Navy Class A School Student Policies and Restrictions

After boot camp, Navy recruits attend technical training, usually called Class A school. During technical training, there are restrictions on what recruits can and cannot do while attending Navy schools. These restrictions are divided into different phases. In short, technical training begins with numerous restrictions, and, as time goes on, restrictions are steadily lifted.

These rules were laid out in CNET Instruction 1540.20, Navy Military Training Policies & Procedures. That policy has since been deprecated, but the rules are likely to be found or modified by the different Navy schools.

Liberty Policies in Class A Schools

A key component of the liberty policy must be an understanding of the equilibrium required between personal and professional life, and that liberty is dependent on all military and technical training requirements and work being completed. The objective of this policy is to provide students a phased and sequential transition from the highly restrictive recruit training environment to one more like that which is experienced by Sailors in the Fleet. Training commands, which are located in the same regional area, will coordinate with one another to ensure a uniform policy for all students in their area.

The following Phase Ladder of Privileges Liberty Policy is applicable to those students who are reporting to Navy schools directly from Recruit Training Command.

Phase I—The first three weeks after recruit training:

• Wearing of civilian clothing is not authorized.
• On-base liberty is only during the training week.
• Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not authorized.
• All liberty will expire at 2200.
• All must complete command indoctrination prior to off-base liberty.

Phase II—Personnel may be advanced to Phase II upon meeting the following conditions:

• Three weeks onboard under Phase I
• Completion of NMT core curriculum
• Within Navy physical fitness standards
• Satisfactory uniform appearance
• Satisfactory academic standing
• Satisfactory military performance
• At the discretion of the Commanding Officer, liberty during school nights will expire at a time to ensure six hours of continuous sleep in 24 hours.

Phase III—Personnel may be advanced to Phase III upon meeting the following conditions:

• Four weeks in Phase II
• Within Navy physical fitness standards
• Satisfactory uniform appearance
• Satisfactory academic standing
• Satisfactory military performance
• Will allow Sailors under NMT to experience liberty equivalent to that of staff

The chain of command or a nonacademic review board may recommend Sailors be set back to a previous liberty phase for military infractions or unsatisfactory performance.

Gender Integration and Berthing

The appropriate interaction which occurs between men and women in the training command is very beneficial in preparing new Sailors to operate in the mixed-gender environment, which they will encounter aboard ship.

Configuration and policy guidelines for berthing will have as their objective the preparation of every Sailor for gender-integrated living at the operational level, whether afloat, battalion, or squadron. Berthing to house men and women will be in the same building, emulating a shipboard environment whenever possible. Gender privacy and dignity is paramount. All berthing must be secure and well supervised.

Tobacco

Activities shall maintain an environment that supports smoking abstinence, discourages the use of any tobacco products, and is in support of the Navy Tobacco Cessation Program. Smoking may be restricted during certain phases of training. Also, the charging of e-cigarettes may be limited depending on the base or location of the assignment.

Civilian Clothes

Commands will establish a civilian clothes standard that supports Navy Uniform Regulations and the highest standards of appearance. Sailors shall be trained on appropriate civilian attire. The policy for civilian attire should be consistent throughout the command (i.e., same for staff and students) and vigorously enforced.

Uniform

All students will be routinely inspected when in uniform, both formally and informally with a critical eye for proper wear and fit. Particular attention should be given to the jumper, skirt, and trouser lengths, and the fit of all outer garments. The ability to wear the neckerchief and necktie correctly, as well as the overall appearance and grooming of the individual, shall also be evaluated. The objective of this policy is to ensure students demonstrate and know the proper wear, care, and maintenance of all uniforms.

Alcoholic Beverages

Except as specifically authorized by SECNAVINST 1700.11C, the purchase, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages within any installation or vessel under naval jurisdiction are prohibited. Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages or alcoholic beverage containers in A school berthing/lounge areas are hereby specifically prohibited.

All personnel who may legally consume alcoholic beverages shall not do so within six hours of training or standing duty and must ensure they are "FIT FOR DUTY" at all appropriate times. Individuals who are drunk or incapacitated for duty because of prior consumption of alcoholic beverages violate Article 134, UCMJ.  

Daily Routine

The daily routine for student personnel is the basic tool to prepare students for the rigors of Navy life. To ensure Sailors are provided with sufficient time to complete all training requirements, supervisors must be completely familiar with the daily routine. The complete standard training workweek is extended because each daily evolution is a training event for new Sailors. NMT training requirements are designed to augment technical training requirements, neither extending time onboard nor superseding technical training requirements.

Commands shall establish a daily routine that facilitates the completion of all training requirements. Daily routines shall be published and enforced. Daily routines will include normal Navy routines including reveille, quarters for muster, inspection, and instruction, scheduled inspections, watch training, sweepers, taps, etc.

Watchstanding

The Navy places vast trust and responsibility in the hands of new recruits. Warfighting teams cannot function without them. Student watches shall be maintained when possible. The goal is to emulate the shipboard environment, teaching principles of responsibility, authority, and teamwork. Sailors must devote time to learning the skills that will enable them to qualify as watchstanders. All student personnel is eligible to be watchstanders unless specifically excused by the Division Leading Chief Petty Officer. Student personnel, while in a duty status, shall not leave the base confines without authorization of the Staff Duty Officer. Relief watches shall eat early meals and proceed directly to their post to relieve the watch.

Physical Training

All training commands shall schedule and complete a minimum of three one-hour periods per week of physical exercise. Students onboard greater than 20 weeks will have an official Physical Readiness Test conducted in accordance with OPNAVINST 6110.1. 

Inspections

Inspections are an important, fundamental part of the Navy. They are not merely a traditional or ceremonial drill, but fulfill a vital function, as the means of evaluating the efficiency, morale, and quality of discipline in a military unit.