CADET HANDBOOK
Top Hatters Squadron
Norfolk, Virginia
U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps
U.S. Navy League Cadet Corps
"Training Today's Youth for Tomorrow's Navy"
This book belongs to:
Unit Quarterdeck Line: (757) 444-4626
Drill Location: Building B-30, 3rd Deck, Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia
Mailing Address: 3225 Third Ave, Box 14, Norfolk Virginia 23511
Revised: 4 March 2014
LT Joseph N. Pallazzo, NSCC
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Table of Contents
Welcome Aboard4
U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps/Top Hatters Squadron History4
NSCC Units5
Enrollment Procedures5
Identification Cards6
Your Squadron7
Unit Website and Facebook8
Parents Newsletter8
Plan of the Month9
Enrollment Fees9
Uniforms9
NSCC Cadet Shoulder FlashesFigure 111
NWU Insignia for Shirt and NWU HatFigure 212
Folding the SDB/SDW JumperFigure 314
Folding the SDB/SDW TrousersFigure 414
Rolling the NeckerchiefFigure 514
Tying the NeckerchiefFigure 615
Military CreasesFigure 715
Placement of Ribbons and NametagFigure 816
Grooming Standards for MenFigure 917
Grooming Standards for WomenFigure 1018
How Do I Get Promoted?19
NSCC Officer Insignia19
Naval Customs and Courtesies20
Chain of Command21
Other Important People23
Cadet Chain of Command24
Officer Chain of Command 25
Unit Awards26
Top Hatters Color Guard/Drill Team27
Drill Weekend Seabag List for Male Cadets28
Drill Weekend Seabag List for Female Cadets29
General Orders of a Sentry30
Sailor's Creed31
Welcome Aboard
You’ve joined one of the finest youth organizations in the Nation, the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC). The NSCC is actually two programs:
The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) is for young Americans between the ages of 13 and 17 years of age. New Cadets may join at 13 years and may stay until 30 September the year they turn 18 and or High School Graduation.
The U.S. Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) is for young Americans between the ages 11 and 14. 10 Year olds may join at the discretion of the unit Commanding Officer. The NLCC is basically the same as the NSCC except that the NLCC wear a slightly different uniform.
The U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard officially support the NSCC/NLCC.
U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps/ Top Hatters Squadron History
In 1956, at the request of the Department of the Navy, the Navy League of the United States founded the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Its founding charter charged that "A program for the enlightenment for our Nation's youth, based on the sea going services, be established."
Top Hatters Squadron, one of the oldest units in the Nation, was commissioned on 25 March 1964. Since that date, the Top Hatters Squadron have enjoyed a tradition of integrity, discipline and commaradre. The Cadets and Officers of Top Hatters Squadron are proud to have you become one of us.
WELCOME ABOARD SHIPMATE!!!
NSCC Units
Your unit of the NSCC is called a Squadron. NSCC units are divided into three types:
Divisions: NSCC Divisions train primarily in the field of seamanship.
Squadrons: NSCC Squadrons train primarily in the field of naval aviation.
Battalions: NSCC Battalions train in the field of Naval Construction.
While a unit may train primarily in one field of the Navy, its cadets do receive cross training in other fields. For instance, Top Hatters Squadron training is primarily based on Naval Aviation, but we do train with surface and construction units as opportunities are available.
Enrollment Procedures
All Cadet applicants must complete the Cadet Application and Agreement Packet (NSCADM 001) prior to enrollment in the NSCC/NLCC program. The parent or guardian may assist in completing the forms and sign where appropriate. You must also have a physical completed and pay the enrollment fee. Here is the list of forms you will need to fill out:
NSCADM 001:
Member Information Page 1 and 2: This form contains all required personal contact information, agreements, releases and certifications.
Report of Medical History (Page 3 and 4)
Medical History Supplement (Page 5 and 6)
Report of Medical Examination (Page 7 and 8)
Request for Accommodation (Page 9 and 10)
Enrollment Procedures(Con't)
Parental Support Agreement (Page 11) The adult leadership of the NSCC/NLCC is made up entirely of volunteers. Many volunteers are parents as well. Now that your child is joining the program, filling out we might see if you could be able to help in anyway.
THSFORM 100 Contract of Understanding: This is a basic contract that you and your child will follow all rules and procedures and return any and all unit property, should you decide to no longer participate in the program.
THSFORM 101 Statement of Agreement for Officers and Cadets: This is a basic agreement that your cadet will live up to the Navy and the NSCC core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.
THSFORM 300 Over the Counter (OTC) Medication: This form is for you, the parent to fill out. Circumstances may occur when it is advisable to administer non-prescription/over the counter medication to your cadet. We must have your permission to do this.
Identification Cards
All enrolled personnel will be issued an Identification Card (NSCADM 034) from National Headquarters and will be signed by the Unit Commanding Officer and your cadet. This ID Card will allow access to Naval Station Norfolk during drill weekends and any other time where cadet needs access to the base during Top Hatters Official Business. Also, your cadet may purchase uniform items at Navy Exchanges at anytime, as well as health and comfort items during summer training evolutions. For insurance purposes, cadets must have their possession their ID Card when attending drill and any training evolution.
