IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CADETS

If you know of a Cadet without Internet access or a PC, Please pass the word to them about these announcements:

SHIPBOARD OVERNIGHT STAYS BEGAN ON 5 JAN 08 - The unit will stays overnight in the USS Barry on the Saturday night of the FIRST weekend Drill of each month in 2008 (except during the summer). We will not stay overnight during the unit’s other Drill (usually held on the third weekend of each month, except in winter).

The main purposes of this evolution are to allow Cadets the opportunity to become more independent away from home; develop additional self-confidence; learn shipboard procedures, construction, safety and language (the good kind); experience shipboard life; be exposed to other active-duty members (as role models); allow parents additional “child-free time;” and build additional bonds with fellow shipmates in the unit, which will ultimately benefit Cadets and the unit as a whole. Special shipboard-only training will be presented each month. The entire experience will better prepare Cadets who embark on a ship during advanced summer training in the future, or desire to join one of the naval services later in life.

All Cadets are highly encouraged to stay for the overnight experiences. Adequate safety, security, educational and supervisory safeguards (including separate male and female berthing and head areas) are in place and will be strictly enforced and implemented.

In the event a Cadet cannot stay overnight for a particular Drill, he/she may be picked up at 1700, just as we have been doing. Cadets may elect to stay aboard one month, but not the next, if it better suits the family schedule.

All Cadets must bring appropriate overnight clothing; an additional $14 for dinner and breakfast (for a grand total of $28 for the entire weekend’s 4 meals at $7 each) or their own meals and either a sleeping bag and pillow or blanket/sheet and pillow.

Additionally, all Cadets must be properly enrolled (with a unexpired ID Card) and have had a parent/guardian complete and sign the required “Hold Harmless” form that the CO of the Barry requires (see below). (If for some reason a parent/guardian cannot or will not sign the form, please let the CO know, so the issue can be worked out).

ADULT PHYSICAL FITNESS RIBBON CRITERIA RELEASED - The criteria for adults to earn the NSCC Physical Fitness Ribbon has been published. It is based upon the President’s Fitness Program for Adults, with the flexibility component modeled after the Navy’s criteria.

The CO’s review of the criteria recognizes the standards as difficult, but not impossible to meet. Adult volunteers are encouraged, but NOT required to earn the ribbon, IF desired. The testing components are: Sit & Reach (Flexibility); 1.5 Mile Run (Cardio Endurance); Sit Ups (Abdominal Strength & Endurance); and Push Ups (Upper Body Strength).

The CO’s policy is to encourage adults to train for and earn the ribbon IF desired. Additionally, adults may elect to be tested by another adult (such as the unit’s PT Coordinator) in private, or by the unit’s PRT (Physical Readiness Test) Cadet co-coordinators, in private (with the appropriate additional adult presence, as required by Regs) or in public, as desired.

Repeat - NO adult is required to meet the PT criteria, nor take the PRT. It is voluntary.

NEW CADETS AND ADULTS WANTED - YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! - We have a need and desire for many more Cadets, aged 10 to 17 and adults, aged 18 and up to join the unit. We have brochures and newsletters available for you to place in libraries, schools, and other locations where they may be displayed or left for interested people to take. Additionally, each of you can invite school buddies and others to visit the unit and considering joining.

Ideally, new Cadets will be aboard well before MAY 2008, so they can attend boot camp this summer.

The CO is also available to visit schools and organizations (VFW, AL, Rotary, PTA, etc.) to speak about the unit and its program. Some unit personnel have recently brought new members to this (or other) NSCC units, they include INST Muniz and INST Madden (Helped the CO recruit two Cadets for a NSCC unit in Nashville, TN); INST Muniz (recruited two new Cadets and an INST); SR Thomas and LC2 Thomas (recruited two new members); and some others.

Recruiting new members who remain in the unit, qualifies Cadets and adults for the NSCC Recruiting Incentive Ribbon, given at our Quarterly Awards Ceremony. Thank you to all who have helped and to those who continue trying.

It is your responsibility to let the CO know if you change your E-Mail or Home Address or telephone number. These are required to be accurate and current, so we can pass important information on to you. If you fail to do so, not only are you subject to disciplinary action, but you may also not get important information you may need.