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October 23, 2026

Message from the Director

Good afternoon, NOAA Corps,

Election Day is coming up on Tuesday, November 3rd. In the last Cyberflash on October 8th, we shared some information on what NOAA Corps Officers may, and may not, do as we participate in our Nation’s democratic process. As election day approaches I wanted to encourage each of you to take the time to exercise your right to vote.

Voting is not only one of our most important rights and privileges as citizens in our democratic society, it is our civic responsibility to ensure our voice is heard as we elect the individuals that will represent us in the coming years.

Thank you for your dedication to our mission, and thank you all for your service!

All the Best,

Captain Ryan Wattam, NOAA
Director, Commissioned Personnel Center

BOTC 148 Getting Ready to Set Sail

Basic Officer Training Class (BOTC) 148 is now two thirds the way through the
program, with about one month until Graduation. Excitement is in the air
especially now having learned what their next assignments will be! Billet Night,
held on October 15th, 2026, was a night of camaraderie and elation as shipmates
cheered each other on and learned the units they’ll be reporting to in the near
future. Thank you, sincerely, to all in attendance, both in person and virtually.
The support and encouragement received is unparalleled and deeply appreciated.

In the next few weeks, BOTC 148 will be finishing up with Rules of the Road
and are excited to begin Advanced Firefighting as well as Shiphandling practical
Application.

NOAA Corps Applicant Interview Questions

The NOAA Corps Recruiting Branch is in the process of updating the NOAA Corps application in order to better gauge each applicant’s suitability for the NOAA Corps, and we are soliciting interview question input from NOAA Corps Officers. You are invited to propose interview questions you think would help identify applicants who have high potential for success as NOAA Corps Officers. 

The questions should be general in nature and apply to Maritime and Aviation candidates. Please provide a justification for each question, explaining what you believe the applicant's answer would tell reviewers and what tangible metrics could be determined from it. 

The submission form is here, and you are welcome to respond more than once. 

Incapacitated Adult Child Program

The Incapacitated Adult Child Program ensures that service members and retirees can access vital benefits for adult children who are unable to live independently due to mental or physical disabilities. This guide will help you navigate the application process, from gathering documents to receiving approval, all through our secure, centralized portal. Whether you're comfortable with technology or need extra guidance, this step-by-step guide ensures a smooth process.

Program Benefits

This program provides essential benefits, including:

• Financial Support: Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at the with-dependent rate.
• Healthcare: Comprehensive TRICARE medical coverage.
• Access to Military Privileges: Commissary, Exchange, and other dependent benefits.

These benefits reduce financial stress and ensure your family's needs are met.

Tips for a Successful Claim

• Start Early: Gathering documents can take time, so don't wait until the last minute.
• Keep Records Organized: Maintain a folder (physical or digital) for all forms.
• Follow Up: Use the portal to track your claim status and respond quickly to requests for additional information.
• Frequently Ask Questions: Visit the FAQ section for assistance.

Before starting your application, collect and organize the following documents:

• DD Form 137 - Secondary Dependency Application: Download DD Form 137 and complete sections 1-9 (pages 1 and 2). If you are not submitting the IRS Form 1040 to demonstrate financial support of the claimed individual, complete and upload the “Worksheet for Determining Financial Support” with your DD Form 137. The worksheet starts on page 5 of the DD Form 137.
• DHA Form 387 - Medical Evaluation (Existing medical sufficiency letters accepted through December 31, 2026): DHA Form 387 or a medical sufficiency statement must be completed and signed by a Tricare-authorized provider. You may search for a Tricare-authorized provider in your area by accessing the Tricare website: https://tricare.mil/networkproviders
• IRS Form 1040 or DD Form 137 Financial Worksheet: Prior year’s tax return (IRS Form 1040) submitted to the IRS showing the claimed individual as a dependent. If you do not want to share or are unable to provide a copy of your tax return, complete and upload the “Worksheet for Determining Financial Support” to demonstrate financial support of the claimed individual. The worksheet starts on page 5 of the DD Form 137.

Process to submit claim

• 1. Log In: Access the secure portal with your credentials. Start my INCAP Claim
• 2. Upload Forms: Attach forms to your claims.
• 3. Submit: Once all required documents are uploaded, Click "Submit Claim."

Your claim undergoes medical and financial review before final approval. Expect processing to take 4-6 weeks. You will be notified via email and your portal dashboard when your claim is approved or denied.

How often do I need to reapply?

Claims generally require redetermination every four (4) years, but in certain cases, this process is conducted annually. You will receive an automated notification via the INCAP Portal when it's time to update your records or apply for redetermination.

• Annual redetermination is required for a secondary dependent claiming housing allowance (BAH).
• Quadrennial (every four years) redetermination is required for a secondary dependent who receives a Uniformed Services Identification and Privileges Card (commonly referred to as USIP card or ID card). To complete this process, please visit your nearest RAPIDS office.

Any questions regarding this program can be directed to Jerrard Baker at Jerrard.Baker@Noaa.gov. This information will also be on the CPC Website in the Dependents section. 

Fitness and Body Composition Submission Requirements

**ACTION** This is your final reminder.

To date, 45% of officers are compliant with NCD16 by providing the required information.

NOAA Corps officers must submit an updated Personal Fitness Plan, BMI and BCA (as needed) through the Fitness and Body Composition sections in their OPF no later than EOB October 31, 2026.

• You can access the PFP form here. 
• You can access the “How-to Guide” here for uploading your PFP. 

Please refer to NOAA Corps Directives, Chapter 16, for further guidance.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Dietitian Nutritionist Program Manager at rachel.saunders@noaa.gov. 

Approved Resignations, Separations and Retirements

On the Horizon 

Cyberflash is a NOAA Commissioned Personnel Center publication for active duty and retired members, families and supporters of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps. Questions? Contact noaacorps.policy@noaa.gov