, and we have 5 companies in total. This cadet has a lot of experience in the program, and is usually a petty officer. As such, he/she is the one person you should contact for most issues.

Command Leading Petty Officer The Command LPO supervises the 5 Company LPO’s.

Command Chief Petty Officer

When the unit has a Chief Petty Officer in ranks, that cadet has achieved the highest rank possible in the NSCC. He/she is generally responsible for ensuring good order and discipline among the unit, and working to keep morale high.

20

Administration or Personnel Officer

The Administration or Personnel Officer (usually two different people) are responsible for your cadet service record, a folder that contains a full record of all your promotions, awards and activities in the program. It is critical that this record be kept fully up-to-date, and Admin is normally the hardest job in the unit. You will find yourself needing to see the Admin Officer about many things, including re-enrolling every 12 months!

Military Instructor(s) The Military Instructor(s) are responsible for making sure the unit drills are stocked full of interesting activities. His/her job is to ensure that you are gaining a benefit from each unit drill.

Training Officer The Training Officer is responsible for preparing your Recruit Training and Advanced Training paperwork.

Operations Officer

The Operations Officer is responsible for the overall operation of unit drills. He or she makes sure classes are started on time, that the Master-at-Arms has the Quarterdeck watches squared away, and that all hands are squared away and ready for action.

Executive Officer

The Executive Officer is responsible for the day-to-day running of the unit. He or she is the second in command, and works with the Commanding Officer to run the unit. The XO is normally the busiest guy at drill – he or she is always running around with 10,000 things to do. The XO manages the Department Heads (see next page), makes sure the drill is running smoothly, and handles most discipline problems with cadets or officers! The CO’s job is to be the nice guy. The XO is the bulldog who makes sure things are getting done!

Commanding Officer

The CO is the one officer who is totally and ultimately responsible for the entire unit and everyone in it. This is a position of great responsibility. The CO works with the XO on unit matters, and corresponds with the Regional Director and National Headquarters in running the unit. The CO establishes all unit policy and is the last word on almost every major decision from the unit.

21

603 The Seaman Recruit – YOU

As a Seaman Recruit (E-1), your biggest job is to finish your BMR, and become qualified to do Sea Cadet training activities as soon as possible. A cadet who is really motivated can get out of X-Ray Division in three months. As we said earlier, you have to reach Seaman Apprentice Temporary (E-2T) before you can leave X-Ray Division and begin doing “cadet stuff.”

604 How Do I Advance?

In order for you to make Seaman Apprentice Temporary, you have to complete the exact same course the Navy gives its sailors: it’s called Basic Military Requirements (BMR). You must finish your BMR and the training cycle in X-Ray Division to reach the rank of Seaman Apprentice Temporary. Once you finish Recruit Training, you’ll lose the “Temporary,” and be a full Seaman Apprentice. Then, to continue advancing, you must complete the Navy’s correspondence course for that rank, one Advanced Training, and for the senior petty officer ranks, the Navy's Military Leadership exam for that rate. Here is the chart for Sea Cadet advancement:

RANK TIME COURSE EXAM TRAINING E-1 RECRUIT 3 Mos. -- -- -- E-2 APPRENTICE 6 Mos. Yes No Yes (Boot Camp) E-3 SEAMAN 6 Mos. Yes No Yes E-4 (PO3) 6 Mos. Yes Yes Yes E-5 (PO2)1 6 Mos. Yes Yes Yes E-6 (PO1) 6 Mos. Yes Yes Yes E-7 (CPO)2 -- Yes No Yes

1. You must complete a 1-week Petty Officer Leadership Academy (POLA), held each winter at Naval Station Newport to advance to Petty Officer 2nd Class (PO2)

2. You must successfully staff Recruit Training to advance to Chief Petty Officer (CPO)

605 “I want to be a LEADER!”

You can volunteer for several important jobs that let you be in charge of major parts of unit operations. You could be responsible for making sure your shipmates get awards (see Appendix E for the chart), you could lead a company of fellow cadets in physical training. You could even find yourself coordinating major training activities for the entire New England region. Bottom line – if you want to go above and beyond the call of duty, we encourage it.

22

7. How We Communicate With You

701 Email Account

Even if you don’t have internet access at home, we assume you do at school. Our unit uses a Microsoft-based email and private website system to post announcements and manage communications. It is required that you check your Sea Cadet email account regularly. On joining, every cadet will receive an email address and password (i.e., yourname@bostonseacadets.org). This will become your primary channel for sending and receiving Sea Cadet-related business. It is possible to set this account up with your smart phone if you wish, but it’s not required.

