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 $90.00 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.

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