For Cadets & Families

Communications Guide

Clear communication is how we keep cadets safe, prepared, and successful. Here's exactly how the division communicates — and what's expected of you.

How It Works

The Right Tool for
Every Situation

The division uses different communication channels for different purposes. Using the right channel at the right time keeps everyone informed, keeps leadership responsive, and keeps cadets safe. Read this guide and follow it — it's not optional.

Quick Reference
TeamApp
Daily updates & schedules
POM
Monthly drill plan
Email
Private & detailed matters
Text/Call
Urgent situations only
TeamApp
Primary Platform

TeamApp (Stack Team App) is the official primary communication platform for Cruiser Milwaukee. Search for our team by name: Cruiser Milwaukee. Download the app and join immediately upon enrollment.

What you'll find in TeamApp:

  • Division Chat — daily updates, announcements, and general division communication
  • Events — official drill weekend dates, advanced training opportunities, and community events
  • Plan of the Month (POM) — the full monthly drill plan, posted approximately one week before each drill weekend
  • Documents — forms, materials, and reference documents for cadets and families
Expectation: Check TeamApp often — ideally daily. Critical updates are posted here first. If you missed something, check TeamApp before emailing leadership.
Plan of the Month (POM)
Review Before Every Drill

The POM is the monthly guide that tells cadets and families everything they need to know before showing up to drill. It is posted approximately one week before each drill weekend via TeamApp.

The POM contains:

  • Detailed day-by-day drill schedule
  • Training objectives for the month
  • Specific locations and reporting times
  • Uniform of the day requirements
  • Leadership assignments and duty roster
  • Any special instructions or announcements
Expectation: Every cadet and parent should read the POM before each drill. Showing up without reading the POM is showing up unprepared — and unprepared is not a Cruiser Milwaukee standard.
🖥️
Quarterdeck System
Official National Records System

Quarterdeck is the official national Sea Cadets records and training system. It is not a communication tool — it is your cadet's permanent record. All cadets and parents must maintain active accounts with current information at all times.

What Quarterdeck manages:

  • Medical documents and emergency contact information
  • Training records and advancement tracking
  • Awards and ribbons documentation
  • Training course registration

Quarterdeck includes two built-in tools:

  • Homeport — policies, regulations, and official program documentation
  • Polaris — online training courses for rank advancement and specialized knowledge
Expectation: Keep all Quarterdeck information current — especially medical documents and emergency contacts. Outdated records create real problems during advanced training registration.
Email
Private & Detailed Matters

Primary email: crmilwaukee@gmail.com

This is a shared leadership inbox — multiple leaders see and respond to it, which means faster responses, better coordination, and no missed communications. Use this address rather than individual leader contacts whenever possible.

Use email for:

  • Private or sensitive matters that shouldn't be in a group chat
  • Administrative questions requiring detailed explanation
  • Medical accommodation requests or documentation
  • Anything requiring a written record

Division-wide emails are sent occasionally to reinforce critical updates and key announcements. These typically duplicate information already posted in TeamApp.

Expectation: For routine questions (when is the next drill? what's the uniform?), check TeamApp and the POM first. Email is for matters that need leadership attention directly.
Text Messages & Phone Calls
Urgent Situations Only

Text messages and phone calls to individual leaders are reserved for urgent, time-sensitive situations only — when other channels are not fast enough or not accessible.

Appropriate uses:

  • Running late to drill on the day of
  • Day-of coordination that can't wait
  • Emergencies requiring immediate response
  • When TeamApp, email, and other channels are unavailable
⚠️ Do not text or call leaders for routine questions. Routine communication belongs in TeamApp or email — not in someone's personal messages.
Youth Protection Policy

Two-Deep Communication

The division follows strict two-deep communication standards that protect both cadets and adult leaders. These are not suggestions — they are requirements.

No adult communicates privately one-on-one with a cadet. All communication must include at least two approved adults OR occur in visible group settings.

This policy applies to: TeamApp, email, text messages, phone calls, and social media. No exceptions.

Summary

The Simple Version

1. Check TeamApp often — daily if possible
2. Read the POM before every drill weekend
3. Keep Quarterdeck information current at all times
4. Email crmilwaukee@gmail.com for private or detailed questions
5. Use text or call only when it's genuinely urgent
Result: Clear. Consistent. Reliable. That's how Cruiser Milwaukee runs strong.

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