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.
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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.
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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).
