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- What are the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps
and the Navy League Cadet Corps?
The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) and the Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) are
youth programs for young Americans, male and female, ages 10 through 17. The objectives of the program include developing
an interest and skill in the naval and maritime sciences, and to teach patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kindred values.
Cadets train aboard the ships and shore activities of the Navy and Coast Guard, and are authorized to wear Navy uniforms appropriately
marked with NSCC or NLCC insignia. There are some 180 units in operation in almost every state of the union and in Puerto
Rico and Guam, with over 7000 young Americans participating. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps and
the Navy League Cadet Corps afford equal opportunity for participation to all American youth, without regard to race, color,
religion or sex.
- What are the requirements of
membership?
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.
3. Will I have to pay dues?
Yes. The enrollment fee is presently $53.00 per year and includes premiums paid toward
the Sea Cadet Group Accident and Health Protection Plan.
4. 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 cadet 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.
5. Will
Sea Cadet training detract from my schoolwork?
Not likely.
The Sea Cadet unit usually meets only on the weekends at the Massachusetts National Guard armoryin Pittsfield. On off
school days, there may be a drill during a week day. Instruction is designed to supplement your schoolwork. Normally,
training away from home is conducted only during school vacation periods.
6. What do the Sea Cadets
learn?
Cadets study
a broad range of subjects. Some are designed to help cadets become better adult citizens, others teach the importance of strong
maritime forces. Cadets 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.
7. 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 develop leadership skills.
8. Who sponsors
the Sea Cadets?
The Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks Lodge 272, sponsors the United States Naval Sea Cadets 181st Seabee Battalion, Pittsfield,
Massachusetts.
9. Who instructs
the Sea Cadets?
Sea Cadets are instructed by volunteer
adult instructors, by Senior Cadets and by other adult leaders willing to devote their time and knowledge to this activity.
10. Can I go to camp in the
summer?
Yes. Newly enrolled Sea Cadets are required
to attend two weeks of summer initial training at various locations. Having successfully completed initial training, cadets
participate in additional training in advanced subjects during succeeding summers.
11. 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.
12. What training is available
aboard ship?
Sea Cadets are trained in basic seamanship,
damage control, watch standing, fire fighting and other nautical skills.
13. 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, Submarine
Orientation and other courses designed to prepare cadets for leadership, either within the Sea Cadet organization or in other
fields.
14. 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.
15. 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 or her home community.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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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