Your Squadron
Top Hatters Squadron is broken up into 3 divisions, NSCC, NLCC and Indoc (or I) Division.
NSCC Division: This division consists of the core of the unit. NSCC Cadets who complete the Indoc Division Course of Instruction (COI) will be placed here. You will complete course assignments as well as receive instructional periods as determined by the Training Officer.
NLCC Division: All NLCC cadets who enroll in Top Hatters will be placed here. You will complete the NLCC Syllabus as well as receive instructional periods as determined by the Training Officer.
Indoctrination Division (I or Indoc): All new NSCC Cadets will be placed in this division for at least a minimum of 3 months. This will give you a smooth transition into the program. There are many rules and regulations, a lot of uniforms and a brand new language associated with being part of the Navy and Coast Guard family. You will complete an Indoc Cadet Qualification Standard as well as the Basic Military Requirements (BMR) prior to joining the NSCC Division.
Your schedule in Indoc Division, will look something like this:
Indoctrination Weekend: Briefing for new Cadets and Parents. Enrollment forms issued, Naval Customs and Courtesies, NSCC History and Military Drill classes. Chain of Command, Unit Organization, advancement requirements, wear and care of the NSCC/NLCC Uniforms will also be covered.
First Drill: ID Card issue and swearing in. Issue of uniforms, with lessons on proper wear and care. Meet your division officer and division leading petty officers (if not already done at the Indoc Weekend).
Second Drill: Continue with basic military drills and activities. Continued studies with fellow Indoc Cadets. Preparations for final exam and BMR turn in.
Third Drill: Final Exam and transfer to the NSCC Division.
(Note: NLCC Cadets will not be required to complete the BMR until one year prior to becoming a NSCC Cadet)
Your Squadron (Con't)
You will be lead through Indoc Division by your division officer and division leading petty officer. These people will answer most of your questions, so feel free to ask. By the time you graduate from Indoc Division
Top Hatters Squadron Cadets are kept busy with challenging and exciting activities throughout the year. Our regular drills are held once a month. In addition, we will have several "special" drills throughout the year for parades, at sea periods and other special events. Also, each Cadet is expected to participate in a two week Advanced (one week for NLCC Cadets) Training session each summer. This particularly important the first summer, as this is when the Cadet will attend either Recruit Training (NSCC) or Orientation (NLCC). In order to remain enrolled, each Cadet must satisfactorily complete Recruit Training or Orientation. Failure to do so will result in disenrollment.
Unit Website and Facebook
Every good team must know how to communicate; the way the Top Hatters communicates with you and your parents is by the unit's website and Facebook page. Information that must be passed immediately to the squadron will be through the website and/or Facebook page. Cadets and Parents are extremely encouraged to join the unit's Facebook page which can be accessed via the squadron website at
Also, the unit's website has a resources page, which lists all current squadron instructions and notices. Also, there is a course submission link to turn in correspondence courses during the month. Last, is a Cadet Absence Request link where you will fill out should you not be coming to drill either for the whole weekend or just a small part.
Parent s Newsletter
About a week after the end of the monthly drill, the squadron publishes a newsletter to give a recap of the weekend's events and pass information for upcoming events
Plan of the Month
A Plan of the Month (POM) is published monthly by the Admin Department. The POM gives the month's drill date, what uniforms you need to wear and lists any special activities for the future.
It is very important that you and your parents read the POM as soon as it's posted. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT KNOWING THE INFORMATION IN THE POM!
Enrollment Fees
Enrollment in the Top Hatters Squadron currently costs $150 per cadet for the first year with a $50 uniform deposit. This includes registration with NSCC headquarters, issuance of ID Card, and the first year's liability and casualty insurance premium. Each year after that annual enrollment fees are currently $80.
Additionally, each new cadet is expected to purchase a squadron t-shirt for $10 used for unit physical training.
Uniforms
You can learn a lot about a Navy person just by looking at their uniform. You can tell their rank, and how much pride they have in themselves and their Navy. This is also true in the NSCC and NLCC. You can often tell a good Cadet by how sharp their uniform looks. A Cadet who always need a haircut, never shines their shoes and forgets to wear their nametag is not likely a candidate for Cadet of the Year! However, a Cadet, regardless of how long they have been in the Corps, who looks sharp in uniform, will often be looked at as a leader.
Your First Uniforms – There are three basic types of uniforms you will be wearing in the NSCC/NLCC. They are:
Dress Uniforms – Either Service Dress Blues or Service Dress Whites, depending on the time of the year, (Blues in the winter and Whites in the
Uniforms (Con't)
summer). Note: NLCC Cadets will be issued Winter Blues instead of Service Dress Blues and the Salt and Pepper instead of Service Dress Whites)
Navy Working Uniform (NWU) – Both NSCC and NLCC Cadets will receive 2 sets of NWUs. Additional sets may be issued if you need for an advanced training.
