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MSG BURTON |
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THE BLAZER TEAM
ONE TEAM-ONE UNIT, ONE UNIT-ONE TEAM, HOOAH!
I. GENERAL.
A.
B. SCOPE. The Blazer team is a co-ed wilderness adventure training team. The team coach/sponsor (MSG Burton) is the primary leader and facilitator with overall responsibility for the safety, training, supervision, and leadership training of all Blazer team members. The Blazer team has two cadet chain-of command positions that are necessary for team organization, training, unit cohesion and daily activities: 1) the Blazer Team Commander (BTC) and 2) the Second in Command (2IC). The BTC and the 2IC are normally experienced third or fourth year team members and are selected by the team coach/sponsor (MSG Burton). The BTC is the direct assistant to the team coach/sponsor and is the top Blazer responsible for the safety, training, and discipline of the Blazer team. The 2IC is the # 2 person in charge of the Blazer team and is the direct assistant to the BTC. First year team members are classified as “Blazers in Training” (or B.I.T.s), and receive leadership training and evaluation from certified Blazer team members. Second year Blazers are classified as team leaders and primary trainers for BITs. Third year Blazers are classified as patrol leaders (PLs) and assistant patrol leaders (PL’s and APL’s) who are responsible for the supervision and training of first year BITs and second year certified Blazers team members. Fourth year members are the primary evaluators, coaches, and mentors for BITs, team leaders, and squad leaders. All Blazer team members are trained and evaluated on their abilities to lead in leadership positions. There are four pillars of leadership training on the Blazer team. The Blazer team emphasizes leadership, followership, teamwork, and self discipline in all aspects of training and related activities. Such life-time skills are the foundation of the adventure team. Leadership is learned by applying different leadership styles, principles, and good character traits leading small unit teams through different situations / scenarios. Followership is instilled through the values of selfless service, loyalty, and obedience. Teamwork is emphasized by learning unit cohesion in accomplishing missions and tasks. Self -discipline is being accountable and responsible for individual actions, conduct, and behavior.
C. TEAM OBJECTIVES. 1. Develop and promote positive leadership styles, traits, and principles. 2. Train to standards of excellence as a team. 3. Leadership by personal example. 4. Mastery of individual and collective tasks. 5. Build strong physical and mental fitness.
II. TRAINING GENERAL. Blazer team training places heavy emphasis on leadership/follower-ship role playing, teamwork skills, map reading, day and night land navigation, rappelling, basic first aid, rope bridge construction, knot tying, campsite operations, and basic/advanced wilderness survival skills, hiking, and canoeing. BLAZERS are trained in both the classroom and wilderness environments. Some of the subjects include: A. Leadership / Followership roles in a team. B. Team-building activities. C. Physical Fitness.
D. Map E. Basic and Advanced Land Navigation / Orienteering. F. Basic and Advanced First-Aid. G. Wilderness Survival techniques. H. Personal Hygiene / Field Sanitation. I. Knot-tying. K. Constructing Rope Bridges. (One / Two Rope Bridges) L. Tower Rappelling. M. Camping techniques. N. Canoeing. O. Planning, organizing, and conducting leadership training exercises (LTX) and competitions. (Viking Challenge / LTX) P. Planning, issuing, and executing Mission Briefs.
Q. Conducting After Action
Reviews. ( R. Conducting Peer Evaluations, mentoring, and counseling.
LTX’s. (Leadership Training Exercises). We normally
conduct 5-6 Leadership Training Exercises (LTX) during the school year. LTX
attendance is mandatory for all Blazer team members. Please make a
note of these dates on the Blazer team schedule (calendar). Absences on
LTX(s) can adversely affect team membership and other scheduled activities.
The LTXs are usually held in the
SPRING BREAK. (Easter). All Blazer team members must accumulate a pre-set amount of points in order to be eligible for participation on the Spring Break LTX. Points are accumulated by participation in the following events/activities: A. LTX=25 points. (6 planned) 150 pts. B. Orienteering meet with a Rappel Day= 15 points (2 planned) 30 pts. C. Orienteering meet= 10 points. (1 planned) 10 pts. D. Viking Challenge=10 points. (2 planned) 20 pts. E. CPR/First Aid day=10 points. (1 planned) 10 pts. F. After school practice= 1point per day. (Fall and Spring terms) 80 pts. Accordingly, a team member must earn 210 out of a possible 300 pts (or 70%) in order to be eligible for Spring Break. Specific details are generally announced in February in a separate letter. NOTE: Participation on the Spring Break is not mandatory, but is highly encouraged as a reward for attendance and participation.
