Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps?
- How old must I be to join the Sea Cadets?
- What are the requirements of membership?
- What about medical exams?
- Will I have to pay dues?
- Must I buy my own uniform?
- Will Sea Cadet training detract from my schoolwork?
- What do Sea Cadets learn?
- What are the chances for NSCC promotion?
- Who sponsors the Sea Cadets?
- Who instructs the Sea Cadets?
- Can I go to summer camp?
- Are Sea Cadets permitted to go to sea?
- What training is available aboard ships?
- Are there advanced training courses?
- Are there travel opportunities?
- How can I be selected for the Exchanges?
- Can Sea Cadets obtain summer employment?
- Will I be required to join the U.S. Armed Forces?
- What is the main purpose of the Sea Cadet training?
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 362 NSCC or NLCC (League Cadet) units in operation in almost every state of the union as well as Puerto Rico and Guam, with over 8,900 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.
You are eligible to join our program on your 13th birthday but have not yet reached your 18th birthday.(If you are between 10 and 13 you can become a Navy League Cadet.)
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.
Applicants must be able to successfully pass a basic sports physical examination.
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.
Yes. The enrollment fee for Sea Cadets aged young people (13 - 17) is presently $160.00 for the first year and $53.00 a year thereafter. For Navy League Cadets (ages 10 - 13), it is $70.00 for the first year and $53.00 a year thereafter.
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 or at local thrift and surplus stores. (Cadets in the Naval Station Everett Division are issued whatever uniforms that we have on hand.)
Not likely. Naval Station Everett Division Sea Cadets usually meet every other Saturday ten months of the year. Instruction is designed to supplement your schoolwork. Normally, training away from home is conducted only during school vacations. Naval Station Everett Division typically drills the second and fourth Saturday of each month.
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.
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.
Many Sea Cadet units are sponsored by local Councils of the Navy League of the United States. Naval Station Everett Division is sponsored by the Greater Everett Navy League Council and the Lake Washington Navy League Council.
Sea Cadets are instructed by Military personnel,active, reserve and retired of all service backgrounds (US Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Air Force, US Army), by senior cadets and by other adult leaders willing to devote their time and knowledge to this activity.
Yes. Newly enrolled Sea Cadets are required to attend two weeks of summer recruit training at local "boot camps" throughout the country, we utilize Ft. Lewis every August. Having successfully completed recruit training, cadets may then participate in additional training in advanced subjects. These one or two-week training periods offer a varied program of activities in addition to valuable instruction of a maritime nature.
Yes. After completing the recruit training and other required courses of instruction. Sea Cadets can participate in one or two weeks of advanced training aboard Navy and Coast Guard vessels ranging from small harbor craft to large nuclear powered aircraft carriers.
Sea Cadets are trained in basic seamanship, navigation, damage control, watch standing, fire fighting, and other nautical skills.
Yes. In addition to advanced training aboard naval vessels, Sea Cadets may attend advanced orientation courses such as Basic/Advanced Airman School, or a Construction Battalion Schools (Seabees), SEAL, Amphib, MAA, Submarine Orientation, Ceremonial School, Music School, and other courses designed to prepare cadets for naval and civilian leadership.
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.
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.
Yes. Sea Cadets are permitted to choose a training period during the summer months that will not interfere with summer employment arrangements.
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 grades up to E-3.
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.