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RCNSC ATTENDEES FAQ
How do I sign up for the course?
You can't simply "sign up" for the RCNSC. Each service controls course quotas and
authorizes funded orders to attend. Some services have selection boards. Contact your
service representative listed on the "Application Points of Contact" tab to determine your
eligibility or for any questions.
The remaining course for FY 10 are 25 Jan - 5 Feb 10, 19 - 30 Apr 10 and 19 - 31 Jul 10.
Note that the middle Saturday will be a work day.
The attire for the course is CIVILIAN BUSINESS (coat and tie for men; suit, dress, or
professional attire for females; NO MILITARY UNIFORMS). Civilian business clothes are
the approved attire for NDU students. The desired outcome is for greater interaction
among students without regard to rank. We recommend you prepare for a variety of
conditions and check the Washington weather forecast prior to your departure. Be sure to
bring comfortable walking shoes for Capitol Hill Day.
What/When is Capitol Hill Day?
Capitol Hill Day is a unique opportunity to visit Capitol Hill, receive briefings and participate
in a Congressional Staff panel. We are coordinating with hill representatives to get you
both House and Senate Gallery passes for the day. There is time for you to schedule (in
the afternoon) a meeting with a member of either the House of Representatives or Senate,
availability permitting. Capitol Hill Day is normally set up for the 2nd Tuesday of the
course. To schedule a meeting with your Representative and/or Senator, call the
Congressional Operator at (202) 224-3121, and ask to be forwarded to
your Senator or Representative’s office. Inform the member’s staff that “you are both a
Reservist and a constituent,” and will be on Capitol Hill as part of RCNSC, and want to
make a 10-15 minute courtesy call on the member or his military legislative assistant, after
1330 hours. Please be aware that this time may fluctuate depending on our speakers for
As part of Capitol Hill Day, you will be transported to the hill.
Why do I have to stay at the Ritz-Carlton
JRAC negotiated with the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City, Arlington, VA to reserve a block of
rooms for RCNSC students. As part of this negotiation, we receive the government rate for
all students. We must fullfill our obligation of hotel rooms to receive this rate. Therefore,
Note: To obtain tax exempt status, you must make your reservation and pay with your
government travel charge card.
What is the best airport to use?
The best airport to use is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). It
offers Metro access, and there is a Metro stop inside the Ritz-Carlton hotel.
Alternative airports are Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore Washington
International (BWI).
Is there transportation available from the airport?
Taxis are available. However, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel has direct Metro access.
Take the Blue or Yellow Line to Pentagon City station (approximatley two stop from the
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport), exit Metro station to the front door of the
hotel. Metro tickets can be purchased at kiosks inside the airport.
Are there work out facilities available?
Fort McNair has a new work out facility adjacent to Lincoln Hall. During the course, the
only available time is during the lunch hour. Fitness Center available at the Ritz-Carlton.
What is the start time on Monday?
In-processing will be conducted at National Defense University on the first Monday
beginning at 0730, ending at 0830. Local students are advised to arrive at Fort McNair no
later than 0730. Parking is extremely limited.
What is a good emergency number once the course is underway?
In the event of an emergency contact the Hyatt hotel front desk number at (202) 582-1234.
During normal working hours, our operations staff can be reached at (202) 685-1554
(number to be used for emergencies only; general messages will not be accepted).
Please provide these numbers to your family and/or friends. If the emergency requires you
to terminate your active duty to return home, please instruct your family on the procedures
for contacting the local Red Cross.
Who makes the reservation at the hotel?
If you are selected by your service to attend, we will email you the number to call to make
your reservation. You must make your own guaranteed reservation. All billing will be
handled through the hotel via the credit card you provide at registration. The room rate has
been adjusted to be within established perdiem rates.
Is there anything I need to read before I arrive?
A draft schedule and recommended advanced readings will be posted on the JRAC website
lecturers and will be available at least one month prior to the course. Please review the
website periodically for updates. Note that your National Security Assessement Paper is
due on the first day of the course. See pre-course assignment tab.
Does the hotel have internet capabilities?
Yes, Ritz-Carlton will provide internet access for free for RCNSC students.
Where do I park if I am local and plan on driving to the University and is there a
cost?
On weekdays, there are a very limited number of parking spaces at the University based on
availability. Do not park in the reserved spaces, as you will be ticketed/towed. Parking
passes for local drivers will be handed out at check-in. Metro transportation is not readily
accessible to NDU and Fort McNair . The nearest metro station will be he Waterfront
Metro Station approximately 3/4 mile to ndu at Fort McNair. Alternate transportation at no
cost is the Coastal Guard'Shuttle located at the L'Enfant Plaza Station. The shuttles run
every 5 minutes and only during the weekdays. The Metro website is www.wmata.com.
Are there laundry facilities at the hotel?
There are no personal laundry facilities in the hotel, but they offer valet laundry and dry
cleaning services.
Is the hotel rate within established perdiem limits?
Yes. The daily hotel charge is within perdiem limits. The current per diem rate will be
charged based on a 12-day stay. If you have any questions about hotel charges, please
contact whomever is writing/funding your orders. JRAC and RCNSC are not involved in
either order writing or funding.
What is NDU’s Non Attribution Policy? What does it mean to me?
Information gained during lectures, briefings, panels and discussion seminars
may be used, but neither the speaker nor any element of the University may be identified as
the originator or source of the information without the express consent of both parties.
This policy is in effect for both on-campus lectures and off-campus visits, such as to Capitol
Hill. Additionally, neither the speaker nor any element of the University may be identified as
the originator or source of the information without the express consent of both parties. The
non-attribution policy is morally binding on everyone who attends the lectures. If you have
questions concerning this policy or cannot abide by it, you must report this to the Course
Administrator before attending any lecture or other course event.
Where is the course conducted?
The course is held in Lincoln Hall, Building 64, at the National Defense
University, located on Ft. McNair. Please see the directions tab for how to enter Fort
McNair. All of your classes and seminars will be held on post, with the exception of
Capitol Hill Day afternoon. Bus transportation will be provided daily from the hotel to the
University and return for only the students staying at Ritz-Carlton.
Do I need a security clearance?
RCNSC attendees do not need a security clearance.
When will I be able to depart?
The course concludes approximately at 1200 on the last scheduled day. If you are using
Ronald Reagan Airport, plan your departure flight to leave no earlier than 1430.
Yes, there is a conference fee. Please ensure, before you arrive for RCNSC,
that your orders contain the appropriate endorsement to have the conference fee
reimbursed.
You must bring two copies of your official orders with any modifications or amendments. If
you were promoted between the time of registration or when your orders where issued and
the start of the course, please notify JRAC of you new rank/DOR to ensure your course
completion certificate is correct.
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