SLEEPING ACCOMODATIONS. Cadets are quartered by gender. They are not permitted to be inside a tent of the opposite gender at any time. They are briefed on this before they go out on a LTX as well as the consequences for disobedience. In addition, we normally have a campfire at the campsite throughout the night and each tent is required as a unit to perform fire-watch duty shifts (normally one hour shifts).
FOOD/DRINK. Other than the Saturday evening meal (JROTC provided), cadets must purchase and carry their own food and drink items in their issued duffle bags. Non-perishable foods and water are the best items to purchase and bring to the field (NO canned foods-they add extra weight and cannot be burned). A separate food/drink list is normally provided before each LTX.
WEATHER. The Blazer team is not a “fair weather” team. However, we do train and plan for adverse weather conditions. I have a NOAA weather radio, a Strike Alert (lightning indicating device) and cell phone and monitor then while in the wilderness areas. Please be assured that I take prudent measures and do every thing humanly possible to ensure the safety of each tam member while out in the woods / LTX (field training exercise).
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES. Our training is usually conducted in a wilderness environment. Therefore ALL cadets must have a signed (parents / guardian) Parent Permission form, a signed Emergency Medical Authorization form, and a signed Hold Harmless Agreement BEFORE they are allowed to go on any LTX or related event. NO EXCEPTIONS!! A copy of each will be sent home by each cadet. Please carefully read them and sign where appropriate.
CELL PHONES. Cadets are permitted to bring their cell phones (at their own risk) but the cell phones are to be for emergency uses only.
III. TEAM POLICIES ACADEMICS. All team members must receive a passing grade in ALL classes/courses at the end of each nine-week period. Any team member receiving a “F” in any class/course at the end of a nine week period will NOT be allowed to participate in any scheduled weekend LTX’s (leadership training exercises), competitions, or events during the next nine week period unless: 1) the team coach/sponsor (MSG Burton) receives parental permission (in writing-only) to participate in weekend Blazer team activities; and/or 2) the team coach/sponsor (MSG Burton) receives teacher permission (in writing-only) that the affected team member is currently passing his//her course. Bottom line: High school graduation comes first!! If you are failing, you need to be at home studying to pass your classes.
ATTENDANCE. During the school year team members cannot use job employment, after school athletics, or other activities as an excuse to miss scheduled Blazer team practices or LTX’s. Conflicts with scheduled practices and / or LTX’s are resolved on a case by case basis and must be approved or disapproved by the team coach/sponsor (MSG Burton). All absences are classified as either excused or unexcused. Absentees must provide a written note to the team coach/sponsor within 72 hours from the parent, physician, or dentist to be considered for an excused absence.
AFTER SCHOOL PRACTICE SCHEDULE: All team members are expected to attend scheduled after school practices. Unless otherwise noted, after-school practices are normally held on Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s, and Thursday’s from 3:45-5:00pm. Any practice/event that is cancelled and cannot be rescheduled will not count against the team members.
AFTER SCHOOL PRACTICE PROCEDURES: Unless otherwise noted, a team formation is normally held at approximately 3:45 PM on the bottom floor in front of the Blazer room door. Personnel are expected to dress out in the prescribed uniform. Upon completion of practices or LTX’s, team members are to report directly to the front of the school (top ramp) and await transportation home. Team members are not allowed to re-enter the school building or go to any other area without the permission of the team coach/sponsor (MSG Burton) or Blazer Team Commander (BTC). Team members are expected to be picked up by 5: 15 PM on practice days and not later than 3:00 pm on Sunday’s following scheduled LTX’s unless otherwise noted. Furthermore, team members ARE NOT allowed to use any unauthorized mode of transportation, i.e. walk home, or ride with any individual to whom parental permission (in writing to the team coach/sponsor -MSG Burton.) has not been given.
