Where to Obtain Uniform Items

Purpose: This is to inform the parents in regards to certain uniform items as well order/buy replacement items for their cadet in the event that you lose them after the drill weekend. Below are a few ways to get something replaced if your cadet loses it.

1. Uniform Items

- In the event that you lose a uniform item, the cadet must speak with the supply officer in order to receive a replacement item that must be returned at the end of each drill day (if issued at 0800, the item must be returned at 1600.)
- In the event that the supply officer does not have the uniform item you are looking for, you may go to the uniform store that is located in the hospital in order to purchase a missing item. Any item that is replaced by supply will be deducted from the original $200 deposit!

2. Ranks/Insignias

- Charette Battalion provides Insignia/Rank for those at E-2 to E-7, which includes the ones needed for the NWU collars, as well as the one for the Dress Blue Sleeves.
- If your cadet needs more insignias (for training related purposes), they could either talk to the supply officer or order them from Vanguard (https://www.vanguardmil.com/pages/sea-cadets-collection).

3. ID's

- If you cadet loses their ID, they must pay for a new one. The price for a new ID is $10. 

4. Nametapes
- There are two name tapes that a cadet must get once they have received NWU's. The silver USNSCC tape will be provided and will be placed accordingly (look at image below). The flashes will also be provided as well.

For the cadets last name, go to http://www.1800nametape.com/usnscc.htm#NWU and the type in the cadets last name in ALL CAPS. Once that is completed, select "Silver Thread" and then add to cart. If anymore are needed later on, they can be ordered on this website. Plus it is a cheaper to buy them here than at the uniform store. An example of how you should order them is down in the image below. 

Note: Do not order the name tapes with Velcro. Order Name tapes that are sew on!

Example Seabag List

Purpose: The images below are there to give both the parent and the cadet an idea as to what should be packed for training. This seabag list isn't like any ordinary packing list and is NOT universal for all trainings. Dependent on which training your child attends is dependent on how much of what your cadet needs. For example, a cadet who goes to Recruit Training may need different things compared to someone going to Culinary Arts training. Ensuring that your cadet has everything is extremely important because your child may not be processed at trainings if they are missing items from their seabag.

Ensuring that your cadet has the correct things is also a common issue seen at training check in. For Example, Males may not bring Aerosol type Shaving Cream (White foam) but they are allowed to bring Gel Type Shaving Cream (Ex. Edge, Gillette Gel, etc.). The same applies for bug spray as they are not allowed to bring aerosol cans but are allowed the travel spray bottles. Some examples will be provided below.

Note: CUU's are Combat Utility Uniforms and are often completely optional granted that you have enough COMPLETE NWU sets. If you have enough, then ignore that section, if not, please speak with the supply officer at Charette Battalion to see what we can do to help you with that issue.

Example Sea Bag list 

Joining Process

Purpose: The purpose of this post is to inform the parent and prospective cadet on what they should bring in the instance they want to join the sea cadets here at NNMC Walter Reed-Bethesda.

Steps to joining
1) Contact the us via E-mail (contactus@charetteseacadets.org) so that we may grant you access onto the base when we hold our monthly "New Cadet Briefing."
2) When you arrive, there will be a cadet escort waiting for you and your cadet and they will escort you to where the brief is being held.
3) When you arrive, please have the following forms either completed or semi-completed prior to arriving, which will help make the joining process easier. It is okay if you do not have these forms and we can provide them to you after the brief.
4) You will be briefed as to the nature of the program, expectations of the sea cadet program and the Charette Battalion and what we are all about.
5) After the brief is completed, you will be asked if your child is ready to join the program. If your child is ready, you will be asked to fill out several forms (do not worry if you have them already completed) and once the forms are complete, you will need to pay the initial $60 enrollment fee in order to complete the joining process.
6) Once you have paid for the enrollment fee, we will take a picture of your cadet in a NWU (Navy Working Uniform) blouse, which will be provided by our Supply officer, and this photo will be used for your cadet's ID.
7) Once the photo is taken, the briefing is completed and we will have a cadet escort you out and we will see you at the next drill date!

