2022 Welcome Aboard Letter

Cadets & Parents:

Welcome to the 2022 Music Advanced Training 

in Norfolk, VA and Washington DC. 

(RC-MD 2201)

UPDATED 15 JUNE

This USNSCC approved Advanced Training will take place from 

Sunday, 26 June through Wednesday, 06 July 2022

There will be an advance team of officers arriving on Friday, 24 June 2022

TRAINING OBJECTIVES: 

Our objectives and purpose for offering this training evolution are: 

•       To provide basic and/or advanced indoctrination to Sea Cadets in the fundamentals of military musician life, military standards, naval traditions, and responsibilities.  These experiences are designed to promote the fulfillment of cadets and enhance their opportunities for future employment. 

•       To provide professional music training to our musician cadets and provide opportunities to participate in meaningful public service through patriotic music performances

•       To represent and promote the USNSCC during the 60th Jubilee Year

•       To honor our nation’s veterans and military personnel and their families with our music

•       To promote the highest level of training that is consistent with NSCC National goals with an atmosphere of respect, support, and esprit de corps.

TRAINING LOCATIONS: 

During this training week, we will be training, rehearsing and visiting sites in Norfolk, VA and in and around Washington D.C.  Cadets will be housed at :

o   Arrivals on Sat, 25 June will stay one night at  Holiday Inn Washington-Dulles Intl Airport

o   Naval Base Norfolk, Norfolk, VA. (barracks)

o   Navy Gateway Inns at Bethesda, Bethesda, MD. (double rooms)

USNSCC NATIONAL BAND PERFORMANCES:

At this time we have the following scheduled public performances (subject to change):

·       Aboard the USS Wisconsin, Norfolk, VA

·       Washington Harbor, Georgetown

·       The National Independence Day Parade

TRANSPORTATION  INFORMATION:

GUIDELINES FOR COMMERCIAL TRAVELERS:  

Flights will arrive and depart from WAS DC (IAD). 

Arrive in WAS DC on Sat, 25 July no later than 1700.  

Depart WAS DC on Wed, 06 July no earlier than 12noon.

ALL PERSONNEL TRAVELING BY COMMERCIAL CARRIER ARE TO REPORT IN CIVILIAN CLOTHES.   

BOTW cadets:  All BOTW cadets will fly together on United Airlines Flight#2247 (2310-0725 San Francisco (SFO) to Dulles Intl Airport (IAD) departing on Saturday, 25 July on a red eye and arriving on SUN, 26 June).   All will return on United Airlines Flight#1742 (1237-1522) on Wednesday, 06 July 2022

Cadets from other units should purchase an airline ticket arriving at Dulles Intl Airport (IAD) on Saturday, 25 June no later than 1700.  r in the USO Lounge

Departure flights should be on Wednesday, 06 July 2022, no earlier than 12noon. 

For those flying to the training:  Email a copy of your airline receipt to our Financial Officer, INST Debbie Hirth: debbiehirth@gmail.com  Upon graduation from training, you will be eligible for $400 RT ($200 OW) financial aid from NHQ to help you get to our training.  ***You are also eligible for one paid checked bag, round trip, per cadet.  Keep and send this receipt to the above.

UPON ARRIVAL:

Cadets arriving by plane:

Upon arrival, gather your gear at baggage  claim and proceed to the USO where you will wait and  meet up with our staff for a pick up at approximately 1830.  The USO Lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport is located in Main Terminal, Arrivals Level, across from Baggage Claim 11 and 12.  We will pick you up (approx 1830)and everyone will travel together by vehicle to the Holiday Inn Washington-Dulles Airport where we will overnight before departing for Norfolk, VA. 

Upon safely arriving in WAS DC and in the USO:

·      call your parents

·      TEXT THIS NUMBER: 650-580-3872 , LCDR Jeffrey Dao, NSCC, XOP

       Add this cel# to your contact list in case we need to contact you. 

 Depending on the time of your arrival/departure, you could have a long wait so be prepared!  

Eat dinner in the USO Lounge

 MAKE SURE THAT WE KNOW YOUR TRAVEL PLANS!!!  If you should encounter delays en route, please text 650-580-3872 (LCDR Jeffrey Dao, XO) and let us know. 

Cadets arriving by private vehicle: Plan on bringing your cadet directly to the Holiday Inn: 45425 Holiday Dr, Sterling, VA for a 1900 check in on Sat, 25 June Look for check in at the lobby level.  Make sure you eat dinner BEFORE you arrive.  You will overnight before departing for Norfolk, VA the next morning.

Departure Plan

On departure day, 06 July, all cadets will be brought back to the USO Lounge by 0930.

Cadets will safely wait for their flights in the lounge.  Those traveling in private vehicles will  be able to pick him/her up at the lounge.  

Parents are reminded that we sometimes have to send cadets home and should book airfare as “refundable/changeable.”  We recommend that, should you choose not to purchase refundable fares, you purchase travel insurance.  We cannot be responsible for fare increases due to unforeseen changes in the training schedule.

REPORTING PROCEDURES: 

WHEN YOU ARRIVE:  In your possession you must have: your NSCC service jacket*, a valid NSCC ID card, a complete sea bag, your music instrument, and a complete gig bag with sheet music and all individual instrument supplies. 

Put your name on EVERYTHING!.    