ABSENCES: Absences are classified as EXCUSED or UNEXCUSED. Excused absences follow the approved school board policy guidelines. Excused: A. Extended personal physical or emotional illness as verified by a physician or dentist. B. Extended hospital stay as verified by a physician or dentist. C. Extended recuperation from an accident verified by a physician or dentist. D. Prior school system approved travel for education. E. Death in the family (not to exceed one week) verified by a parent note / funeral program. F. Natural catastrophe and / or disaster. G. Parent note not to exceed three per term. (18 weeks) NOTE: A Parent Excuse (oral or written) must be given to the Blazer Team Commander within 48 hrs. after an absence or it will not be excused. H. No more than three unexcused absences will be allowed during a school term. (i.e.18 wks) I. NHS Faculty, Staff, Administration or SAI / Blazer Team Commander approved absences. Unexcused: A. Any absences that are not excused as outlined in A-I above.
C. PERSONAL CONDUCT / BEHAVIOR. BLAZERS are expected set and sustain high standards of personal conduct and proper behavior in both word and deed. Listed below are a few of these expectations of personal conduct/behavior for every team member.
RULE # 1 Treat others as you would want to be treated. (Golden Rule) RULE # 2 Do not lie, cheat, or take anything that does not belong to you.
RULE # 3 Be on time, at the right place, and in the proper uniform. RULE # 4 Be accountable and responsible for your actions those of your team members when placed in charge of them. RULE # 5 Put the team/mission above your own personal interests (Selfless Service). RULE # 6 Lead by example and follow by loyalty. RULE # 7 Show pride in how you look, what you wear, and who you are. RULE # 8 Do your best and what is right; even when no one is around.
D. PERSONAL APPEARANCE: The following minimum standards apply to all male members on the Blazer team. MALE MEMBERS.
The hair will be very short in overall length and when combed/brushed
will be less than ONE inch in overall length / bulk. Haircuts
will present a
FEMALE MEMBERS. The length and bulk of the hair will not be excessive or present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. Hair will not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar (when in uniform). Hair holding ornaments (barrettes, pins, clips, etc.), if used, MUST be transparent or similar in color to the hair, and will be inconspicuously placed. Beads or similar ornamental items are not to be worn when in uniform. Hair-nets / bandanas/ do-rags will not be worn. While in uniform female cadets are permitted to wear cosmetics applied conservatively and in good taste. Exaggerated or faddish styles are inappropriate with the uniform and will not be worn (flesh or natural tones only). Lipstick and nail polish are authorized when applied conservatively and in good taste. Extreme shades of lipstick and nail polish such as purple, gold, blue, and white will not be worn while in uniform. Facial tattoos or paints are not authorized. Bottom line: Non-compliance with the above standards will result in suspension from the team.
ALL TEAM MEMBERS. JEWELRY (ALL) The wearing of a wrist watch, a wrist identification bracelet, and not more than two rings is authorized for wear. Males and Females WILL NOT wear earrings of any type while in Class C (BDU/ACU) uniform. Necklaces, neck chains, fad devices, vogue medallions, personal talismans, or amulets WILL NOT be exposed with any uniform. Additionally, the following items are prohibited : Nose rings, eyebrow rings, tongue rings, or abdomen rings whether exposed or unexposed. Earrings or body piercing will not be worn at any time during scheduled activities or events. EYEGLASSES: (ALL) Eyeglasses or sunglasses that are faddish or have lenses and frames with initials or other adornments are not authorized for wear. Lenses that are so large as to detract from the appearance of the uniform will not be worn. FINGERNAILS: (ALL) Fingernails will be clean and neatly trimmed. The overall length of fingernails will not extend past the fingertips. Add-on type fingernails are not authorized while in the BDU uniform. Bottom line: Non-compliance with the above standards will result in suspension from the team.
