The Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) is for American youth ages 13-17 who have a desire to learn about the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. Sea Cadets are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms appropriately marked with the Sea Cadet Corps insignia. The objectives of the Sea Cadet program are to introduce youth to naval life, to develop in them a sense of pride, patriotism, courage, and self-reliance, and to maintain an environment free of drugs and gangs. 

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units

     Cadets meet or "drill" at their local unit weekly or monthly through out the year.  A unit is structured along military lines and is headed by a Commanding Officer.  Units may drill on military bases, at reserve centers, local schools, or community centers.

     Sea Cadet units are organized as either divisions, squadrons, or battalions.  Divisions closely reflect the surface navy, while squadrons are geared toward the field of naval aviation, and battalions meanwhile reflect Navy construction battalions (Seabees).

     Whether a division, squadron, or battalion, the local unit has one main purpose, and that is to foster team work, camaraderie and an understanding of the military command structure. 

     Cadets are instructed by both Sea Cadet Officers and senior cadets through classroom and applied instruction in subjects such as basic seamanship, military drill, and leadership.   And most Sea Cadet regions throughout the country hold weekend competitions where units compete with each other to test their seamanship and military skills.

     Local units will often participate in community events such as parades and fairs.   They may also tour Navy and Coast Guard ships and shore stations.  And participate in community service such as working in Veterans' Hospitals and organizing clothing and food drives.

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training

     Sea Cadet training consists of Navy Non-Resident Training Courses (NRTC), two-week training schools, shipboard training, and training arranged locally by units.

     All new cadets enter the program at the rate of E1/Seaman Recruit.  In order for cadets to move up through the ranks they must complete the following: the NRTC Correspondence Course for that rate,  two-weeks of training, and depending on the rate, the Navy Military Leadership exam for that rate.  NRTC's cover basic military and naval subjects such as naval history, seamanship, leadership, and ship/aircraft familiarization.   The cadet rate structure parallels that of the Navy and Coast Guard's enlisted rate structure, with E7/Chief Petty Officer being the highest rate a cadet can achieve.

     Two-week training (TWT) mostly takes place during summer months and occasionally during winter and spring break.  The first TWT for all cadets is NSCC Recruit Training, better known as boot camp.  It is a scaled down version of the Navy's boot camp.   For the two-week period, cadets are instructed by active and reserve military personnel and Sea Cadet officers in military drill and discipline, physical fitness, seamanship, shipboard safety, first aid, naval history, and leadership.

     After cadets have successfully completed boot camp, they can then participate in advanced training.   Sea Cadet advanced training currently consists of the following:

TRAINING SCHOOLS

• AIRMAN SCHOOL (AVIATION)
• FAA GROUND SCHOOL
• SEABEE SCHOOL (CIVIL ENGINEERING)
• SUBMARINE SEMINAR
• HOSPITAL CORPSMAN SCHOOL (MEDICAL)
• SEAL TEAM TRAINING
• AMPHIBIOUS TRAINING
• PETTY OFFICER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
• MASTER-AT-ARMS SCHOOL (MILITARY POLICE/LAW)

SHIPBOARD TRAINING

• LIVE ABOARD NAVY & COAST GUARD SHIPS & SHORE STATIONS FOR TWO-WEEKS.

     Sea Cadet training is held throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Guam on military installations.

     In addition to the above, those cadets who exhibit extraordinary initiative and leadership ability may participate in annual exchanges with Sea Cadet Corp's around the world.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE PARTNERS

• BELGIUM
• BERMUDA
• CANADA
• HONG KONG
• JAPAN
• NETHERLANDS
• SOUTH KOREA
• and UNITED KINGDOM

     Cadets get to meet their foreign counterparts, experience new cultures, and get to see how the navies of the world operate.

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benefits

     Depending on the rate achieved in the Naval Sea Cadets, former cadets may be eligible to enlisted in the armed forces at an advanced paygrade.  Being a member honorably discharged from the Corps is looked upon favorably by military academy and ROTC selection boards.  Also those cadets who are accepted to a four-year university may be eligible for scholarships.

     The Naval Sea Cadet Corps provides its cadets the opportunity to develop at an early age character and qualities of a good and productive citizen.

     To view testimonials from former cadets please go to the Endorsements page.

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join

    In order to join the Naval Sea Cadet Corps one must meet the following criteria:

• Be between the ages of 13 and 17.
• Must be a US Citizen
• Be in good health and pass a qualifying physical examination.
• Be a full time student and maintain satisfactory grades (2.00 "C" grade point average).
• Be free of felony convictions.