RCNSC ATTENDEES FAQ
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.
What are the dates for RCNSC in FY-2013?
The courses for FY-13 is 15 - 26 Jul 13. FY-14 will be 27 Jan-7 Feb, 28 Apr - 9 May and 14-25 Jul 2014.
Note that the middle Saturday will be a work day.
What is the attire for the course?
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 normally is set up for the 2nd Tuesday of the course, dependent on optimal scheduling considerations. 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. Please be aware that scheduling this call may fluctuate depending on our speakers for the day. To find contact information, go to U.S. House of Representatives or U.S. Senate. As part of Capitol Hill Day, you will be transported to the hill.
Why do I have to stay at the Hyatt Regency, Crystal City, VA ?
RCNSC has negotiated with the Hyatt Regency, Crystal City, 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 fulfill our obligation of hotel rooms to receive this rate. Therefore, students must stay at the Hyatt Regency, Crystal City, VA .
Note: For July Course Only: When calling for reservation at 703-416-1234 Please use the online reservation
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 Hyatt Regency, Crystal City, VA hotel. Alternative airports are Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore Washington International (BWI).
Is there transportation available from the airport?
From Ronald Reagan National Airport:
Courtesy Hyatt Shuttle
· Courtesy shuttle to Reagan National Airport (DCA) departs the hotel every 20 minutes on the hour from 5:00am – 12:00am. (Times subject to change.)
· Shuttle picks up at the Old Terminal (2nd Curb by the marked Hotel Shuttle stop location) and New Terminal Arrivals, Door 5 and Door 9 (1st Curb by the marked Hotel Shuttle stop location).
· From November 18th thru November 26th, both Metro and Airport shuttle transportation will be offered every 20 minutes via one hotel shuttle to Reagan National Airport. The shuttle will run from 5am to 12am. There will be no shuttle to the Crystal City Metro station over this periodTaxis
· From December 12th to December 26th, both Metro and Airport shuttle transportation will be offered every 20 minutes via one hotel shuttle to Reagan National Airport. The shuttle will run from 5am to 12am. There will be no shuttle to the Crystal City Metro station over this period.
Taxis
From Dulles Airport (IAD) to our Washington DC metro area hotel, cost is approximately $40 to $45.
From Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) to our Washington DC metro area hotel, cost is approximately $65 to $70.
From Crystal City Station, Blue and Yellow lines, our Washington DC metro area hotel is a 10 minute walk.
· Courtesy Hyatt shuttle access to and from Crystal City Metro Station is provided at the corner of 18th street and S. Bell Street.
· The Hyatt shuttle departs the hotel every 15 minutes on the hour from 6:00am – 10:00pm. (Times subject to change.)
· From December 12th to December 26th, both Metro and Airport shuttle transportation will be offered every 20 minutes via one hotel shuttle to Reagan National Airport. The shuttle will run from 5am to 12am. There will be no shuttle to the Crystal City Metro station over this period
· Contact 703-682-8102 for available sedan/limo service to our Washington DC metro area hotel.
· One Way To/From IAD is approximately $65.
· One Way To/From BWI is approximately $100.
· Contact Awards Limousine for final prices.
· Contact 1-800-BlueVan for information and final prices.
· One Way To/From IAD is approximately $29.
· One Way To/From BWI is approximately $48
Are there workout facilities available?
Fort McNair has a Fitness Center adjacent to Lincoln Hall, but during the course the only available time is during the lunch hour since students are provided transportation to/from the hotel. A Fitness Center is available (free to students) at the Hyatt Regency, Crystal City, VA .
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 Regency, Crystal City, VA hotel front desk number at (703) 418-1234. 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 per diem rates.
Is there anything I need to read before I arrive?
A draft schedule and recommended advanced readings will be posted on the RCNSC website (http://www.ndu.edu/jrac/). Required and recommended readings are provided by our 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 Assessment Paper is due on the first day of the course. See pre-course assignment tab.
Does the hotel have internet capabilities?
Yes, Grand Hyatt 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 or 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 is the Waterfront Meyro Station approximately 3/4 mile to Fort McNair, and another 1/2 mile to Lincoln Hall. The Coast Guard Shuttle provides no cost transportation from L'Enfant Plaza Station (9th &D St Exit) to Coast Guard HQ just outside the Ft McNair Gate. The shuttles every 5 minutes and only during 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 per diem limits?
Yes. The daily hotel charge is within per diem 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 whoever is writing/funding your orders. 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. Bus transportation will be provided daily from the hotel to the University and return for the students staying at the Grand Hyatt.
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.
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 RCNSC of you new rank/DOR to ensure your course completion certificate is correct. If you are local student you need to bring memorandum from your unit or command statement you are in this course. Reserve Students reporting without orders will be declined course admission.
