FAQ

The following are some frequently asked questions about the National Honor Guard Academy. If you have any questions that are not answered below, please direct them to Lt Col Jett Mayhew, NHGA Director. Please put in the subject line of the email: "HGA Question - Cadet's Name."

ACCEPTANCE, PAYMENT AND TRANSPORTATION

Can I request and send my application to the HGA director?
When will I know if I am accepted?
When is the money due?
Will HGA have any scholarships available?
What is covered in my fee?
Can I pay late?
Can I pay for HGA by credit card?
If I can’t come at the last minute can I get a refund? How?
Can I order things from the Academy Store?
Will cadets be met at the airport?
Are cadets allowed to drive themselves to HGA?
Does the HGA help with transportation fees?
If I drive a corporate vehicle to the HGA, will I be reimbursed for gas?
Can I arrive late and depart early?

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

Do I need my membership card?
Do I need 2 uniforms?
Do I need to purchase a male officer hat?
Will my uniform be altered at the HGA?
Will cadets be allowed to do laundry?
How many suitcases am I allowed to bring?
Do I really need Gold Bond Powder?
Why boxer briefs?
Why no spaghetti straps or shirts that have midriff showing?
Why no flip- flops with post between toes?
When will I get my books?
Will I get to take home all equipment?
Do I need a practice rifle?
If I need to purchase personal items, will they be available?

AT THE NHGA

What if I have a preexisting injury?
When will I be able to call home?
What is the schedule?
What’s to eat? (Don’t forget to request diet requirements)
What church services will be available on the weekend?
Are computers allowed?
Will seniors be allowed to use HGA computer?
Can I bring snacks?
Can I keep medication with me?
Can cadets receive mail?
If my e-mail changes, whom should I notify?
Will there be time for me to do running for school sports?
Will there be an emergency phone number for HGA?
Will pictures be posted to HGA website?
Can I bring my Boy Scout knife?
Will parents be allowed to visit cadets during the HGA?

GRADUATION

Can we have guests for graduation?
Can I take my child right after graduation?
Will there be a banquet?

Can I request and send my application to the HGA Director?

No. All applications MUST go thru the NHQ online process and be ranked by their wing to be considered for this NCSA.

You will receive an e-mail from the HGA Director around March 24th. You must notify the HGA director NO LATER THAN APRIL 1ST if you plan on attending.

The money for the HGA is due to NHQ NO LATER than April 30th. If NHQ does not receive your money by April 30TH you will be removed from the primary list and an alternate will replace you.

However money for any additional items (i.e. clothes, etc) ordered thru the HGA is due at the time of the order.

No, sorry. Check with local American Legions, VFW’s and any other service Units. You must be specific in your requests.

Food, Lodging, Transportation during the HGA, pick up from BWI Airport, and return to BWI Airport only. First year students: Ascot with HG Patch, Parade Belt, Silver Cord, Rear Chinstrap for officer hat, gloves, 3 pair of shorts, 6 T-shirts, baseball hat, HGA Manual, Cadet Handbook.

No, sorry, there are other attendees waiting for a slot and since we need to order sizes, we cannot accept late payments.

You may pay for the HGA basic fees with a credit card through National Headquarters. Any additional items must be paid for in cash or check.

There will be no refunds given after May 1st.
Yes. Go to the NHQ website, click on cadet programs and than National Cadet Special Activity. You will see the procedures and requirements there. It depends on the situation as to how much refund will be issued because of items that had to be ordered. A full refund will not be issued after May 1st. No refunds will be issued until after the Academy is over.

Yes, but not online. A list will be available of the items that the Academy Store offers. You may place your order and make payment when you arrive at the Academy. THERE ARE NO ADVANCE ORDERS.

As long as the transportation form is filled out in advance so we know when and where the cadet is arriving. Transportation will only be provided from BWI Airport to the HGA. The HGA and it's staff will not be responsible for arrangements made through other airports. Please makes your plans accordingly!
Once at BWI, cadets should look for the CAP uniform and our people will be holding a sign HGA. These people will be in the baggage claim areas of all airlines coming into BWI. If flight information changes at the last minute please call Col Jett at 301-717-4015 to notify her of the change so that we make sure that we are there to meet all cadets.

