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? 

If you are between the ages 13 and 17, are a US citizen and free of felony convictions. (If you are a boy and girl, at least 11 but not yet 14 years old, you can become a Navy League Cadet)

3. What are the requirements of membership?

All applicants must pass a medical examination similar to a high school sports examination to determine if they are eligible to join the USNSCC/USNLCC.  (View Medical Acceptance Criteria).  Please be advised that negative results on the medical exam may prohibit the enrollment of the prospective cadet.

5. Will I have to pay dues? 

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 Jersey City 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?

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?

Navy League Cadets are boys and girls at least 11 but not yet 14 years old, interested in the sea and ships - in aircraft and space, who belong to one of the 150 Navy League Corps Ships and Companies throughout the United States.

2. ARE THERE SPECIAL ACTIVITIES?

Local commanders arrange field trips to military bases, ships, and other interesting places.  In many regions, cadets travel to special Pass-in Review or awards ceremonies, or compete in flagships, weekend events aboard Navy or Coast Guard stations, where they test their skills against one another for regional championships. NLCC Orientation provides an in-depth overview in military subjects aboard certain Navy bases around the country.  Each year, a large number of cadets spend 7 days at NLCC Orientation.  Some of the bases provide seamanship classes and tours aboard Navy ships, small boats and aircraft: others offer similar interesting and challenging programs.

Navy League Cadets learn and practice such nautical skills as knot tying and splicing, signaling, water safety and swimming, first aid, and even fire fighting.  In their communities they march in parades, and appear at fairs and other local activities.  In meeting, they discuss naval history, customs and traditions and leadership.

3. DO CADETS WEAR UNIFORMS?

Cadets wear modified Navy utility type uniforms with NLCC patches, rank insignia, and ribbons.  Cadets have a "salt and pepper" dress uniform, work uniform and PT clothing.

4. DO CADETS EARN PROMOTIONS?