Betsy Ross Division Parent’s Handbook
U.s. Navy League and u.s. Naval Sea Cadet Corps
Copyright © Betsy Ross Division USNSCC,
December 2009 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted,
without the written permission of the Betsy Ross Division USNSCC
PROPERTY OF BETSY ROSS DIVISION, USNSCC PUBLICATION DATE: 02 AUG 12
Table of Contents
Welcome Aboard...... 4
Our Mission...... 4
What to Expect...... 5
Enrollment Requirements...... 5
Our Training...... 5
Training and Advancement...... 5
Training Schools...... 6
Foreign Exchanges...... 7
To Qualify for Training School………………………………………………...... …… 7
Code of Honor……………………………………………………………………...... 7
Navy Core Value...... 8
Attendance...... 9
Academics...... 9
Discipline Action……………...... 9
Benefits of Membership...... 10
Plan of the Month...... 10
What to Bring...... 10
More Information...... 10
Cost...... 11
Uniforms...... 11
Personal Grooming...... 11
Chain of Command ...... 12
Other Important People...... 13
Mutiny: Resolving Unit Conflicts...... 13
Our Facility Hosts...... 13
Adult Leadership...... 14
Parent Responsibilities...... 14
Parent Volunteers...... 15
Dual Parent and Officer Roles...... 15
Supplementary Material...... 16
Correspondence Courses...... 16
Activities...... 16
Glossary of Terms...... 18
Parent Agreement Form…………………………………………………………………20
Welcome Aboard
LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE STARTS HERE
Welcome to the Betsy Ross Division USNSCC. Your daughter has joined one of the finest youth organizations in the Nation, the Betsy Ross Division of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC). They are now part of a proud unit, and proud program. Since its inception, Betsy Ross has become one of the most successful units on the west coast.
Over the next few months, your family will be introduced to the regulations and customs of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps. We strive to instill a sense of personal honor, patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and confidence in an anti-drug, anti-alcohol, anti-tobacco, and anti-gang environment that is compliant with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) with no exception.
Many concepts about the Naval Sea Cadet Corps may be new to you, especially for parents who have had no previous experience in the naval services. It is not unusual for parents of a new Cadet to feel “lost”. If so, remember we have an open door policy with all parents. If after reading this booklet, you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to talk to your daughter’s Commanding Officer.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Betsy Ross Division is to commission the future leadership of the United States in a drug free, anti-gang environment that also complies with the American with Disabilities Act with no exception. The program of instruction is designed to provide an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of the military art instilling in every cadet a greater sense of teamwork, discipline, and self reliance while developing leadership and communication skills, and instilling a strong sense of personal integrity, honor to prepare to be tomorrow’s leaders.
The program is not a military recruiting program; it is a character-building program. It allows young people to sample military life without any obligation to join any branch of the Armed Forces. We encourage the Cadets to live according to the Navy Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. We encourage the Cadets to live and act according to the highest ethical standards in everything they do. We help them to have the courage to meet the challenges of life as a teen or preteen in today's world. Courage is the value that gives us the moral and mental strength to do what is right even in the face of adversity. We ask them to commit to bettering themselves in every aspect.
This program is NOT for everyone. Those who join thinking it's playing "dress-ups" in sailor suits, or join to lose weight, or join because they are forced into it by parents or others, generally don't stay long. For those who want to learn the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment, and about Navy life, and want some discipline in their life, this is an excellent program.
Cadets should understand that the opportunity to serve the
Betsy Ross Division is a privilege, not a right.
WHAT TO EXPECT
As a cadet, your daughter can expect a few things when she joins. Cadets are in a disciplined environment, and are required to adhere to all the rules and regulations in place. They are also responsible for themselves and need to make responsible decisions and act in a courteous way. Should they have a situation where they need to talk to an officer, they will always have direct access to them. As cadets they need to wear uniform on a regular basis. They will need to properly manage their time so that they can fit in all the activities they want to do. They will also be responsible to keep you informed on their cadet activities so you know what is going on.
ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS
The Naval Sea Cadet Corps offers equal opportunity for participation to all young Americans regardless of race, color, religion or gender. To qualify for the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, a person must:
· be a US Citizen
· be unmarried.
· not have a child/children.
· be free of felony convictions.
· have approval of parents/guardians
· be between the ages of 10 and 17.
· be a full-time student in good academic standing and of good moral character.
OUR TRAINING
Betsy Ross accomplishes this mission by meeting every Monday and every other Saturday having a year-round state of training and learning.
During summer they can participate in numerous trainings throughout the United States and the world at minimal cost for the cadet. Much of the training a cadet receives is similar to the actual training Navy personnel receive. Sea Cadets have access to naval trainings including SCUBA diving, search and rescue, surgical training, firefighting (see training schools), etc.
Unlike many graduating high school students, due to these various trainings they receive, our graduating cadets have a better understanding and feeling of what career they wish to pursue in life after graduating high school. Whether the cadet chooses colleges, universities or any branch of the military, our cadets are better suited for the future they decide to choose.
TRAINING AND ADVANCEMENT
Most trainings take place during the summer months and occasionally during winter and spring break periods, generally one to two week evolutions. NSCC trainings are authorized onboard the ships and shore activities of the Navy and Coast Guard. Cadets train in accordance with curricula and selected disciplines approved by the Navy. Training is conducted by qualified NSCC Officers and by Navy and Coast guard instructors. In addition to Sea Cadet training consists of Navy Non-Resident Training Courses (NRTC), training evolutions (away from local units), shipboard training, and training arranged locally by units.
All new cadets enter the program at the rate of Seaman Recruit. During their first year, Sea Cadet recruits attend a two-week recruit training at one of the Navy’s Recruit Training Commands (San Diego, San Luis Obispo, or at one of a number of boot camps at various locations throughout the country).
This is the first training evolution that cadets will experience. This training is a scaled down version of the Navy's boot camp. For approximately two-weeks cadets are instructed by active and reserve military personnel and Sea Cadet officers in military drill and discipline, physical fitness, seamanship, shipboard safety, first aid, naval history, and leadership.
Cadets who have successfully completed recruit training and who meet academic requirements are eligible for advanced training. These trainings are held throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Guam on military installations. They live aboard navy and coast guard ships, shore stations, and other military bases. Sea Cadet advanced training currently consists of the following:
TRAINING SCHOOLS
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· Air-Traffic Control
· Airman (Basic, Advanced)
· Advanced Airman
· Amphibious Training
· Aviation Flight Training
· Ceremonial Guard
· Coast Guard Shore Training
· Coast Guard Shipboard Training
· Cook/Steward Training
· Culinary Arts
· Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training Engineering
· FAA Ground School
· Firefighting
· Field Operations
· Fitness Training
· International Exchange
· Ceremonial/Honor Guard
· Homeland Security
· Jag Legal Training (Judge Advocated General)
· Junior Petty Officer Development
· Leadership Academy (POLA)
· Life Guard
· MAA (Master At Arms) Training (Military Police/Law)
· Maritime Industrial Arts
· Medical Training (General, Field, Surgical & Dental Tech)
· Maritime Interdiction
· Mine Warfare Operations
· Marksmanship Training
· Music School
· Naval Intelligence
· USN Seamanship Training
· Recruiting & Public Affairs
· Petty Officer Leadership Academy
· Photo Journalism
· Port Operations
· Religious Program Specialist
· Recruit Training (Boot Camp)
· Sailing School
· Scuba School
· Seabee (Construction) Training
· Seamanship Training
· Seal Team Training
· Search And Rescue
· Shipboard Training
· Special Boats
· Special Operations (JSOC)
· Submarine Seminars
· Surface Warfare
· Underwater Research
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FOREIGN EXCHANGES
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In addition to the above, those cadets who exhibit extraordinary initiative and leadership ability may participate in annual exchanges with Sea Cadet Corps' around the world. These Cadets get to meet their foreign counterparts, experience new cultures, and get to see how the navies of the world operate. Sea Cadet foreign exchange partners currently consists of the following:
· Australia· Belgium
· Bermuda
· Canada
· Hong Kong / · India
· Japan
· Netherlands
· Russia
· Scotland / · South Korea
· Sweden
· United Kingdom
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All trainings take place in the class room, with lectures and computerized lesson plans. Training also consists of actual hands-on performance and on-the-job training. It can also take place on the land, in the air, and at sea.