Yes, under certain restrictions. They are to provide us with the following information:

a. Date of departure from home
b. Route they are taking
c. Year, make and model of car
d. Drivers license number
e. Tag Number, Expiration date, and state
f. Names of passengers in car if any.
g. Estimated time and date of arrival

The reason for this is we had in the previous year a cadet that was driving to the HGA and did not show up at estimated time of arrival. We had to put out a search mission and found out cadet had decided at the last minute not to come and went on vacation instead.
The Senior staff of the HGA is very serious about safety and our concerns are always with cadet safety. Upon arrival, cadets will turn in keys to vehicle and will receive them back upon graduation. However, we will make sure car is started periodically. Make sure you take all belongings out of car before turning in keys because you will not be able to get into car before graduation. Back to Top

Does the HGA help with transporation fees?

No, we will only supply transportation to and from BWI ONLY. We are not responsible for pickups or drop offs other than BWI Airport.

The HGA will not reimburse for gas to or from the HGA. You are to arrive with a FULL tank of gas and ready for a very extensive safety inspection. IF your vehicle is used during the HGA FOR OFFICAL USE ONLY, not convenience, the HGA will ensure that you will be reimbursed for gas when vehicle is used for OFFICIAL USE ONLY.

All attendees MUST arrive on July 13th, no later than 1700 hours; no late arrivals will be accepted. ALL attendees must stay for the entire HGA to receive credit. No attendee will be allowed to arrive or depart early to attend another event. A decision must be made on which activity they which to attend.

Yes, you must have a valid membership card

No, you will only need your full service dress uniform. You must have a blues jacket. Uniforms are to be according to CAPR 39-1. Do not bring BDU's.

No, the HGA does not require you to purchase a male officer hat. HOWEVER: This year the HGA WILL NOT supply officer hats for borrowing or purchase. YOU MUST BRING ONE WITH YOU. You may borrow one from your squadron or wing, however please make sure that it labeled. If you are having difficulty locating a hat, check with your local ROTC or used clothing stores on the military bases. Otherwise, look on Ebay, www.olnet.com, Glendale, Vanguard (under CAP), The Hock Shop, or fullmetaljacket.com.

You will need to purchase, if not included in the borrowed hat, a male cadet officer hat device.

No, there will be an inspection of your uniform on day of arrival. If your uniform does not meet CAPR 39-1, one of two things will happen, 1. You can alter yourself, 2. Send to cleaners for alterations. Either way may not guarantee you will get it back from cleaners on time. If uniform does not meet CAPR 39-1 you will not participate in graduation ceremony. Read your uniform manual. The new CAPR 39-1 is posted on the NHQ website.

No, machines are available in the dormitory. Only laundry marked appropriately will be washed by seniors. We will supply the cleaning materials, the cadets will supply the money. Machines take quarters only. The Honor Guard Academy Staff Will not be reaponsible for any laundry that is not marked with the cadet's last name. ALL ITEMS ON PACKING LIST MUST BE MARKED.

One suitcase and one carryon with suitcase not to exceed 72” total dimensions. Keep in mind – You will have more to take home than what you came with. It is also suggested you purchase a hard rifle case (plastic) to carry your two rifles back home with you. You will need the hard case if you are flying but you may use a soft side case if you are traveling by car, there will be some cases available for sale at the HGA. The price will depend on what they cost to purchase. This is your responsibility to let Col Gaylin know if you want her to purchase a case for you and have it at the academy or whether you are bringing one with you. If you have extra bags you must be prepared to pay excess baggage fees. The HGA will not supply this money.

We have found through past experiences this is the best way to prevent chaffing and irritation. Only bring unmedicated powder.

There will be times you will be on the ground for PT or just sitting on ground. This will protect you from indecent exposure and bugs going into private areas. NO REGULAR BOXERS ARE TO BE WORN!

This is not a fashion show; this is a working Honor Guard Academy. ALL FEMALE PERSONNEL WILL WEAR WHITE BRAS.

