NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE Northeast Region - U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps

REGIONAL INFORMATION LETTER

December 2012, Volume 1, Letter 10

I had started this email with Christmas greetings but there have been two incidents over the weekend that makes this a somber monthly newsletter.

On Sunday, 09 December 2012, Cadet James Ward, 14 years of age was killed in a hit and run dirt bike accident. Cadet Ward was a member of the GOSNOLD Division and a participant in Flagship competition and the annual Sea Cadet swim meet. He had attended Recruit Training this past summer and was ready for advancement to Airman. He was well liked, quiet and a shipmate to many. The funeral will take place on Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 313 Court St., Plymouth. Visitation at the Cartmell Funeral Home, 150 Court St., Plymouth on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Interment will be in Vine Hills Cemetery, Plymouth, MA. Donations in James' memory may be made to the US Naval Sea Cadet Corp, Gosnold Division, 6 Shamrock Lane, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532. To visit Cadet Ward’s obituary see: http://www.cartmellfuneralhome.com/_mgxroot/page_10782.php?task=Current&listing=All On 08 December, 2012, former Sea Cadet and Navy SEAL Nicholas Checque of Monroeville, PA was killed during a hostage rescue mission in Afghanistan to free captured Dr. Dilip Joseph from Taliban forces. SO1 Checque, 28 years of age is a former member of the PITTSBURG Battalion and entered the US Navy shortly after high school. He was a member of SEAL Team Six, the best of the best. He sacrificed his life so that others may live, a true hero. Funeral arrangements are still in the process of being made. See: http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012/12/10/navy-seal-killed-in-rescue-was-from-pennsylvania.html?ESRC=eb.nl

Please remember their loved ones in your prayers.

MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS As 2012 comes to a close, it appears that we have had a successful year. Since I took over as National Representative, membership levels have increased throughout the Northeast Area. Sea Cadet numbers for 30 November are at 1493, up 144 cadets from 1349 on 01 March with League Cadets increasing from 320 in March to 345 at the end of November, an increase of 25 cadets. Figuring in the normal attrition rate resulting from cadets graduating high school and Leaguers transitioning up to Sea Cadet ranks, and it is evident that units have worked to increase numbers. I attribute much of the increase to your efforts at developing a solid training plan, one that challenges cadets and increases their interests resulting in higher retention. Recruitment follows with these same cadets bringing their friends on board, as well as community outreach. Keep up the good work. NSCC ALUMNI SUPPORT The NSCC Alumni Association had offered support for any unit that may have lost equipment or uniforms as a result of Hurricane Sandy. After two solicitations from the field, I have not been informed of any unit requiring assistance. Therefore I have asked the Association to stand down and save the material collected for the next disaster. I expressed our sincere appreciation to them for their concern and humanitarian effort. CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to LCDR David Carchia after having been awarded the Chairman’s Medal, with gold star for subsequent award which was presented to him by CAPT Monahan, Executive Director, NSCC during a change of command ceremony on 09 December. LCDR Carchia has been associated with the NSCC program for 25 years and as the Regional Director of 1-1 since 1995, New England’s longest serving Regional Director. His dedication of countless hours of service to the NSCC program touched the lives of untold numbers of cadets through the many Recruit Trainings and other training evolutions that he was directly involved with. LCDR Carchia has stepped down from his position as Regional Director 1-1 but will remain involved and on the active list, continuing to command Recruit Training New England. LCDR Matt Landry relieved LCDR Carchia as Regional Director. LCDR Jerry Matthias has elected to transfer to the retirement list after 10 years of service with the SULLIVANS Division. LCDR Matthias became an instructor in 2001 and later was commissioned as an Ensign, providing countless hours of hands-on training for the cadets thereby allowing the cadets to experience various occupational skills. LCDR Matthias mentored many cadets, providing guidance and a kind word when needed. For his service, LCDR Matthias was awarded the Distinguished Service Ribbon. LCDR Matthias will remain active with various TWTs held in the Buffalo area each summer and winter. ANNUAL INSPECTION The annual inspection period is from 01 January through 31 December, 2012. NHQ has publicized Action Letter 08-12, providing guidelines for the annual inspection. 2012

Annual Inspection Evaluation and Reports will be promulgated to the field by utilizing the Sea Cadet Resource Page at www.resources.seacadets.org. NHQ will have a limited number of hard copy reports available for those units where computer support is not available. Unit Commanding Officers may request a copy by calling (703) 312-1543 or by email to sbunting@navyleague.org. ALL units are expected to undergo a "full" inspection however, an "assist visit" although not encouraged, may be conducted when determined to be in the best interest of the unit and NSCC program. Regional Director's/Senior Inspecting Officer's shall give units impacted by hurricane's every benefit of doubt. Regional Director's/Senior Inspecting Officer's are granted discretion as to whether the unit will be inspected. However, an Audit and Budget Report "is required". CORRESPONDENCE COURSES AND CONNECTIVITY ISSUES Unfortunately there has been no change in accessing the site. Some units can, while others cannot. The alternative options remain the same:

1. If an instructor/officer is an active duty member or reservist or civilian contractor with an established NKO account, MSGT Steve Bunting at NHQ can set them up with a dual profile.

