20 QUESTIONS ABOUT SEA CADETS

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1. What is the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps?
The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a youth program for young Americans, male and female, ages 13 through High School Graduation, whose objectives are to develop an interest and skill in basic seamanship and its naval adaptation, to train them in seagoing skills and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kindred virtues.  Cadets train aboard ships and shore activities of the Navy and Coast Guard, and are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms appropriately marked with Naval Sea Cadet Corps insignia.  There are 350 NSCC or NLCC (League Cadet) units in operation in almost every state of the union as well as Puerto Rico and Guam, with over 10,000 young Americans participating. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps affords equal opportunity for participation to all American youth without regard to race, color, religion or sex.

2.How old must I be to join the Sea Cadets? 
You are eligible to join if you will reach your 14th birthday before 1 September of that year and have not yet reached your 18th birthday.(If you are 11-13 you can be a Navy League Cadet.)

3. What are the requirements of membership?
All prospective cadets must be unmarried, enrolled in school, have parental consent and possess good moral character in addition to being interested in the program and prepared to attend drills regularly.

4. What about medical exams? 
Applicants must be able to successfully pass a basic physical examination very similar to that required of a regular Navy enlistee.  
Disqualifiers: RECURRENT ORTHOPEDIC COMPLAINTS; ALLERGIES OR SEVERE HYPERSENSITIVITY TO FOODS, OR INSECT BITES OR STINGS; HISTORY OF ASTHMA, SEIZURES OR CONVULSIONS, HEAD INJURIES REQUIRING HOSPITALIZATION, LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS; DIABETES REQUIRING DIETARY RESTRICTIONS OR MEDICATIONS; REQUIRED DAILY MOOD ALTERING MEDICATIONS; AND HISTORY OF CHRONIC MOTION SICKNESS, SLEEPWALKING, OR BEDWETTING SINCE AGE 9.

5. Will I have to pay dues? 
Yes. The National enrollment fee is presently $50.00 per year and includes premiums paid toward the Sea Cadet Group Accident and Health Protection Plan. There is normally a unit fee also. (TEXAS DIVISION fee is $100.00 annually + $50.00 the first year)

6. Must I buy my own uniform?
Surplus U.S. Navy uniforms are made available to the Naval Sea Cadet Corps.  These uniforms, in turn, are made available to cadets at a minimal cost for handling and shipping.  Uniform needs, which cannot be met through this source, may be purchased at Navy Exchange Uniform shops.  (Cadets in Texas Division are issued the clothing they need for drills and trainings)

7.Will Sea Cadet training detract from my schoolwork?
Not likely.  Sea Cadet units usually meet only one night a week or one weekend per month during the school year.  Instruction is designed to supplement your schoolwork.  Normally, training away from home is conducted only during school vacations.

8. What do Sea Cadets learn?
They study a broad range of subjects.  Some are designed to help them to become better adult citizens, others teach them the importance of strong maritime forces.  They also study naval history, customs and traditions, seamanship, navigation and similar subjects which would help their chances for an advanced pay grade should they decide to join one of the sea services.

9. What are the chances for NSCC promotion?
Promotion within the Sea Cadets is based upon fulfilling certain successive NSCC qualifications. Promising young men and women, are given command positions and encouraged to develop qualities of leadership.

10. Who sponsors the Sea Cadets?
Many Sea Cadet units are sponsored by local Councils of the Navy League of the United States. Unit sponsors may also be the American Legion, the Fleet Reserve, VFW and other patriotic and civic organizations.

11. Who instructs the Sea Cadets?
Sea Cadets are instructed by Naval personnel (active, reserve and retired), by senior cadets and by other adult leaders willing to denote their time and knowledge to this activity.

12. Can I go to summer camp?
Yes.  Newly enrolled Sea Cadets are required to attend two weeks of summer recruit training at Navy and Coast Guard "boot camps" throughout the country.  Having successfully completed recruit training, cadets may then participate in additional training in advanced subjects.  These two-week training periods offer a varied program of activities in addition to valuable instruction of a maritime nature.

13. Are Sea Cadets permitted to go to sea?
Yes.  After completing the recruit training and other required courses of instruction, Sea Cadets can participate in two weeks advanced training aboard Navy and Coast Guard vessels ranging from small harbor craft to large nuclear powered aircraft carriers.

14. What training is available aboard ships?
Sea Cadets are trained in basic seamanship, navigation, damage control, watch standing, fire fighting, and other nautical skills. 

15.Are there advanced training courses?
Yes. In addition to advanced training aboard naval vessels.  Sea Cadets may attend advanced orientation courses such as Airman School, Seabee Indoc, SEAL, Amphib, MAA, Submarine Orientation, Ceremonial School, Music School, and other courses designed to prepare cadets for naval and civilian leadership.

16. Are there travel opportunities?
Yes. Sea Cadets travel to training sites all over the country during the summer training period.  Additionally, outstanding cadets are selected to participate in International Exchanges - Canada - East and West, Bermuda, UK, Australia, Sweden, Japan, Hong Kong and the Netherlands.

17.How can I be selected for the Exchanges?
Exchange cadets are also selected on a merit basis.  Each cadet must have an outstanding Sea Cadet record as well as a good reputation within his home/school community.

18.Can Sea Cadets obtain summer employment?
Yes. Sea Cadets are permitted to choose a training period during the summer months that will not interfere with summer employment arrangements.

19. Will I be required to join the U.S. Armed Forces?
No. Sea Cadets have absolutely no commitment regarding future military service.  For those Sea Cadets who decide to enlist in the Navy or Coast Guard, prior Sea Cadet training may permit entry at an advanced pay grade.

20. What is the main purpose of the Sea Cadet training?
While Sea Cadet units are organized along military lines, their main purpose is to foster good citizenship and an interest and appreciation of our nation's maritime services: the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.

 

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