MANDATORY TO READ:

Sea Cadet Family Handbook

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CADET EXPECTATIONS:

HONOR:

Cadets will conduct themselves honorably at all times by being completely truthful, polite, and considerate to all people and showing proper military bearing.

Cadets will act responsibly through:

Arriving on time (15 minutes before the scheduled start time) • Having with a positive attitude, ready to learn
Reading the Plan of the Day/Plan of the Month in advance and preparing for drill
Maintaining proper grooming
Wearing the uniform with pride and never abusing this privilege
Using chain of command to answer questions and deal with concerns
Coming to drill adequately hydrated and well-rested
Safeguarding their Sea Cadet ID cards and personal belongings, no “gear adrift.”
Remaining in good standing academically at school (public, private, or homeschooled) RESPECT: Cadets will be respectful by saying "Yes, sir/ma'am" or "No, sir/ma'am" when addressing adults. Cadets will obey the orders of those placed in authority over them, whether young or old, and follow military courtesies, policies, regulations, and the Cadet Code of Conduct.

COMMITMENT:

Cadets will demonstrate commitment by:

Maintaining or exceeding the minimum unit drill attendance of 75% per quarter (*A pattern of poor attendance at regular drill events may result in dismissal from the program.)
Completing the online advancement courses on time
Exercising regularly to improve physical fitness
Attending at least one (NSCC) summer/winter training per year

SERVICE:

Cadets will serve and support each other through positive interactions by building one another up with encouragement and maintaining an environment free of cursing, inappropriate jokes, or demeaning comments. Cadets will look for community service activities and strive to complete 30 hours of community service for every year enrolled in the program.

GROOMING STANDARDS:

Grooming standards are based on several elements including neatness, cleanliness, safety, military image, and appearance. The standards established herein are not intended to be overly restrictive or isolate NSCC personnel from society. The limits set forth are reasonable and ensure that personal appearance contributes to a favorable military image. NSCC male and female grooming policies recognize the difference between the sexes and establish appropriate grooming and personal appearance standards for male and female officers and cadets.

The Navy allows the NSCC and NLCC to wear the Navy uniform, only modified with a distinguishing shoulder insignia. U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations are adhered to by the both the NSCC and NLCC. Officer rank insignias are the same as the Navy. Sea Cadet rate insignia are slightly different in design; the colors are changed to yellow, are in the form of chevrons (V-shaped), and are worn on the right sleeve. The exception to which is on the BDU's (Battle Dress Uniforms, i.e., Cammies); the rate insignia is worn on the cadet's collar and are slightly different from the US Navy Collar devices. These uniforms will be issued upon enrollment and consist of Navy Working Uniform (Shirt, Pants, Cap, Belt); Dress Blues, Summer Whites; "Dixie Cup" Cover; Necktie; Physical Training Sweats, Sweatshirt, Navy Shirt; and one NSCC, El Toro Battalion T-Shirt. There are some dress shoes available, but they may also be purchased at one of the local military surplus stores. Woodland style BDU's, BDU 8-Point Cover, BDU belt, and boots will need to be purchased. All patches will need to be ordered separately by each cadet and he/she will have the responsibility for attaching each appropriately. Please see the link below for further information regarding uniforms

Navy Working Uniform:

How To Wear The NWU Uniform

DRESS UNIFORMS:

IRONING THE DRESS UNIFORM

Below is an illustration on the proper ironing procedures for the dress uniform. The diagram below shows the creases on the dress white uniform although the creases are the same for both dress white and dress blues uniforms. Please note as it may not be entirely clear, the creases on both of the sleeves are going inboard, the crease running down the front of the jumper is aiming outboard. On the back of the jumper there should be a single inboard crease running down the center of the jumper. On the backside of the jumper thier will be a coller flap it must have 3 outboard creases on it, when you finish the collar flap it should make 4 evenly sized rectangles.

RIBBON CHART AND RIBBON CHECK:

Click Here to Create Your Ribbon Bar

The Interactive Ribbon Checker which allows one to create a graphic of their ribbons. The order in which ribbons are placed on a ribbon bar is very important, especially during inspection and public events. Make sure to check this everytime a ribbon is awarded to you to make sure your ribbon bar is accurate.