*Training Service Records. We will only accept your training service record for each cadet consisting of only the forms and documentation required for training. The right side will contain all of the documents required in the original service record, and the left side will contain only those documents that are pertinent to the training. These “Training Service Records” are authorized for this purpose, and will be treated by training personnel as if they were complete. 

Cadets should report—wearing civilian clothes— USO Lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport is located in Main Terminal, Arrivals Level, across from Baggage Claim 11 and 12 or in hotel lobby, if driving.

A word about electronics: cadets will be allowed to bring a phone with them; cadets will only be allowed to use their phones when an escort officer/staff cadet gives the OK. All electronics (e.g., phones, music players, gaming devices) will be handed in upon check-in and returned upon the end of the training. (except for staff cadets who may keep their cell phones)

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION: 

Transportation in to and in Norfolk and Washington D.C. will be provided by 15 person vans driven by our escort officers.

PREPARING FOR TRAINING

Sea Cadet Bag:  (complete list on tab marked 'sea bag list' or click here)

As for the sea bag list, it is very simple: pack everything on the provided sea bag list and do NOT bring anything that is not on the list. There will be a sea bag inspection conducted on the first day in Norfolk, VA.

Working uniforms:  In Norfolk we will be wearing our NWUs.  However, we are not authorized to wear these in the greater Washington DC area and will be wearing the alternate unform:  khaki pants/shorts and issued training t shirt.  You may wear khaki shorts but they must be appropriate length...not below the knee and at least half way down the thigh.  No shorty-shorts.  if your shorts are not deemed appropraite length, you will wear your long khaki pants.

Music set:  you should have all parts of the designated set list printed and in your binder/flip folder.  Begin practicing NOW!  There will be lots of rehearsal time and instruction but we need you to hit the ground running.  Remember-you are the BEST of the BEST sea cadet musicians.

SAFETY: 

Safety is our #1 priority. The success of this evolution depends on the safety of all personnel. This will be accomplished by the following methods: 

• Accountability – this is achieved by knowing where our people are at all times and what they are doing. Each individual will act in a responsible manner. 

• By always being alert to possible hazards and taking appropriate action to prevent possible harm to any personnel under our care. 

• By making safety everyone’s responsibility, from the cadet to the Commanding Officer. If any person feels their safety is about to be compromised, that person will bring it to the immediate attention of the chain of command. 

A WORD ABOUT COVID:  During the entire training, we will be following CDC, NSCC, and local guidelines for everyone’s safety.  That means, we ALL need to remain FLEXIBLE.  We ask that you report your vaccination status on the Supplemental Information Form, complete the COVID waiver prior to departure,  and download a copy of your vaccination card (if you have). This information will remain private.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION: 

Cadets are responsible for maintaining the highest standard of conduct and are responsible for following all COTC instructions. Improper conduct resulting from violation of instructions (e.g., sneaking out of rooms after hours, fraternization, lack of motivation, disobeying orders, etc.) will be cause for immediate dismissal from the training and will be at the cost of the cadet’s parents.

OUTSIDE PARTY CONTACT: 

CADET MAIL:  There will be no cadet email during this evolution.

NO CELL PHONES ALLOWED FOR ANY CADETS.  Cadets traveling by commercial carrier may bring a cell phone to stay in contact with family until arrival.  These cell phones will be secured during training and returned to cadets for their return travel.  Failure to turn in cell phones or using cell phones during training will be grounds for dismissal.

To create and maintain the most productive environment needed for a successful training, it is necessary to isolate trainees from outside influences that may prove distracting. To this end, it is essential for parents, relatives, and friends to understand: visits/phone calls from parents, relatives, and friends will be prohibited. It is extremely important that cadets be away from the daily distractions of home. We will be working very hard to work/play as a team. It is for the positive development of cadets and the development of their training unit. Please only contact us if it is an emergency. 

If you need to contact your cadet due to an emergency, please call either of these numbers first: 

TEXT FIRST....sometime we are unable to pick up the phone but can receive a text)

·        XO: LCDR Jeff Dao, NSCC: 650-580-3872

However, there will be opportunity to watch the band perform and march in the parade and we will provide you with this information before departure.

MEDICATIONS: 

All prescription medications need to be handed over to our Medical Officer, LTJG Keenly, upon check-in so that she may distribute them according to provided written directions. If your cadet requires any prescription medication, you must complete a NSCADM 001 Medical Supplemental Form. This requirement applies to all prescription medicine including INHALERS!

PERSONAL SPENDING MONEY: 

Cadets may bring money for incidentals (i.e., snacks, souvenirs, etc.). We will also be going to Navy Exchanges and the US Naval Academy Store.  Cadets are responsible for any money brought to this training; we assume no liability for lost/stolen cash/items.

PHYSICAL SECURITY: 

It is our goal that all personnel feel safe in their training environment. There will be no hazing, acts of sexual harassment, or harassing by any trainee or staff. This includes any activities that embarrass or degrade an individual. Any individual violating this rule will be disciplined. All personnel may report up the chain of command any incidents that they feel jeopardize their personal safety. 

HAIRCUTS: 

All cadets must conform to the following haircut guidelines:

Female: Hair secured in a bun which will fit under their cover

Male: minimum requirement, #4 on top, #2 on the side, blended. 

We look forward to your Cadet having a positive and once in a lifetime training experience. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me. 

LCDR Jo-Anne Dao, NSCC

Commanding Officer

seacadetBOTW@gmail.com 

650-759-5963