2. Check with other units in your area and see if the can access the account. If so, arrange to use their computer.

3. If options 1 and 2 are not viable, then the following applies: a) Once the cadet submits the last assignment, and ALL other requirements have

been met, then advance the cadet to the next rank. The key here is meeting ALL other requirements.

b) In the case of a PO3/2/1, when the last assignment has been submitted, the unit can proceed with testing the cadet. IF the cadet passes, the test and ALL other requirements have been met, then advance the cadet.

c) If a) and b) both apply, the Record of Cadet Advancement must be annotated accordingly.

There is another option to the above. The units that are experiencing connectivity issues are receiving a “Run Time Error” message with a bunch of computer code.

• I f this occurs, the unit course administrator must email MSGT Steve Bunting directly with a screen shot of the error code. His email address is: SBunting@navyleague.org

• MSGT Bunting will then forward the message to the OIC of the Help Desk. • The OIC will respond directly to the individual with instructions to scan and

email the answer sheets to the Help Desk personnel. They will in turn grade the assignments.

• THERE ARE STRICT RULES THAT APPLY. o The unit MUST provide the FULL name and the “ correct” FULL SSN of

the cadet. o If the unit is not will to follow the rules, then this is not an option.

OPD 301 As the new year approaches, it is important to consider scheduling your Officer Professional Development training for 2013. I recommend getting your training dates scheduled early on to avoid conflict with other activities. PROMOTION AND ADVANCEMENT PACKAGES I appreciate those units that have complied with previous directives regarding the submission process of advancement and promotion packages. In doing so, you have streamlined the submission process, thereby reducing the number of incomplete packages being forwarded and ensuring a quick turn around for approval. Since I have assumed my role as National Representative, the number of submissions of incomplete advancement packages has dropped significantly. I am sure that MSGT Bunting appreciates your efforts as well. However, there are some units that still attempt to submit advancement and promotion packages directly to NHQ, bypassing the chain of command. MSGT Bunting at NHQ returns those packages to me for my endorsement. In the future, I am returning the packages to the Unit’s Regional Director without my endorsement. Section 0107.C & D of the NSCC Administrative Manual requires all PO1 and CPO packages to be submitted through the chain of command. This ensures that the packages are complete and meet all the established requirements for the rate sought before they arrive at NHQ. An incomplete package wastes the time of MSGT Bunting who has enough on his plate who reviews and subsequently returns the package for corrective action. I am relying on you, the commanding officer, to follow the directive to utilize the chain of command for all submissions, including officer promotion packages. It is the only way to ensure thoroughness of the package and that the member is qualified for promotion consideration before it reaches NHQ. Submitting advancement and promotion packages via email expedites the approval process significantly. Usually, I endorse and forward any package that I receive within one day, much quicker (and less expensive) than through the U.S. Mail. Therefore I strongly encourage the use of electronic transfer of the packages. I have revised the PO1, CPO and Officer check-off sheets that I have directed TO BE USED FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS. The sheets are designed to assist you in compiling the packages to ensure that all required documentation is included and that the member meets the criteria for advancement/promotion. It eliminates the time delay in returning the package to the originator to fix it. The check-off sheet will be placed as page one of the package before forwarding up the chain to the Regional Director. Packages submitted without the check-off sheet will be returned to the Regional Director without fur ther action. Use the sheets! An officer promotion package check-off sheet is being revised for distribution to all units and Regions in the near future. Be professional, do it right. Submitting a complete and thorough package for qualified personnel reflects on your competence as a commanding officer.

CADET ACTIVITIES NCB 39 BATTALION located in Madison, ME, has established an amateur radio club in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations as part of the unit’s STEM initiative. On 27 Oct 2012, NCB 39 received their FCC issued vanity radio call sign of NS1CC. The course of instruction includes radio theory, basic electronics, communications skills and Morse Code. The unit purchased Morse Code and license lesson plans, books and CDs. Using a borrowed HF Transceiver, power supply, coaxial cable and power antenna, CN Coleman made the first cadet contact with KM9X of Bourbin County, KY. PO3 Babin later made the first cadet contact with a foreign station, CT1EVP of Portugal, The long-range goal is for each cadet to obtain, as a minimum, their Technician Class FCC Amateur Radio License. Additionally, the club intends to align itself with other local clubs as well as local emergency management agencies.

Cadet Babin making first foreign contact. CR Brown practicing with the Morse

Code keyer unit. CR Jackson on the left & PO3 (NLCC) Fennell is in the background.

