Commonly Used Acronyms

Purpose: In the military, cadets can expect to see acronyms wherever they may be, whether it be here at Bethesda and at other military installations. Below are just a few that new cadets should be look over during their time with the unit.

POTW: Plan Of The Week
POM: Plan Of the Month
POD: Plan of the Day
CO: Commanding Officer
XO: Executive Officer
OPS: Operations Officer
SUPPO: Supply Officer
ADMINO: Administration Officer
TRAINO: Training Officer
CPO: Chief Petty Officer
SCPO: Senior Chief Petty Officer
MCPO: Master Chief Petty Officer
CMC: Command Master Chief/ Commandant of the Marine Corps
CJCS: Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff
CDO: Command Duty Officer
LDO: Limited Duty Officer
FOD: Foreign Obstruction Debris
NAS: Naval Air Station
NOSC: Naval Operation Support Center
COTC: Commanding Officer of the Training Contingent
XOTC: Executive Officer of the Training Contingent
LPO: Leading Petty Officer
LCPO: Lead Chief Petty Officer
ALPO: Assistant Lead Petty Officer
NNMC: National Naval Medical Center

Neckerchief Folding Instructions

Purpose: The instructions below are to guide new cadets on how to properly fold a Neckerchief, which is a component of the Dress White and Dress Blue uniform. Cadets should follow the instruction in order to fold the Neckerchief properly. If a cadet has trouble, ask them to consult one of their older peers (in their respective platoon) on how to properly fold the Neckerchief.

NSCC/NLCC Awards

Purpose: The Chart below is a chart of all the possible awards that a cadet may earn during their tenure with the Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Some are merit based while others are for completing certain qualifications and trainings. This allows cadets to earn prestige while they are apart of this program (with the exception of the top two, which are reserved as stated in the name).

Sea Cadet/League Cadet Rank Structure

Purpose: Similar to the Military, the Sea Cadets have their own rank structure that must be memorized in addition to that of the Military as well. This post will serve as a guide to help cadets in Indoc Platoon to recognize the ranks of their fellow peers, both in the NLCC and NSCC alike and the ranks of the adults as well. Below the images of the ranks are also the collar devices of cadets who earn rank in their respective section of the Sea Cadet Program. New Recruits should familiarize themselves with it as it is something that may be asked of them during inspections.

Unanswered Questions?

Do you feel that there is something that wasn't answered in the Parent Orientation or here on the blog? Do you need a question answered? 

Well look no further! Here at the Charette Battalion we are focused on making the job of the Parents a lot easier! If you have a question you need answered simply follow the google document link below and the Parent-Staff Liaison should have an answer for you within the next 24 hours. An image of what the google doc looks like will be attached below.

Thank you for your Cooperation with the Battalion Staff!

Link to Google Doc: http://goo.gl/forms/I36anizBhA

Sailor's Creed

Purpose: As Sea Cadets, you wear the uniforms that active/reserve duty enlisted personnel wear. One of the biggest parts of Navy Knowledge is knowing the creed that all Enlisted/Officer Personnel know. This creed must be memorized and is something testable on inspections.

The Battalion's Namesake

HMCM William R. Charette

March 29, 1932 – March 18, 2012

Date of Action: March 27th, 1953

Branch of Service: United States Navy

Unit: Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines

Medal of Honor Presented on: January 12, 1954

Rank (at time of action): Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class

Conflict: Korean War

Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against enemy aggressor forces during the early morning hours. Participating in a fierce encounter with a cleverly concealed and well-entrenched enemy force occupying positions on a vital and bitterly contested outpost far in advance of the main line of resistance, HC3c. Charette repeatedly and unhesitatingly moved about through a murderous barrage of hostile small-arms and mortar fire to render assistance to his wounded comrades. When an enemy grenade landed within a few feet of a marine he was attending, he immediately threw himself upon the stricken man and absorbed the entire concussion of the deadly missile with his body. Although sustaining painful facial wounds, and undergoing shock from the intensity of the blast which ripped the helmet and medical aid kit from his person, HC3c. Charette resourcefully improvised emergency bandages by tearing off part of his clothing, and gallantly continued to administer medical aid to the wounded in his own unit and to those in adjacent platoon areas as well. Observing a seriously wounded comrade whose armored vest had been torn from his body by the blast from an exploding shell, he selflessly removed his own battle vest and placed it upon the helpless man although fully aware of the added jeopardy to himself. Moving to the side of another casualty who was suffering excruciating pain from a serious leg wound, HC3c. Charette stood upright in the trench line and exposed himself to a deadly hail of enemy fire in order to lend more effective aid to the victim and to alleviate his anguish while being removed to a position of safety. By his indomitable courage and inspiring efforts in behalf of his wounded comrades, HC3c. Charette was directly responsible for saving many lives. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Officer Rank Structure of the US Military

Purpose: Along with the Enlisted ranks, there are Commissioned Officers that serve in all of the service branches. The Navy portion includes sleeve and shoulder board devices that are typically worn with Naval Uniforms. Each rank holds a different name and the way someone of lower rank or grade would address and officer would be "Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening, Sir/Ma'am."