Utility Uniform – This uniform is currently being phased out by the squadron and going to the NWU.
Physical Training (PT) Gear – This is what we wear during physical training sessions. This uniform consists of the Top Hatters Squadron navy blue t-shirt (or plain navy blue), Black shorts, white socks and athletic shoes. NO OTHER PT GEAR SHALL BE WORN!
NSCC/NLCC Insignia – The Navy has given the NSCC and NLCC permission to wear modified versions of traditional Navy uniforms. The modifications are accomplished through the wearing of the NSCC/NLCC flash on all uniform shirts, jumpers and jackets.
Sea Cadets – Figure 1 shows you how to wear the NSCC Insignia on the dress uniform. No insignia or chevron is worn for E-1/Airman Recruit (AR). You will learn more about rank and advancement requirements in Indoc Division. The Unit Identification Tab is only worn on the Service Dress Uniforms. Figure 2 shows how to wear the insignia on the NWU shirt and NWU cover. There is no rank for E-1/Airman Recruit (AR) to E-3/Airman (AN) on the NWU shirt.
League Cadets – Figure 1 shows how to wear the NLCC insignia. New NLCC Cadets are called Recruit Cadet (R/C) and wear no chevrons. NLCC Cadets only wear one flash and no unit patch on their dress uniforms. Figure 2 shows how to wear the insignia on the NWU shirt and NWU cover. There is no rank for LC-1/ Recruit Cadet to LC-3/Able Cadet on the NWU shirt.
CADET SHOULDER FLASH INSIGNIA
FIGURE 1
NWU INSIGNIA FOR SHIRT AND NWU COVER
Figure 2
Uniforms (Con't)
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR UNIFORMS – Navy uniforms are not very difficult to take care of. Common sense is often the key. When you are first issued your uniforms, it is suggested that you take them to a dry cleaner (after sewing on the insignia) for a first pressing. This makes sure your uniforms are extra sharp. After that, you only need to take your uniforms to the cleaners every couple of months. There are some special requirements for uniform care.
Blues – DO NOT WASH IN A WASHING MACHINE! This uniform must be dry cleaned! Use a lint brush or masking tape to clean off dust and light dirt.
Whites – These can be washed in the washing machine. Be careful not to use too much bleach. When ironing whites, be certain the iron is set to the polyester setting. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the proper method of folding and stowing dress uniforms.
NWUs- These can also be washed in a washing machine. Shirts should be pressed flat.
Neckerchief – When pressing, dampen first, then press using a cool iron. Roll as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. Once rolled, tie using a square knot.
Shoes and Boots – If properly fitting shoes and boots can be found, they will be issued to you. If not, you will be required to purchase a pair of plain toed oxford, (no corofram or patent leather shoes). Boots must be 9inch steel toed safety boots in black leather. You will be taught how to shine your shoes and boots.
Military Creases – Top Hatters Squadron cadets are required to wear military creases in the short sleeved white shirt (if issued), NLCC Winter and Summer uniform shirts. Figure 7 properly illustrates proper placement of creases.
Ribbons – NSCC and NLCC Cadets are eligible to earn several ribbons (awards), which you will learn more about later on. Your first ribbon will be the NSCC/NLCC First Year Ribbon. You will receive this ribbon 90 days after enrollment. Figure 8 illustrates proper wear of ribbons and your nametag.
FOLDING OF THE SERVICE DRESS BLUE/WHITE JUMPER
FIGURE 3
FOLDING OF THE SERVICE DRESS BLUE/WHITE TROUSERS
FIGURE 4
ROLLING OF THE NECKERCHIEF
FIGURE 5
TYING YOUR NECKERCHIEF
FIGURE 6
FIGURE 7
NAMETAG AND RIBBONS PLACEMENT
FIGURE 8
GROOMING STANDARDS FOR MEN
FIGURE 9
------INDICATES SCALP LINE. Sideburns shall not extend below a point
level with the middle of the ear, as indicated by line “A”. When a
mustache is worn it shall not:
-- Go below a horizontal line extending across the corner of the mouth as
indicated by line “B”.
-- Extend more than 1/4 inch beyond a vertical line drawn upward from the
corners of the mouth as indicated by line “C”.
-- Protrude below the lip line of the upper lip as indicated by line “D”.
GROOMING STANDARDS FOR WOMEN
FIGURE 10
------INDICATES SCALP LINE. Hair shall not extend below a point level
with the lower edge of the collar, as indicated by line “A”
How Do I Get Promoted?
Whether you are in the NSCC or NLCC, there are requirements that must be met in order for you to be promoted through the ranks. All new Cadets come into the program as either E-1/Airman Recruit (AR) or LC-1/Recruit Cadet. For NSCC Cadets, once you complete the Indoc COI and the BMR you will be promoted to
E-2(T). Once you complete Recruit Training, you will be promoted to E-2 and then complete the follow on training and course requirements. For NLCC Cadets, passing the practical factors courses and then examinations you will be promoted. There is no training requirement in order to advance for NLCC Cadets.
NSCC Officer Insignia
Sleeve Insignia