CHAPTER NINETEEN ◘ CONDUCT, OFFENSES, AND NON-JUDICIAL PUNISHMENT
1. Personal Conduct
1.1. Cadets
1.1.1. NSCC/NLCC cadets shall endeavor to develop within themselves a sense of courage, citizenship,
patriotism, self-reliance, and subordination. All cadets should be aware that their presence at drill and
events is a privilege provided to them by their parents, the NSCC/NLCC, Oakland Navy League, the
United States Navy and the commanding officer.
1.1.2. All cadets will display the highest standards of personal conduct while at drill and events. All members
must remember that you are representing yourself, your family, the squadron, the NSCC/NLCC, the
commanding officer, the Lake Merritt Navy League Council, and US Navy.
1.1.3. Courtesy
1.1.3.1. Cadets shall display respect to all hands, regardless of rank or seniority.
1.1.3.2. Cadets shall render proper courtesies to senior members at all times.
1.1.4. Obedience
Cadets will obey all lawful orders given to them by persons appointed over them, including active duty
military personnel when those persons are acting in a supervisory capacity.
1.2. Petty Officer Conduct
1.2.1. NSCC/NLCC Petty Officers shall endeavor to set a good example at all times. By their examples they
should foster a sense of initiative and pride in their subordinates and shall correct infractions of
NSCC/NLCC and Hancock Squadron / Training Ship Midway regulations at the lowest level possible.
1.2.2. Petty officers shall counsel cadets on military subjects only. Corrective measures above counseling
shall be conducted by the division officer or command staff.
1.3. Officer Conduct
1.3.1. Shall be governed under Appendix One of the NSCC/NLCC Advancement and Training Manual. All
officers/instructors and staff must maintain standards for behavior, decorum and professionalism that
are above reproach. Unprofessional conduct, such as, offensive language, fraternization with U.S.
Naval Sea Cadets or Navy League Cadets, neglect or dereliction of any assigned duty, arrogation of
authority to themselves, or inferring or demanding military courtesy from active duty or reserve
personnel in uniform will result in automatic suspension and recommendation for immediate dismissal
from the NSCC/NLCC. It must be understood that everyone looks to the adult staff as leaders. Any
situation that undermines that perception will not be tolerated. Officers shall ensure that they always
show an enthusiastic attitude and keep their personal problems away from the cadets. Disputes among
adult staff should never be discussed in front of cadets.
1.3.2. Retention of adult leaders is the sole prerogative of the commanding officer.
1.3.3. Officers shall set good examples of virtue, honor, patriotism, and subordination.
1.3.4. Officers shall be vigilant in inspecting the conduct of all persons under their supervision, and will
endeavor to correct all persons who fail to conform to NSCC/NLCC and Hancock Squadron /
Training Ship Midway standards.
1.3.5. This squadron places great importance on the positions it assigns to officers and staff members. The
absence of on key person creates an added burden on the rest of the staff and, therefore, diminishes
the quality of training the cadets receive.
1.3.6. Touching Cadets
1.3.6.1. All personnel supervising cadets (including cadets in leadership roles) are expressly prohibited
from touching the person or clothing of a cadet either directly, indirectly or by use of a material
object, except at such times as they are acting within the scope of their authority for the following
purposes:
1.3.6.1.1. Correcting a cadet’s position.
1.3.6.1.2. Correcting a cadet’s movements.
1.3.6.1.3. Uniform fitting.
1.3.6.1.4. Conducting a demonstration or training.
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1.3.6.1.5. Protecting a cadet from physical harm.
1.3.6.1.6. Self-defense.
1.4.
Situational Authority
All members are empowered to act in a capacity that will diffuse any situation that arises as a result of
disagreement, physical contact, and disruptions between any parties. Depending upon the urgency of the
situation, attempt to adhere to the chain of command. Tact must be used. Proper procedure would be to
first isolate the parties involved, and then investigate the cause. Remain objective and do not get involved
emotionally.