In past years when cadets have worn flip flops with post between the toes it has caused blisters, therefore making it VERY uncomfortable for them when required to put on sneakers or dress shoes.

You will receive your books on the day of orientation at the HGA.

Yes, you will be able to take home all equipment.

Yes, your performance rifle will not be given to you until decided by the Director. If you do not have one, you may purchase one for $12.00; however we need to know ASAP if you require one. Bring the $12.00 CASH for you practice rifle to the HGA. Practce rifle must be a block of wood shaped like a rifle, not some sort parade rifle.

There is a store at McDaniel College for personal hygiene items. Double check your packing list, the HGA will not have these items available.

If you have a preexisting injury when at arriving at the HGA, and must see the medical officer more than 2 times, you will be sent home. If you are unable to run, stand for long periods of time, make pivoting movements, or go up and down steps you will not be able to fulfill the requirements to complete the training. If you need braces for ankle, knees, etc these braces must come with you, they will not be supplied by the HGA. No one may borrow someone else’s brace or support item. If you already wear these items for participating in sports then you must bring them with you to the academy.

Once you are assigned a flight, the schedule for calling home will be posted on the website. Any cell phones brought will be collected until the night of scheduled calling. Cadets will only be allowed to call between 7:30 – 9:00 pm at night. So please make sure your child has a number to reach you any night at that time. New students will call on Wednesday and Saturday night. Returning students will call on Thursday and Sunday nights.

You will receive the schedule at the HGA. Be prepared to be busy. Plus you must physically be able to do a lot of marching, PT etc.

The college has a wonderful cafeteria that offers excellent food and also caters to vegitarian and diabetic style diets. Wide selection of choices will be available.

There should be a chaplain there for an all services service. Plus there are churches within walking distance from the college. Cadets desiring to attend one of these services will be escorted by a Senior.

No.

No, however, seniors will be free to use the computers in the college library.

No, snacks will not be allowed. All microwaves in rooms must be unplugged at all times.

No, medications must be turned into the Senior Advisor. They must be in prescription bottles and must be listed on the medical information sheet. If changes occur after the form is filled out, bring a new medical information sheet with you to the HGA. A current, updated list of required medications and doseages must be turned in at sign in.

Over the counter drugs must be listed on medical information sheet with the reason for taking the medication. We need to know why any medication is being taken. No one will be allowed to take anyone else's medication, including Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, etc. You must have your own. Your safety and health is of the utmost importance to us. If you have an inhaler, it will be carried with you at all times, labeled with your name.

If it is necessary for you to use a brace of any type, you must bring your own. You may not borrow from someone else. Using someone else's brace can do more damage to your injury. We must have on your medical information sheet the reason you are wearing the brace.

Yes, this is how the mail MUST is to be addressed:
McDaniel College
CAP/Honor Guard Academy
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD 21157-4390

ATTN: Attendees Name

Let the HGA Director, Lt Col Jett Mayhew at Jettm14@aol.com or the Assistant Director, Lt Col Patricia Gaylin at p.gaylin@comcast.net know of any changes what so ever. If your e-mail changes before the HGA and you do not notify us, after two weeks of returned emails, you will be automatically dropped from the Honor Guard roles. This includes e-mails that are blocked or unanswered.

Yes, during the evening on your own time, provided a Senior Advisor is available and we have appropriate weather conditions.

Yes, as soon as this is available, it will be posted on website.

Every attempt will be made to have pictures posted everyday of the previous day’s events. DO NOT HAVE PARENTS CONTACT US EVERYDAY ABOUT PICTURES, REMEMBER WE ARE BUSY.

No knives or pointed objects or weapons of any kind are allowed.

No, sorry.

Of course, please keep checking the website for updates as the HGA gets closer.

If you have driven in to see your child graduate, you may take him/her after graduation on July 26th - providing their room has passed inpsection! There will be NO runs made to the airport until Saturday, July 26st! Do NOT make plane reservations for early in the morning. Make the departure time between 1200 and 1700 hours. ALL attendees and staff can leave no earlier than 1100 on July 26th.

No, not this year.