E. WEARING OF THE BDU /ACU UNIFORM (CLASS C uniform): The uniform policy for all LTX’S, team practices, and extracurricular activities involving the wearing of the Class C ( BDU/ACU) uniform is listed below unless otherwise noted. BDU’s/ ACUs will not be worn during normal school day hours (i.e. 8:30 am to 3:30 pm unless permission is given by the SAI). BITs (brown shirts) will wear the complete issued Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) / Army Combat Uniform (ACU) with the issued brown t-shirt, BDU/ACU coat, and BDU/ACU cap. Blazers (black shirts) will wear the BDU/ACU trouser with the black Blazer logo T-shirt / sweatshirt worn in lieu of the BDU/ACU coat and the BDU/ACU cap.
BDU /ACU CAP: The BDU/ACU cap will be worn be centered on the head, visor facing the wearer’s front, and visor pulled down to within two fingers off the bridge of the nose. It will be worn by ALL team members when in a field environment / LTXs. Headgear will not be worn inside a building, under head cover, or while in a vehicle unless otherwise noted. When not worn, headgear will be placed in the BDU/ACU trouser cargo pocket.
T-SHIRT: The T-shirt (brown logo or black logo shirt) will be worn with the shirt tail tucked inside the BDU/ACU trouser.
BDU /ACU BELT / BUCKLE: The issued black belt with the black subdued buckle will be properly worn with the BDU/ACU trousers with the tip not extending more than two inches from the end of the belt buckle when fastened. All buttons on the BDU/ACU uniform will be buttoned.
BDU/ACU TROUSERS: BDU/ACU trousers will be correctly bloused either inside the boots or no more than one inch over the top of the boots secured with a boot blousing device.
BOOTS: Issued black combat leather boots will be maintained as black, cleaned, and highly brush shined. Only black paste shoe polish (i.e. Kiwi brand) will be used to shine the boots. Boots will be properly laced and excess lace length tucked inside the boots when worn.
NOTE: The Team coach/sponsor and the SAI reserve the right to determine or interpret violations of these prescribed standards. Violations of this policy will be reviewed by the Team coach / sponsor -SAI and penalties assessed in accordance with the Discipline Infractions / Penalties part of the Blazer team SOP. Bottom-line. Comply or you won’t stay on the team.
IV. AWARDS and DECORATIONS: The following awards are permitted to be worn by Adventure Team members upon successful completion of indicated requirements. Unless otherwise noted, SAI’s have discretion for the awards criteria. Listed below is a suggested criterion guideline for awards. SAI’s have flexibility to adjust criteria for their programs. All awards must be approved by the DAI/SAI.
RIBBONS. N-3-8 Adventure Team Ribbon. Awarded annually to cadets who are members of adventure training type units. In order to receive this award, the team member must have successfully accomplished the following task: 1). Complete a minimum of two field training exercises (LTX’s).
N-3-5 Orienteering Ribbon. Awarded annually to cadets who are members of an orienteering team. In order to receive this award, the team member must have successfully accomplished the following tasks: 1). Complete a minimum of two orienteering meets without being disqualified.
SHOULDER CORDS. Green Orienteering Shoulder Cord. (Green w/o ferrule). SAI discretion. In order to receive this award, the team member must have successfully accomplished the following tasks: 1). Awarded during the second year (normally, the sophomore year) 2). Cumulatively complete five orienteering meets; one of these five must have been successful completion of an Yellow Course (within time, No DQ).
Black Shoulder Cord (Black w/o ferrule). SAI discretion. In order to receive this award, the team member must have successfully accomplished the following tasks: 1). Awarded during the first or second year. 2). Cumulatively complete five LTX’s.
TEAM ARC PINS Raider Arc Pin or Adventure Training Arc Pin. SAI discretion. In order to receive this award, the team member must have successfully accomplished the following task: 1). Successfully complete all requirements of a Raider /Viking Stakes/Challenge event and/or: 2) Cumulatively complete ten scheduled LTX’s in the second or third year.
Orienteering Arc Pin. SAI discretion. In order to receive this award, the team member must have successfully accomplished the following task: 1). Awarded during the second or third year. 2). Cumulatively complete ten orienteering meets; one of these eight must have been a successful completion of a Brown Course (In time, No DQ).
Rappelling Arc Pin. SAI discretion. (Pending USACC approval) In order to receive this award, the team member must have successfully accomplished the following tasks: 1). Complete at least ten rappels from a minimum height of 30 ft. from an authorized rappel tower.