Enlisted Rank Structure of the US Military

Purpose: Being a part of this program also means being able to distinguish between the Enlisted and Officer personnel that serve our country proudly. Below is a chart of the ranks of all the services that the cadet should know and this information is testable whenever they have inspections.

Drill Weekend Information

These steps will provide you (either the parent or cadet) with instructions on how to Muster for the drill weekend. They will also provide key information for knowing what will happen at the current drill weekend.


1. Go to Battalion Website - http://www.charetteseacadets.org
2. Move Cursor over to "POM/MUSTER" and select "Muster Sheet"
3. It will prompt you to enter a password (the password is "cadets")
4. Fill in Required Fields as follows (Example Provided Below):

- If your cadet is under the age of 13, they will select "League Cadet" from the "Member Type" dropbox

- If your cadet is 13 or older, they will select "Sea Cadet" from the "Member Type" dropbox

- For Muster Status, select the most applicable response. If you are going to miss a day for any reason, please explain why so that the CO knows why you will be missing drill.

Press Submit and once you have you will receive an automated e-mail that states that your muster has been received.


If you ever wonder what your child will be doing for any drill weekend, there are two places where you may find this information.

1. Click the tab that says "CMDR Brief" and there you will see what will be going on for the current drill weekend. (should have BREAKING NEWS flashing over it)
2. Click the tab that says "Coming Events: and there you will see the events taking place in the coming months (subject to change at the discretion of CO)

Important Links

These links lead to the resources that Prospective and New cadets should access in order to complete requirements and to attend trainings. 

Cadet Application and Medical Forms
http://homeport.seacadets.org/display/Forms/Administrative+Forms

Training Information (Winter or Summer)
http://magellan.seacadets.org/public/training.asp

Training Forms
http://homeport.seacadets.org/display/Forms/Training+Forms

Battalion Website
http://www.charetteseacadets.org

BMR/Correspondence Coursework/Advancement Exams
http://homeport.seacadets.org/display/CadetAdvance/Cadet+Advancement+Home

Unit Namesake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFiy500RKnQ

Chain of Command

Chain of Command

President of the United States

The Honorable Barack Obama

Vice President

The Honorable Joe Biden

Secretary of State

The Honorable John Kerry

Secretary of Defense

The Honorable Ashton Carter

Secretary of the Navy

The Honorable Ray Mabus

Chief of Naval Operations

Admiral John Richardson, USN

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)

Master Chief Petty Officer Michael D. Stevens, USN

Commandant of the Marine Corps

General Robert Neller, USMC

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps

Sergeant Major Ronald L. Green, USMC

Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff

General Joseph Dunford, USMC

Chief of Naval Service Training Command

Rear Admiral Stephen C. Evans

Chief of Naval Education and Training

Rear Admiral Michael S. White

Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Commander Ed Macalanda, USN (Ret.)

Executive Officer

Open

Operations Officer

HM3 T. Pastrik 

Supply Officer

Instructor Deborah O'Neal-Johnson, USNSCC

Training Officer
HM1 S. Anderson

Administration Officer
Mr. Andrew Lin

Officer in Charge

Warrant Officer Terry Franklin, USNSCC

Leading Petty Officer
Cadet PO2 Lin

Other Staff Members
Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Pastrik, USN
Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class M. Barak, USN
Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Usher, USN
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class McMillen, USN
Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Anderson, USN
Midshipman Soriano, USNSCC
Mrs. Lin

11 General Orders to the Sentry

11 General Orders to the Sentry

1. To take charge of this post and all government property in view.

2. To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.

3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.

4. To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guard house than my own.

5. To quit my post only when properly relieved.

6. To receive, obey and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the Commanding Officer, Command Duty Officer, Officer of the Deck, and Officers and Petty Officers of the Watch only.

7. To talk to no one except in the line of duty.

8. To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.

9. To call the Officer of the Deck in any case not covered by instructions.

10. To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.

11. To be especially watchful at night and during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.

HMCM William R Charette Battalion FAQ's

HMCM William R Charette Battalion FAQ's

What is the Naval Sea Cadet Corps?

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) is a federally chartered non-profit civilian youth organization for young people, ages 10 through 17. For those who enter the program between the ages 10-13, they will enter as League Cadets (informally known as Leaguers). 

Is there a specific focus for this unit?

The focus of the Charette Battalion is heavily focused on Medical Training, largely in part of its namesake and location at National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) Bethesda. The cadets will learn lessons that focus on being able to treat specific injuries and learning the different systems of the bodies just to name a few. These lessons are taught by our volunteers, who are active duty Navy Corpsman that work in the hospital. 