2. Offences
2.1. Classification of Offences
The Hancock Squadron / Training Ship Midway regulations are classified into four categories of offenses:
Termination, military, general, and safety.
2.2. Termination Offences
2.2.1. Offenses against these regulations will result in immediate dismissal from the NSCC/NLCC. Although
our goal is to build cadets, our program is not designed for defiant cadets or cadets whom engage in
the following:
2.2.1.1. Illicit drugs.
2.2.1.2. Immoral actions.
2.2.1.3. Theft.
2.3. Military Offenses
2.3.1. Offenses against regulations of a military nature, which will result in corrective action ranging from
counseling up to, and including Captain’s Mast.
2.3.1.1. Absences and tardiness (for drill, events, or watch)
2.3.1.2. Unexcused absences (UA) from over 25% of all scheduled drills and events.
2.3.1.3. Failure to promote.
2.3.1.4. Failure to complete recruit training.
2.3.1.5. Failure to report for training, drill, or mandatory community service event.
2.3.1.6. Failure to report for a two-week training (advanced trainings), local training, or mandatory unit
training without valid reason.
2.3.1.7. Failure to know the whereabouts of your squad (Squad Leaders only).
2.3.1.8. Failure to adhere to the “12-Hour Rule”.
2.3.1.9. Failure to adhere to grooming standards.
2.3.1.10. Failure to appear at NSCC/NLCC activities in the proper uniform or appearing in an
unacceptable uniform.
2.3.1.11. Losing or failing to bring the cadet binder to drill and/or having it updated.
2.3.1.12. Improper watch standing.
2.3.1.13. Failure to observe proper Quarterdeck procedures.
2.3.1.14. Lack of attentiveness to duty.
2.3.1.15. Disrespect.
2.3.1.16. Unable to recite the Eleven General Orders of a Sentry (non-recruit cadets)
2.3.1.17. Cheating.
2.4. General Offences
2.4.1. Offences of a general or civil nature, which will result in corrective actions ranging from counseling up
to, and including Captain’s Mast.
2.4.2. Low academic grades (Lower than C-).
2.4.3. Use of tobacco / alcohol.
2.4.4. Alone with a cadet of opposite gender.
2.4.5. Fraternization.
2.4.6. Pornography.
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2.4.7. Public display of affection (PDA) [Kissing, holding hands]
2.4.8. Damage / vandalism.
2.4.9. Offensive language.
2.4.10. Weapons.
2.4.11. Sexual harassment.
2.5. Safety Offences
2.5.1. Violations of safety rules and regulations, which will result in corrective action ranging from counseling
up to, and including Captain’s Mast.
2.5.2. Failure to use/wear proper safety equipment.
2.5.3. Improper use of equipment.
2.5.4. Improper detail conduct.
2.6. Report of Offences
2.6.1. All members of the Hancock Squadron / Training Ship Midway are required to report offenses against
NSCC/NLCC and squadron / training ship regulations.
2.6.2. If a cadet requests to file a report of violation citing an officer, chief petty officer, or adult staff
member, they shall come directly to the executive officer. If the complaint is regarding the executive
officer, then the person making the complaint shall come directly to the commanding officer.
2.6.3. Complaints against the commanding officer shall be directed to the regional director.
2.7. Documentation of Violations / Corrective Actions
2.7.1. All violations including verbal counseling shall be recorded in the member’s service record using the
Cadet / Leaguer Record of Counseling (Appendix R).
2.8. Screening of Offenses
2.8.1. The executive officer shall screen all reports of offenses, interview the parties concerned and refer the
case to the commanding officer for disposition or the convening of a Captain’s Mast.
3. Non-judicial Punishment (NJP)
3.1. General
3.1.1. There are occasions where normal corrective measures prove ineffective for certain cadets. The
NSCC/NLCC does not hold courts martial. The only punishment administered is nonjudicial in the
sense that the highest form of punishment is a captain’s mast. Punishment in NSCC/NLCC shall be
directed toward strengthening the character of each cadet through development of self-control and
self-discipline. Discipline is often confused with punishment, but the to words do not mean the same
thing. Rewards and punishments are tools that are used to create and maintain discipline.
