Joining The USNSCC

 The Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) is for  American youth ages 10-18 that 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.

Sea Cadet Units

Cadets  meet or "drill" at their local unit weekly or monthly throughout 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.

Training & Advancement

Sea  Cadet training consists of Navy Non-Resident Training Courses (NRTC),  training evolutions (away from local units), shipboard training, and  training arranged locally by units.

All new cadets enter the  program at the rate of Seaman Recruit. In order for cadets to move up  through the ranks they must complete the following: the NRTC  Correspondence Course for that rate, one training evolution, and  depending on the rate, the Navy's 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 Chief Petty Officer being the highest rate  a cadet can achieve.

Training takes place mostly during summer  months and occasionally during winter and spring break periods and are  generally one to two week evolutions. The first training evolution 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 approximately two-weeks  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. 

 The Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) is for  boys and girls, at least 11 but not yet 14 years old, who are interested  in the sea and ships, and our nations seagoing services. The Navy  League program is designed to introduce young people to maritime and  military life, and to prepare them for later entrance into the Naval Sea  Cadet Corps.

Navy League 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.

Navy League units  are organized as Training Ships or companies. NLCC training ships and  companies are affiliated with Sea Cadet units and most often drill on  the same day and at the same location as their sister unit.

Like  Sea Cadet units, the NLCC training ship and company has one main  purpose, and that is to foster team work, camaraderie and an  understanding of the military command structure among cadets.

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

Training & Advancement

Navy  League cadets are trained in nautical skills such as knot tying and  splicing, signaling, water safety and swimming, first aid, and even fire  fighting. Cadets are instructed in military drill and discipline and  are taught from a syllabus covering naval history to ship nomenclature.  Navy League cadets also tour ships and bases and participate in  community events such as parades and fairs.

In addition, cadets  have the opportunity to participate in weekend long competitions and one  week long summer training held on Navy and Coast Guard bases. Week long  summer training is comprised of NLCC Cadet Orientation or "mini boot  camp" for new cadets, and advanced training for senior cadets.

NLCC  boot camp provides intense training in military and naval subjects and  an introduction to the military atmosphere. NLCC advanced training  provides senior cadets with training in leadership, boat safety, and  subjects relevant to prepare cadets for the Sea Cadets.

 Taking  part in the pride and honor of wearing the Navy uniform, and being a  part of a fine organization gives the NLCC cadet a sense of service. In  addition, NLCC cadets who complete one year in the program, and later  enter the Sea Cadets, will enter at a higher rate. The training received  in the NLCC will give cadets the experience for an easy transition to  the Naval Sea Cadet Corps. 

 A volunteer must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, free of  felony convictions, possess good moral character, a sound mind, and be  capable of credibly communicating USNSCC values to our cadets. Each  adult will undergo a background investigation during the enrollment  process.  Officers must be at least age 21 (18 in the case of MIDN), obtain  a waiver if older than 65, be a US citizen, and have successful  completion of a background check.  Officers must also meet height and  weight requirements to wear the uniform, and military personnel (active  and retired) are allowed to wear their military uniforms. Officers may either be civilians or military personnel (active, reserve  or retired) who are knowledgeable of youth and interested in their  training. Instructors are also recruited from active Reserve military  commands and leaders within the community. The NSCC does not require  specific education or professional qualifications, but applicants with  nautical/military experience are desired. NSCC officers are authorized  to wear Navy officer uniforms (modified by the NSCC insignia). All NSCC  officers are appointed by NSCC National Headquarters. All volunteers who  wish to enter the Officer Corps must serve at least one year as an  Instructor, Midshipman, or Warrant Officer before an appointment to  Ensign in the Officer Corps can be made.