INSIGNIAS (DRESS UNIFORMS)

All branch insignias

HOW TO TIE A NECKERCHIEF

Click Here: NSCC UNIFORM MANUAL

PERSONAL APPEARANCE:

Cadets must maintain a neat, clean military appearance. The uniform must be clean, and worn, with NSCC/NLCC insignia affixed, at all NSCC/NLCC drills and functions. Cadet grooming standards will conform to Navy standards with the exception that mustaches will not be worn.

Image: NSCC personnel must set and maintain the highest possible standards of smartness in uniform appearance. The military image reflected by attention to detail in wearing of the uniform is a key element in the positive public image of the NSCC.

Cleanliness: Uniforms shall be kept scrupulously clean and pressed, with lace, devices and insignia bright and free from tarnish and corrosion.

Articles: No articles shall protrude from or be visible on the uniform, including such items as pencils, pens, watch chains, fobs, pins, jewelry, handkerchiefs, combs, keys, large wallets, tobacco products or similar items. Pagers and or cellular phones may be authorized by a Commanding Officer in situations where the unit leaders require such devices for the safety and control of the NSCC event in progress.

Glasses: Prescription Glasses cannot be eccentric or faddish in design or style. Conservative sunglasses are permitted, except in military formations. If retainer straps are required, they shall be plain, black and worn snugly against the back of the head.

Undergarments: Appropriate undergarments shall be worn to preserve the dignity and appearance of the uniform. Male and female personnel shall wear white undergarments when wearing any of the white uniforms. Cadets shall wear an all white crew neck tee shirt with the jumper (cracker jacks style top).

Uniform Care: Long service life of the various uniform articles can be attained only by proper care and maintenance. Even new, properly fitted uniforms will not continue to look their best or keep their shape unless you care for them properly. Uniforms should be stored on hangers. If uniforms are to be stored for a long time, they should be cleaned thoroughly, then packed away in an airtight plastic bag with a packet of desiccant (drying agent which is obtainable in many of the large chain department stores). The Navy Uniform manual should be consulted for the best ways to clean the uniform and its insignia. No eccentricities or faddish dress, jewelry or grooming will be permitted.

Socks: Cadets wear black socks with all uniforms. Socks must not have holes in them, show lint, nor sag at the ankles.

T-Shirts: Wear only Navy Blue T-shirts with the NWU & plain white tees with the Dress Uniforms. DO NOT wear T-Shirts with printed designs on them [Excluding USNSCC T-Shirts]

UNIFORM INSPECTION MALES

Hair: Hair will be neat, clean and present a well-groomed appearance. Hair above the ears and around the neck shall be tapered from the lower natural hairline upwards at least 3/4 inch and outward no greater than 3/4 inch to blend with the hairstyle. Hair on the back of the neck may not touch the collar. The "block out" is permitted as long as a tapered appearance is maintained. Hair shall be no longer than 4 inches and groomed so that it does not touch the ears or collar, extend below the eyebrows when headgear is removed, show below the front edge of the headgear, nor interfere with the proper wearing of military headgear. Bulk of the hair shall not exceed 2 inches. Bulk is defined as the distance that the mass of hair protrudes from the scalp when groomed (as opposed to the length of the hair). Hair coloring must look natural and complement the individual. Faddish styles and outrageous multicolored hair are not authorized. The primary consideration remains a neatly groomed appearance for the hairstyle and the type of hair that the individual has, with 4 inches length and 2-inch bulk the maximum under any circumstances. Military headgear shall fit properly and in no case shall the bulk or length of hair interfere with the proper wearing of any military headgear. The unique quality and texture of curled, kinked, waved and straight hair is recognized, and in some cases the 3/4-inch taper at the back of the neck may be difficult to attain. In those special cases, hair must present a graduated appearance and may combine the taper with a line at the back of the neck. One (cut, clipped or shaved) natural, narrow, fore-and-aft part is authorized. Varying hair styles, including afro, are permitted provided these styles meet the criteria of maximum length and bulk, tapered neck and sides, and do not interfere with the proper wearing of military headgear. Plaited or braided hair shall not be worn while in uniform. Exaggerated styles, including those with excessive fullness or extreme height, are not authorized.

Sideburns: Sideburns (if worn) shall be neatly trimmed and tapered in the same manner as the haircut. Sideburns shall not extend below a point level with the middle of the ear, shall be even width (not flared) and shall end with a clean-shaven horizontal line. "Muttonchops," "ship's captain" or similar grooming modes are considered to be merely elongated sideburns and thus are not authorized.