TEAM SHIRT Team Shirt w/ logo. SAI discretion. In order to receive this award, the team member must have successfully accomplished the following tasks: 1) Awarded at the end of the first year. (Normally, the freshman year) 2) Successful completion of all hands-on and written components of the Training Task List (TTL) in the Blazer Team Handbook. 3) In addition, all Blazer team members (old and new) must comply with the following in order to earn their black shirts and/or continue to wear their shirts: a. LTX’S: Must attend the Rites of Passage LTX at the end of the school year. Also at a minimum, must attend 3 out of 4 LTX’s; or 4 out of 6 LTX’S; or 5 out of 8 LTX’s. b. PRACTICES: Must attend over 75% of in each term (Fall and Spring) c. ORIENTEERING MEETS: Must attend 2 out of 3 meets; or 3 out of 5 meets; or 4 out of 7 meets. d. RAPPELLING: All team members MUST achieve ten (10) rappels off of a 30 foot tower in a school year. Note: Final decision on awarding the team shirt rests with the decision of the team coach/sponsor.
V. DISCIPLINE The following violations are considered grounds for immediate termination from the team. This applies to any situation (s) while participating in school / JROTC activities either on or off campus. The following violations are considered grounds for suspension from the team. These apply to any situation (s) while participating in school / JROTC activities either on or off campus. a) Excessive tardiness / absences (practices / LTX’s) b) Willful disobedience/ Insubordination / Disrespect for/to Authority. c) Consumption or possession of Illegal Drugs, Alcohol, or Tobacco. d) Failure to meet the standards of personal appearance/grooming/uniform policies. e) Failure to maintain proper accountability of personnel and equipment. f) Getting “peered out” evaluations / recommendations from peers. g) Public Display of Affection. (PDA). h) Integrity violations: includes but not limited to lying, cheating, stealing, or bringing discredit to the team. i) Failure to meet academic standards. (i.e. failing to pass all classes/courses).
NOTE 1: Depending on any mitigating circumstances and after subsequent investigation for the facts, all violators could receive immediate suspension / termination from the team with the duration (length of time) determined by the Team Coach.
NOTE 2: Team members are not allowed to participate in any Blazer team activity during the appeals process, suspension or termination periods.
VI. CLOTHING ISSUE / TURN-IN. All clothing and field equipment are issued at no cost to the team member. However, these items are property of the Northwood JROTC program and must be properly cared for and accounted. If a cadet loses, damages through negligence, or destroys any of these items, they must pay for them. Cadets are normally issued two complete sets of BDU’s, a duffel bag, a sleeping bag, a poncho, and share a four person tent. Other items are normally brought by the cadets (This includes seasonal clothing items) via a packing list given to them several days prior to the LTX. In addition, all Blazer team awards and decorations must be properly placed on the Class A coat and/or Class B Green SS shirt in accordance with current Cadet Command Regulation 145-2 and Unit SOP.
VII. COSTS and FEES: There are some costs to being a member of the Blazer Team! Some of these include: Orienteering meet: $3.00 per event. Headlamp with spare batteries: $9.00 up Black Sweatshirt $15.00 (Blazers only) Additionally, cadets are required to purchase and bring food / drink items for LTX’s and other adventure training exercises. Normally, these are approximately 3-5 meals. An equipment and food / beverage list is provided to the cadet prior to each event.
VIII. PARENT SUPPORT/CHAPERONES. Parent support is imperative to the success of our program. Parents can contribute by providing sometimes where/when needed transportation to different events, chaperoning, and granting permission for cadets to participate our activities. Parents are always welcome and are encouraged to assist in our program. With advance notice, we can supply adequate camping equipment for our guests / chaperones. My role and the role of the chaperones are to observe and assist the team members as needed in training and logistical support efforts. The Blazer team is cadet leadership driven. Therefore, it is only in situations involving discipline, safety, and/or emergencies in which the chaperone and I “take over” the situation. Otherwise the Blazers are being evaluated on their abilities to lead, follow, apply teamwork and conduct training!! Parents desiring to assist as chaperones may do so by contacting MSG BURTON: at (W) 318-929-2022; (H) 318-949-3969.
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