Link to forms: http://homeport.seacadets.org/display/Forms/Administrative+Forms

It is form NSCADM 001 - CADET APPLICATION AND AGREEMENT
All forms must be completed in order to expedite the joining process

Note
- REPORT OF MEDICAL HISTORY (Pages 3&4) are to be completed by the parent
- REPORT OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION (Pages 5&6) are to be completed by your child's doctor/physician

Getting to Charette Battalion

Purpose: This is for all new parents and cadets who are in the process of joining the Sea Cadet program and finding the location of the unit. Attached is a map of the base and the directions that you should follow in order to head to the unit. When you arrive at USUHS, head to the security office and we will have an escort cadet arrive to take you and your child to the New Cadet Briefing.

NOTE: There is currently construction going on and the Security office is inaccessible from the main parking garage. In order to get to the security office, park as far in as possible in the garage. When you exit your vehicle, there will be an exit from the farthest end. Once you exit, make a left and you should head towards a small secluded parking lot and through the doors. There will be a guard there and you present an ID and proceed out the doors to the left. From there, go straight ahead and you should see another set of doors and that is where the security office is. From there, a cadet will take you from the security office to where the brief is being held.

The X represents where the main gate is at NNMC Bethesda.
The O represents where you should go in relation to USUHS

Training FAQ's

Purpose: The purpose of this post is for both parents and cadets alike to better understand the concept of letting your cadet go to a training. In the instance that you do, you as the parent will have an understanding of the preparation that must go in to getting your cadet prepared before they are approved for a training.

What kinds of Training are there?
There are various kinds of trainings all with different focuses. There is Medical, Field Operations, Culinary Arts, International Exchange, etc. These trainings are located at all different locations around the US and offer cadets different experiences. Every cadet (Regardless of age or NLCC/NSCC) must Graduate from Recruit Training (or Orientation for NLCC) before they are eligible to go to any advanced training.

Are there any requirements to participate in a training?
Yes; The requirements vary between every training contingent and here at Charette Battalion, we push cadets to be well-prepared for trainings. First, a cadet must complete their BMR (Basic Military Requirement) and the amount that required by our unit CO is 10 before he will sign any form allowing a cadet to go to training. The next step would be to fill out a "Request for Training Authority (CADET)" and must fill it out and return it to the CO within a timely manner. The next step would be gathering all of the required materials that is needed for the training and a seabag list (essentially the same as a packing list) should be provided by the COTC. From there, the cadet will bring their seabag (on a date to be specified by the Unit Staff) for inspection before they are cleared for training. After that, its just a matter of waiting and your cadet will be off to training.

How long will my cadet be at Training for?
The time that your cadet will spend at training is all dependent on the training and the season. For instance, a Recruit training in the winter will be 9 days, while a Recruit training in the summer may be 14 days. Some trainings may last 1-2 weeks and some may be for a few days.

*NOTE: It is IMPORTANT that cadets have everything in their seabags before reporting to training.    A COTC can deny entry to a cadet who has an incomplete seabag. With this being said, PARENTS AND CADETS are ultimately responsible for ensuring that they have everything before a training.

**NOTE: For certain trainings there are certain distinctions between items on the seabag list. For instance, when it specifies a specific lock (Ex. a Key lock or Combination lock), please refer to the seabag list provided by the COTC of the training. Another example (which I have seen) is shaving cream, in which aerosol (or the white foam) is NOT AUTHORIZED. In this case, buy your child Gel Shaving cream (Ex. Edge Shaving cream). Contraband (Ex. Knives, Lighters, Drugs and Alcohol, etc.) must not be packed or will be confiscated by the training contingent and will be given back at the end of training. If a cadet is found with contraband, he/she may get in trouble or may be dismissed from the training (at the Discretion of the XOTC/COTC).

Sea Cadet Oath

Purpose: As Sea Cadets, you are also expected to know the Sailors Creed and the Sea Cadet Oath. The Sea Cadet Oath is similar to the Sailors Creed and the intent of it is to get cadets familiar with this as they are to recite it when they are first presented their ID's or when their enrollment is renewed.

Uniform Regulations

Purpose: The US Navy has regulations in place that is in place to maintain a sharp appearance, and to maintain military bearing as well. The images below are the regulations in the Sea Cadets for both Males and Females. Failure to follow the regulations may result in no longer wearing the uniform and possible dismissal from the program.

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.