702 Website

Cadets are also required to regularly visit the private SharePoint website portal. This is the quickest and easiest way for us to post important announcements, events, and documents. Before each drill, you must log on to the SharePoint portal and “muster” – Navy lingo for saying whether you plan to attend or not. There will be a survey that you must complete and say if you are attending or will be requesting an excused absence. To log in to SharePoint, visit http://bostonseacadets.sharepoint.com/ and use the same username/password that you use for your email account.

703 Plan of the Day (POD)

The Commanding Officer (or another officer under his/her direction) will issue a Plan of the Day (POD) before each drill. The POD tells you the drill schedule, what uniform to wear, what activities you’ll be doing, and other important notes or reminders for you. It also has contact information for your chain of command. The POD is the most important document we generate for every drill and we post it in the SharePoint or email it out – you definitely have to read it.

A. Cadet Seabag Checklist

QTY: ITEM: 1 Jumper, Dress White 1 Trousers, Dress White 2 Shirt, Navy Working Uniform ("NWU") 2 Trousers, NWU 1 Goretex NWU Parka 1 Fleece Liner for NWU Parka 1 Raincoat 1 Peacoat 1 Watch Cap, Blue Wool 1 Belt, Black, Web W/Silver Tip 1 Belt, White, Web W/Silver Tip 1 Buckle, Silver 1 Bluejacket Manual (Book) 1 Sea Bag (Green) 1 Neckerchief, Black 1 Pt Shirt, Navy Gold 1 Pt Shorts, Navy Blue 1 Shoes, Black Dress Leather * 1 Boots, Steel-Toed Black Leather * * Family responsible for purchasing Bates brand dress shoes and steel-toed boots MALE CADETS ONLY: 1 Jumper, Dress Blue 1 Trousers, Dress Blue 2 Hat, White FEMALE CADETS ONLY: 1 Jacket, Dress Blue 1 Slacks, Dress Blue 1 Shirt, Dress Blue 1 Combination Cover 1 Tab Tie 1 Combination Cover Top (White)

B. Required Knowledge

1. U.S. Navy Sailor’s Creed I am a United States Sailor. I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me. I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world. I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment. I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.

2. Eleven General Orders 1. To take charge of this post and all

government property in view. 2. To walk my post in a military manner,

keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.

3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.

4. To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse than my own.

5. To quit my post only when properly relieved.

6. To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me all orders from the Commanding Officer, Command Duty Officer, Officer of the Deck, and Officers and Petty Officers of the Watch only.

7. To talk to no one except in the line of duty. 8. To give the alarm in case of fire or

disorder. 9. To call the Officer of the Deck in any case

not covered by instructions. 10. To salute all officers and colors and

standards not cased. 11. To be especially watchful at night, and

during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post, and allow no one to pass without proper authority.

3. Phonetic Alphabet

A ALFA AL-fah B BRAVO BRAH-voh C CHARLIE CHAR-lee D DELTA DELL-tah E ECHO ECK-oh F FOXTROT FOKS-trot G GOLF GOLF H HOTEL hoh-TELL I INDIA IN-dee-ah J JULIET JOO-lee-ett K KILO KEY-loh L LIMA LEE-mah M MIKE MIKE N NOVEMBER noh-VEM-ber O OSCAR OSS-cah P PAPA pah-PAH Q QUEBEC keh-BECK R ROMEO ROW-me-oh S SIERRA see-AIR-rah T TANGO TANG-go U UNIFORM YOU-nee-form V VICTOR VIK-tah W WHISKEY WISS-key X X-RAY ECKS-ray Y YANKEE YANG-key Z ZULU ZOO-loo Ø ZERO ZEE-row 1 ONE WUN 2 TWO TOO 3 THREE TREE 4 FOUR FOW-er 5 FIVE FIFE 6 SIX SIX 7 SEVEN SEV-en 8 EIGHT ATE 9 NINE NINE-er

C. Placement of Insignia

1. SERVICE DRESS WHITE AND BLUE UNIFORMS:

(MAKE SURE THE EAGLES ARE FACING FORWARD!)

2. NAVY WORKING UNIFORM (NWU):

D. Rates and Ranks

1. CADET RATES

2. OFFICER RANKS

E. Ribbons and Awards