GARY I GORDON DIVISION of Bangor, ME, held first aid training during the month of November with cadets training in CPR, AED and basic first aid and receiving certification good for a two year period. The American Red Cross offers certification as do other organizations. Prices will vary. See www.redcross.org/courses for information.

I wish you all a Merry Chr istmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year.

MANDATORY FOR ALL PETTY OFFICER FIRST CLASS ADVANCEMENT PACKAGES

MUST BE SUBMITTED TO NHQ REPRESENTATIVE THRU REGIONAL DIRECTOR

ADVANCEMENT CHECK-OFF SHEET

PETTY OFFICER FIRST CLASS

NAME:

Command cover letter to the Executive Director thru Regional Director and NHQ Representative as required by NSCC Admin Manual Section 0107.3.c indicating:

Commanding Officer recommendation addressing the cadet’s abilities, contributions and

potential Unit manning levels as required by NSCC Regulations, paragraph 0502.1. • Waiver request included for increasing PO1 manning levels. Copy of Cadet’s NSCC Record of Advancement (NSCADM 009) PO1 Advancement Examination Score (auto-generated email) Copy of Correspondence Course Completion Letter for Military Requirements for First Class Petty Officer. (CNET certificate is obtained from https://www.courses.netc.navy.mil) Copy of Completion Certificate for Petty Officer Leadership Academy (POLA)

• Use this check-off sheet when compiling the advancement package for submission to the Executive Director,

NSCC via the chain of command, ensuring that all requirements for submission are met.

• Place the check-off sheet on top of the submitted package.

• Scan all documents into a PDF file and forward to the Regional Director via email for endorsement.

• The Regional Director will ensure all required documentation is present in the package before providing the

First Endorsement before forwarding to the National Representative for the Second Endorsement.

• The National Representative will review package for thoroughness, provide the Second Endorsement and

forward to the Executive Director for final approval.

NOTE: Because of HIPAA Laws and other regulations that address privacy, packages that contain sensitive medical reports

and FULL SSNs must be submitted via U.S. Mail. • In order to protect the identity of members, Advancement packages only require that LAST FOUR numbers

of the SSN. Typical of the forms that require sensitive handling are the NSCADM 003 (Officer.Instructor/Midshipman Application

Form) which require full SSN and the NSCADM 020 Form (Report of Medical History) ANY PACKAGES THAT

CONTAIN THESE FORMS ARE TO BE FORWARDED TO NHQ VIA U.S. MAIL and not via email.

NE Region Form 2 (Revised Dec 2012)

MANDATORY FOR ALL CHIEF PETTY OFFICER ADVANCEMENT PACKAGES

SUBMIT TO NHQ REPRESENTATIVE THRU REGIONAL DIRECTOR

ADVANCEMENT CHECK-OFF SHEET

CHIEF PETTY OFFICER

NAME:

Cover letter from Commanding Officer to the Executive Director thru Regional Director and NHQ Representative as required by NSCC Admin Manual Section 0107.3.d indicating:

Commanding Officer’s recommendation addressing the cadet’s abilities, contributions and

potential. • Include unit manning levels as required by NSCC Regulations, paragraph 0502.1. • Waiver request included for increasing CPO manning levels if necessary. Cadet’s age (minimum age for CPO is 16. No waivers granted) State age in the cover letter. Copy of Cadet’s NSCC Record of Advancement (NSCADM 009) Copy of Advancement Certificate to PO1 (NSCADM 026) issued by NHQ Copy of Correspondence Course Completion for Military Requirements for Chief Petty Officer. (CNET certificate is obtained from https://www.courses.netc.navy.mil)

Proof of attendance at NSCC Recruit Training or NLCC Orientation as Staff Cadet in a

leadership position.

• Use this check-off sheet when compiling the advancement package for submission to the Executive Director,

NSCC via the chain of command, ensuring that all requirements for submission are met.

• Place the check-off sheet on top of the submitted package.

• Scan all documents into a PDF file and forward to the Regional Director via email for endorsement.

• The Regional Director will ensure all required documentation is present in the package before providing the

First Endorsement before forwarding to the National Representative for the Second Endorsement.

• The National Representative will review package for thoroughness, provide the Second Endorsement and

forward to the Executive Director for final approval.

NOTE: Because of HIPAA Laws and other regulations that address privacy, packages that contain sensitive medical reports

and FULL SSNs must be submitted via U.S. Mail. • In order to protect the identity of members, Advancement packages only require that LAST FOUR numbers

of the SSN. Typical of the forms that require sensitive handling are the NSCADM 003 (Officer.Instructor/Midshipman Application

Form) which require full SSN and the NSCADM 020 Form (Report of Medical History) ANY PACKAGES THAT

CONTAIN THESE FORMS ARE TO BE FORWARDED TO NHQ VIA U.S. MAIL and not via email.

NE Region Form 1 (Revised Dec 2012)