ALERT Training Agreement | International ALERT Academy

Training Agreement

ALERT is a program of discipleship and training that seeks to forge extraordinary men who influence their world for Christ. We believe the forging process occurs as the Gospel transforms a man, discipline strengthens a man, hardship matures a man, camaraderie sharpens a man, training equips a man, and service focuses a man. In order to accomplish this mission while training a diverse group of young men, we have developed the following guidelines during your time as a student here at ALERT. These standards are for training purposes only, and are not meant to represent our staff/instructors belief on these topics. If you have any questions, direct them to the ALERT Commanding Officer.

Please review our Statement of Faith. If you have questions about what we believe, please contact us to discuss them.

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES CAREFULLY. While some may seem inconsequential, our goal is to create a healthy and focused environment for each of our students.(Required)

Course Content: You are expected to participate in all courses, teaching, Bible studies, and chapel sessions during training—whether conducted in person or by video. We understand that on some occasions something said by a speaker, either live or recorded, may not line up precisely with what you personally believe. These occurrences are unavoidable, and are not introduced for the purpose of influencing you to one view or another. Please understand this and respect others with differing opinions.

Uniforms: Uniforms are dictated by the ALERT Sergeant Major’s Department for consistency in appearance. This includes uniforms for physical exercise, training, daily uniform wear, and civilian clothing.

Overnight Stays: Men are not allowed to stay overnight with their family, or other families, on or off campus during training. After completing Basic Training, possible exceptions to this may include weddings, funerals, special graduations or milestone anniversary events of parents or grandparents. Birthdays are not a reason for an exception. All Leaves of Absence (LOAs) must be approved by the SMaj. Department.

Family Visits: In order to limit distractions, in-person visits with your parents and siblings are generally not allowed during training hours. After-hours or weekend visits are allowed with prior approval from the SMaj. Department. No visits are permitted during Basic Training.

Relationships: During Basic Training, no letters or emails from single, non-related females are allowed. During 2nd and 3rd Phase, you can correspond with your girlfriend as long as it does not interfere with your training. Prior written authorization from both your parents and her parents is required to begin correspondence. If you believe your situation requires an exception, you may discuss this with the SMaj. Department.

Mail: Personal mail addressed to you will not be opened by ALERT personnel. During Basic Training, all incoming mail is screened by leadership after being opened by the student to ensure that it comes from the right people and does not contain any information about the schedule or future events within Basic Training. The men receive their mail and open it, hand it to their Cadre members who briefly review it, and then it is returned to the men in training within the same hour. All outgoing mail is also screened by staff to confirm that the content and length requirements are met before being mailed.

Worship: Students are required to attend worship services each Sunday. During Basic Training, all students attend the Basic Training worship service. After Basic Training, students may either attend Campus Fellowship or one of the approved off-campus churches.

Version of the Bible: Instructors use a variety of versions at their discretion for teaching and discipleship, and men are welcome to bring the translation of their choice for personal study and devotions at any point in training. To allow the men to recite verses as a group, we use the KJV for memorization in Basic Training and 2nd Phase. In 3rd Phase, you may use other versions that have been approved for memorization by the SMaj. Department.

Music: We take a generally conservative approach to music with our men in training. Because of our Gospel focus, we evaluate Christian music based on theology and our statement of faith. We do not limit ourselves to hymns written in any particular time or era, but utilize songs that have good Christ-exalting messages. In addition, musical styles such as classical, big band, and many soundtracks are approved for listening in the dorm. All music is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the SMaj. Department, and we reserve the right to refuse any music, at any time, for any reason.

Movies: Occasionally, we show movies as a time for students to relax and unwind. In general, these movies are on the more conservative side, being careful about sensuality and language. That being said, we understand Christians hold widely differing standards when it comes to film convictions. Students are free to opt out of these events at their preference with no repercussions.

Tattoos: Tattoos are expected to be covered while in the ALERT uniform. Please bring a solid-colored arm, wrist, or leg guard with you to training. Unless the tattoo is deemed offensive by the SMaj. Department, tattoos are not required to be covered while in civilian clothing or while swimming. Tattoos that cannot be reasonably covered (on face, neck, hands, etc.) will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and may, at ALERT’s discretion, exclude you from participation in our program.

Training Jurisdiction: While ALERT does wish to support the wishes of students and their parents, there are times when ALERT staff and a student or parent may disagree on what is best, either in a particular situation or in general. Students and parents must recognize that, if the differences are irreconcilable, the best course of action may be for a student to withdraw from training.

All standards, regulations, and the level of enforcement are subject to the discretion of the ALERT Commanding Officer.

By signing this document, I acknowledge that I understand these guidelines and I am voluntarily placing myself under the direction, jurisdiction, and regulations of ALERT during my training.

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