Beards or Mustaches: Males must be clean-shaven.

Earrings/Studs: Not allowed

Wristwatch: One is authorized.

Rings: One per hand is authorized

Fingernails: Will not extend past the fingertips.

UNIFORM INSPECTION FEMALES

Hair: Hair will be clean and neatly arranged. No outrageously multicolored or faddish hairstyles, to include shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline), or have designs cut or braided into the hair. Hair coloring must look natural and complement the individual. Haircuts and styles shall present a balanced appearance. Lop-sided and extremely asymmetrical styles are not authorized. Ponytails, pigtails, widely spaced individual hanging locks, and braids, which protrude from the head, are not authorized. Multiple braids are authorized. Braided hairstyles shall be conservative and conform to the guidelines listed herein. When a hairstyle of multiple braids is worn, braids shall be of uniform dimensions, small in diameter (approx. 1/4 inch), and tightly interwoven to present a neat, professional, well-groomed appearance. Foreign material (i.e., beads, decorative items) shall not be braided into the hair. Short hair may be braided in symmetrical fore-and-aft rows (corn rowing), which minimize scalp exposure. Cornrow ends shall not protrude from the head, and shall be secured only with inconspicuous rubber bands that match the color of the hair. Appropriateness of a hairstyle shall also be judged by its appearance when headgear is worn. All headgear shall fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without distortion or excessive gaps. Hair shall not show from under the front of the brim of the combination hat, garrison, or command ball caps. Hairstyles which do not allow headgear to be worn in this manner, or which interfere with the proper wear of protective masks or equipment are prohibited. When in uniform, the hair may touch, but not fall below a horizontal line level with the lower edge of the back of the collar. With jumper uniforms, hair may extend a maximum of 1 1/2 inches below the top of the jumper collar. Long hair, including braids, which fall below the lower edge of the collar shall be neatly and inconspicuously fastened, pinned, or secured to the head. No portion of the bulk of the hair as measured from the scalp will exceed approximately 2 inches.

Hairpieces: Hairpieces or wigs shall be of good quality and fit, present a natural appearance, and conform to the grooming standards set forth in these regulations. They shall not interfere with the proper performance of duty nor present a safety hazard or FOD (Foreign Object Damage) hazard

Hair Ornaments: Barrettes, must be similar to hair color. Conspicuous rubber bands, combs, and pins are not authorized. A maximum of two small barrettes/combs/clips, similar to the hair color may be used in the hair. Additional bobby pins or rubber bands matching hair color may be used to hold hair in place, if necessary. Fabric elastics and colored rubber bands/pins are not authorized. Hair ornaments shall not present a safety or FOD (Foreign Object Damage) hazard. Hairnets shall not be worn unless authorized for a specific type of duty.

Hosiery: Hosiery shall be worn with skirts. Shall be made of nylon material, individual's flesh tone color, undecorated, and seamless.

Earrings/Studs: One per ear, centered on the earlobe. Must be a small silver ball. Studs are not authorized in the nose, eyebrows, tongue, lips, or other areas of the face or body visible to any member of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Officer Corps. Earrings shall be small 6mm ball (approximately 1/4 inch), plain, screw on or post type. Gold for NSCC officers, midshipmen, uniformed instructors and CPOs, and silver for cadets E6 and below, with brushed matte finish.

Necklaces: Authorized, but shall not be visible.

Rings: One per hand is authorized.

Wristwatch: One is authorized.

Jewelry: Conservative jewelry is authorized for all personnel and shall be in good taste. Eccentricities or faddishness are not permitted. Jewelry shall not present a safety or FOD (Foreign Object Damage) hazard. Jewelry shall be worn within the following guidelines: Bracelets. Only one may be worn. Ankle bracelets are not authorized.

Cosmetics: Applied in good taste and colors blend with natural skin tone. Exaggerated or faddish cosmetics are inappropriate. Care should be taken to avoid an artificial appearance. Lipstick colors shall be conservative and complement the individual. Long false eyelashes are not authorized.

Body Piercing: Not authorized. No articles, other than earrings for women specified above, shall be attached to or through the ear, nose, or any other body part.