1. What is
the U. S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps?
2. How old must I be to join the Sea Cadets?
3. What are the requirements of membership?
4. What about medical exams?
5. Will I have to pay dues?
6. Must I buy my own uniform?
7. Will Sea Cadet training detract from my school work?
8. What do the Sea Cadets learn?
9. What are my chances for promotion?
10. Who sponsors the Sea Cadets?
11. Who instructs the Sea Cadets?
12. Can I go to camp in the summer?
13. Are Sea Cadets permitted to go to sea?
14. What training is available aboard ship?
15. Are there advanced training courses for Sea
Cadets?
16. Are there travel opportunities?
17. How are Sea Cadets selected for the Exchange
Program?
18. Can Sea Cadets obtain summer employment?
19. Will I be required to join the U. S. Armed Forces?
20. What is the main purpose of Sea Cadet training?
1. What is the U. S. Naval
Sea Cadet Corps?
The U. S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a youth program for young Americans. It
is open to males and females aged 11 through 17, whose objectives are to develop
their interest and skill in basic seamanship and in its naval adaptations.
Sea Cadets trains young people in seagoing skills and teaches them patriotism,
courage, self-reliance and kindred virtues. Cadets train aboard the ships
and shore activities of the U.S. 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 some 180 units in operation in almost
every state of the union as well as Puerto Rico and Guam, with over 7,000
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 are within three months of reaching your 11th
birthday and have not yet reached your 18th birthday.
3. What are the requirements of membership?
All prospective cadets must be in good health. You must not have diabetes
or high blood pressure. Must not be on any prescription medication on a regular
basis. This includes a class to treat ADD (Ritalin or any drugs of its class)
or diagnosis as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or
other behavior problems.
4. What about medical exams?
Applicants must successfully pass a basic physical examination very similar
to that required of a regular Navy enlistee.
5. Will I have to pay dues?
Yes. The enrollment fee is presently $225.00 to join and $80.00 to reenroll
in the program per year and includes premiums paid toward the Sea Cadet Group
Accident and Health Protection Plan.
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.
7. Will Sea Cadet training detract from my school work?
Not likely. Sea Cadet units usually meet one weekend per month during the
school year. Normally, training away from home is conducted only during school
vacation periods.
8. What do the 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 promotion
should they decide to join one of the sea services.
9. What are my chances for promotion?
Promotion within the Sea Cadets is based upon merit. Promising young men and
women, upon fulfilling certain successive qualifications and requirements,
are given command positions and encouraged to develop qualities of leadership.
10. Who sponsors the Sea Cadets?
Most Sea Cadet units are sponsored by individual Councils of the Navy League
of the United States, a nonprofit organization of U. S. citizens whose objective
is to support the U. S. maritime services and who are deeply interested in
the welfare of young Americans.
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 devote their time and
knowledge to this activity.
12. Can I go to camp in the summer?
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 participate
in additional training in advanced subjects during succeeding summers. 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 recruit training and other required courses of instruction,
many 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. You must be 16 years of age to go aboard a US Navy vessel
and 14 to go aboard a U.S. Coast Guard vessel after all required courses and
boot camp have been completed.
14. What training is available aboard ship?
Sea Cadets are trained in basic seamanship, damage control, watch-standing,
fire-fighting and other nautical skills.
15. Are there advanced training courses for Sea Cadets?
Yes. In addition to advanced training aboard naval vessels, Sea Cadets may
attend advanced orientation courses such as Airman's School, Music School,
SeaBee Indoctrination, Underwater Demolition/Seal Team training, Submarine
Orientation and other courses designed to prepare cadets for leadership, either
within the Sea Cadet organization or in other fields.
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 the U.S. - Canadian Sea Cadet Exchange Program in Nova Scotia and British
Columbia.
17. How are Sea Cadets selected for the Exchange Program?
Exchange cadets are selected on a merit basis. Each cadet must have an outstanding
record as well as a good reputation within his home 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 do 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 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 Marine.