Who was William R. Charette? 
William R. Charette was a FMF Hospital Corpsman that served with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines during the Korean War. On March 27th, 1953, he lifted an incapacitated marine away from a hail of bullets and proceeded to treat him for his wounds. While rendering aid, a grenade landed near by and Charette pushed the Medical Kit towards the grenade, destroying the kit but saving the life of the marine. Afterward, the Navy Cross he intended to receive was upgraded to the Medal of Honor. 

FMF stands for Fleet Marine Force

The video that discusses his actions is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFiy500RKnQ

My Child is interested in joining, how do we go about finding out more?

Parents are urged to contact the Commanding Officer (CO@charetteseacadets.org) in order to find out when the next information session is in order to find out more about what the Charette Battalion has to offer. Parents are urged to contact the CO a few weeks prior to the start of the next drill date so that they may find out when the next information session and also so that the Commanding Officer can submit a list in order to grant prospective cadets and parents access to the base on that day, 

How does my cadet let the staff know that they are attending? Are there exceptions to missing a drill weekend?

The policy that the CO has put out for cadets missing drill weekends is that if the cadet has an extracurricular activity, that they are allowed to go to the extracurricular activity in place of drill. However, if the event is not the whole day, then the cadet is expected to return to the remaining time in drill. In regards to muster, the cadet must go to the battalion website (http://www.charetteseacadets.org) and scroll over the tab that reads POM/MUSTER and click the sub tab that says "Muster Sheet." From there, the cadet or parent must fill in the required fields and submit the muster sheet so that the staff can gather a count of how many cadets they are expecting for that weekend. 

Is there any paperwork associated with joining the program?

Yes. The paperwork required to join the program will be posted on a separate post so that parents may access and fill out the required forms in order to make joining the battalion as easy as possible. 

What are the costs associated with joining?

When all of the paperwork is complete and collected by our Administrative Officer, there is a $60 enrollment fee due in order to finalize enrollment. 

Other costs include a uniform deposit of $200 upon completion of certain prerequisites. Upon completion of those prerequisites, the cadet will be authorized to wear NWU's (Navy Working Uniform). The cadet will also need to sign a Uniform Agreement form which simply states that upon leaving the program, the uniforms will be return in the same condition that they were issued. Upon leaving the program, the $200 uniform deposit is refunded in full to the parent of the cadet leaving the program. (with certain exceptions i.e. the cadet lost/damaged a uniform item)

Another cost associated with the program is trainings. Cadets have the opportunity to go to Winter/Summer Trainings in which they are able to explore the different specialties that the program has to offer. The first training that is required for all cadets (regardless of age) is Recruit Training (RT). More of the training will be discussed in the next section. 

What opportunities are available to my Cadet when they are not at Drill?

Cadets have the opportunity to attend trainings in the Winter and Summer. These trainings give cadets opportunities to explore the different things that the program has to offer. Some examples of trainings include Medical, Culinary Arts, Special Operations, Seamanship, Recruit Training, Petty Officer Leadership Academy (POLA), STEM, etc. There is one required training that all cadets must go through and that is Recruit Training, in which they learn the basics of the program.  (General Orders, Customs and Courtesies, and Properly wearing the uniform just to name some of what the cadets do). The cadets must complete/meet certain requirements prior to attending a training. 

What are the specific requirements needed for training? Is this for all trainings? 

The requirements of each training is dependent on what its focus is. For instance, there may be more requirements for Special Operations training compared to Culinary Arts training. Some of the requirements are:

- Rate and Time in grade

- Completion of BMR's (Basic Military Requirements) 

- Paperwork

- Physical Readiness Test (PRT) Scores

- Medical Paperwork

-  Recommendations 

Just to reiterate, some trainings may have all of these requirements and some may have a few of these requirements. The list of trainings and requirements can be found by copying the link below into your browser:

http://magellan.seacadets.org/public/training.asp 

What are BMR's?

Basic Military Requirements (or BMRs) are prerequisites that a new cadet must complete before they are issued NWU's. The cover a variety of topics which include Rules and Regulations, Seamanship, Customs, and other topics that will help them succeed at Recruit Training. There are 15 in total that the cadet has to compete but there is a set amount a cadet must complete (and earn a passing score) before they can be issued NWU's. 

How do cadets advance in the program?

In order for cadets to be advanced to the next higher grade, they must meet certain requirements of the grade as well as pass a review board in order to receive their appointment to the next higher rate. Some of the requirements are as follows:

- Time in grade

- Advancement Exam score

- PRT scores

- Approval by Review Board

- Attending a Training (dependent on rate)

- BMR Completion

How can I help as a parent?

We here at the Charette Battalion work hard to ensure that the cadets have fun, but sometimes we cannot do it alone. We ask that, if you are able to, parents volunteer as Auxiliary members in order help with planning, uniform issue, administrative issues. 

If you any questions, concerns or there was something that was unclear, feel free to contact the Parent-Staff Liaison at the following email: gsoriano2014@hotmail.com