TO QUALIFY FOR TRAINING SCHOOLS
To qualify for any training a cadet must:
a. not owe money; books, uniform items, enrollment fees.
b. have an academic average of “C” or better (may not be failing any subject enrolled in).
c. obtain both parental and officer approval.
d. have turned in all permission forms by the prescribed “due date”
e. be well-groomed and have all necessary uniform articles.
f. understand that fraternizing with the opposite sex, immoral acts or vulgar language of any kind will not be tolerated
g. understand that NO tobacco, alcoholic or drug paraphernalia of any kind will be tolerated.
* any cadet violating such acts or acting out of order may be returned home subject to their parent/guardian’s expense.
Each cadet is responsible for getting all such forms signed in a timely manner, for ensuring her uniforms are in good order, that her grooming meets military expectations; and that all homework/class schedules are known before departure and that all homework/projects are made-up as required by each teacher whose class the cadet misses. Each cadet is responsible for conducting herself on such trips in such a manner that will reflect great credit upon themselves and the Division.
CODE OF HONOR
Conduct, integrity, ethics and character are fundamental characteristics essential to every Betsy Ross Cadet. These are qualities which renders a person unable to say anything less that the absolute truth in any situation, regardless of the outcome. It leaves her incapable of any action which would bring reproach upon her integrity. It is an individual’s personal honor that is the foundation of Betsy Ross Division. A cadet’s word is recognized as her bond, their signature as verification of truth, and is above reproach.
Each cadet MUST understand the needs for complete honest and truthfulness in their word and action, recognizing that false or misleading statements or acts are not excusable under any situation. All cadets MUST develop habits and traits, which will sustain them under the most challenging situations.
The Betsy Ross honor concept is broad and general rather that specific and detailed. It is not dependent upon time, place, or situation. It is simply founded on the belief that each cadet must learn to make her own decisions about what to say or do in a given situation.
Our Corps of Cadet Code of Honor includes:
CONDUCT - Personal conduct is listed first because it is the most important standard that cadets must uphold. It is the foundation of their training. The standards of personal conduct for cadets encompass their integrity, ethics, moral character, and code.
INTEGRITY - As a cadet her word is her bond. Her instructors will accept her word as truth; anyone who lies will be dismissed from the program.
ETHICS - As a professional body, Betsy Ross possesses a set of values and ideals, which are not negotiable. As they progress through the program, they will be instructed in values and ideals, their requirements, and how best to uphold them.
MORAL CHARACTER - They must demonstrate exemplary moral character, both in and out of the classroom. Alcohol or drug abuse, lying, stealing, cheating, use of inappropriate language, etc. are all antithetical to the ideals of the division and will not be tolerated. Tolerating anyone who permits this behavior is also unacceptable.
A cadet whose behavior or actions demonstrates lack in the Code of Honor, or who shows a callous disregard for others cannot be an effective leader.
NAVY CORE VALUES
U.S. Naval customs and traditions have developed and evolved since 1776 when Congress authorized the creation of the Navy. Many of the customs include acts or expressions of respect such as the hand salute or considerations of the three core values of the U.S. Navy that this program incorporates:
HONOR - "I will bear true faith and allegiance..." Accordingly, we will conduct ourselves in the highest ethical manner in all relationships with peers, superiors and subordinates. We will be honest and truthful in our dealings with each other and with those outside the Navy. Illegal or improper behavior will not be tolerated. We are accountable for our professional and personal behavior.