3.1.2. When discipline is working best within a unit, the individuals who make up the unit have the right
attitude, do their work efficiently, and exhibit high moral. In a well-disciplined unit, the members do
the right thing because they want to, not because they have to.
3.2. Methods
3.2.1. The commanding officer, executive officer and the division officer have the following options to
attempt to improve a deficiency.
3.2.1.1. Counseling
3.2.1.1.1. The counseling of a cadet should be the first action taken. Counseling session should be in
a private location. Another officer or other appropriate adult member must be present as a
witness, with a female staff adult present when a female cadet is being counseled.
3.2.1.1.2. The situation leading to counseling session should be reviewed with the cadet and
corrective measure carefully explained so that there is no doubt to the cadet what will result
if the situation does not improve.
3.2.1.1.3. A written record of the counseling session, including results and recommendations, shall
be recorded on the Cadet/Leaguer Record of Counseling (Appendix R) and retained in the
cadet’s service record.
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3.2.1.2. Probation
3.2.1.2.1. The commanding officer may put a cadet on probationary status for failure to complete
the corrective measures agreed upon during the counseling session or at any time deemed
appropriate. A counseling session is not required to occur prior to placing a cadet on
probationary status.
3.2.1.2.2. While on probation a cadet may not be promoted.
3.2.1.2.3. Probation terms shall determined by the commanding officer and shall be at least three
months and not exceed six months.
3.2.1.2.4. A formal probation letter, titled a “Chapter 19 Probation Letter”, shall be drafted and
signed by the commanding officer, the division officer, and the cadet. This letter should
provide a general overview of the unsatisfactory behavior, the specific steps required to be
removed from probationary status, and the duration the cadet will be on probationary
status. The official copy of this letter shall be transferred to the administrative officer to be
placed in the cadet’s file.
3.2.1.2.5. Probationary status is a confidential issue between the cadet and the command staff.
Command staff shall refrain from discussion the probationary status with cadets or other
staff members who do not have a need to know.
3.2.1.2.6. The general intent of placing a cadet on probationary status is to signal to the cadet that
his or her actions are falling below the required threshold. It is not a punishment per se, but
more of a stern warning. A warning which allows the command staff to draw a bold line
and provide corrective actions for a cadet to get back in good standing. Cadets should not
get discouraged if placed on probation. It is a measure to help not to discourage.
3.2.1.3. Captain’s Mast
3.2.1.3.1. This should be the last resort in disciplining a cadet. Offences of serious or repeated nature
should be immediately brought to the attention of the commanding officer.
3.2.1.3.2. The commanding officer or his/her designee shall conduct Mast in accordance with
Chapter Nine of the NSCC/NLCC Regulations Manual. Parties required to attend mast:
3.2.1.3.3. Subject cadet (in dress uniform).
3.2.1.3.4. Commanding Officer.
3.2.1.3.5. Executive Officer.
3.2.1.3.6. Department Heads.
3.2.1.3.7. Division Officer.
3.2.1.3.8. Subject cadet’s parent or guardian.
3.2.1.3.9. Female staff member if subject cadet is a female.
3.2.1.4. Award of Punishment
3.2.1.4.1.1. The commanding officer or his/her designee may award any of the following at
Captain’s Mast.
3.2.1.4.1.2. Admonition and counseling.
3.2.1.4.1.3. Probationary reduction in rate.
3.2.1.4.1.4. Dismissal of charges.
3.2.1.4.1.5. Dismissal from NSCC/NLCC.
3.3. Officers, Midshipmen, and Instructors
Officers, Midshipmen, and Instructors charged with offenses against NSCC/NLCC or squadron/training
ship regulations will not be subject to a captain’s mast. All such charges will be referred to the commanding
officer for disposition. Per NSCC/NLCC regulations the commanding officer has final authority to
disenroll personnel. Under NSCC/NLCC regulations, if the incident involved a violation of law it may be
referred to the regional director, National HQ and/or the appropriate law enforcement agency.
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