Sea/League Cadet FAQ

1) What is the Naval Sea Cadet Corps?
The Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) is a program for young men and women ages 13-17 who are interested in developing their skills in leadership, basic seamanship, courage, self-reliance, military discipline and are committed to being drug and gang free.

2) What is the Navy League Cadet Corps?
The Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) is the junior cadet program for the NSCC. The NLCC introduces boys and girls ages 10-13 to the naval life through instruction in basic seamanship and leadership.

3) What uniforms will I wear?
Cadets are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy enlisted uniforms appropriately marked with NSCC/NLCC insignia.

4) What are the requirements of membership?
All prospective cadets must be U.S. Citizens, be drug-free, unmarried, a full-time student with at least a "C" grade point average, have parental consent and possess good moral character. A medical examination similar to a high school sports physical is required for all cadet applicants to the Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) or Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC). No one will be denied admission to the NSCC/NLCC due to a medical disability. Where a medical condition precludes full, unlimited participation, a Request for Accommodation (NSCADM 015) may be presented by the parent or guardian for review so the cadet may participate in NSCC activities to the maximum extent possible.  In addition you must be interested in the program and committed to attending drills (meetings) regularly. ESCONDIDO Battalion, Training Ship KIT CARSON drills twice a month at the California Army National Guard Armory located at 304 E. Park Ave, Escondido, CA  92025.

6) Will I have to pay dues?
Yes. Your enrollment fee includes premiums paid toward the Sea Cadet Group Accident and Health Protection Plan. As of 01 JAN 12, the application fee and annual renewl fee for ESCONDIDO Battalion, Training Ship KIT CARSON is $150.00. There is an additional one-time uniform fee of $100.

7) Must I buy my own uniforms?
Surplus U.S. Navy uniforms are made available to the NSCC and NLCC. These uniforms, in turn, are made available to cadets at a minimal cost for shipping and handling. Uniform needs that cannot be met through this source may be purchased at several local sources and online. Click Uniforms under the New Recruits link on our website.

8) Will Cadet training detract from my school work?
Not likely. Cadet units usually meet only one night a week or one weekend a month during the school year. Instruction is designed to supplement your school work. Normally, training away from home is conducted only during school vacation periods.

9) What do Sea Cadets learn?
Cadets 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 that will help their chances for promotion should they decide to join one of the sea services.

10) What are the chances for promotion?
Promotion within the Cadet Corps is based upon merit. Promising individuals, upon fulfilling certain successive qualifications and requirements, are given command positions and encouraged to develop their leadership abilities.

11) Who sponsors the NSCC/NLCC?
Most Cadet units are sponsored by individual Councils of the Navy League of the United States, a non-profit organization made up of U.S. citizens whose objective is to support the sea services, and who are deeply interested in the welfare of young Americans.

12) Who instructs Cadets?
Cadets are instructed by naval personnel (active, reserve, and retired), by senior Cadets and by dedicated adult volunteer leaders who comprise the NSCC Officer Corps.

13) Can I go to camp in the summer?
Yes. Newly enrolled Sea Cadets are required to attend two weeks of recruit training or "boot camp" held at military installations across the country. Having successfully completed recruit training, Sea Cadets participate in additional training in advanced subjects during succeeding school breaks. Opportunities range from training aboard Navy and Coast Guard ships to training with the U.S. Navy SEALs. Navy League Cadets have the opportunity to participate in a one-week recruit orientation and weekend training evolutions specifically tailored for  their age group.

14) 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-week advanced training aboard Navy and Coast Guard vessels ranging from small patrol craft to large nuclear powered aircraft carriers. While Navy League Cadets are not permitted to go to sea for extended periods, they often participate in day cruises and tours.

15) Are there advanced training courses or Cadets?
Yes. In addition to advanced training aboard naval vessels, Sea Cadets may attend advanced orientation courses such as Airman Training, Music Training, Seabee Indoctrination, SEAL Team Training, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and Leadership Academy. Navy League Cadets may participate in one-week advanced training evolutions in subjects such as Leadership, Seamanship, and Boating Safety.

16) Are there travel opportunities?
Yes. Sea Cadets travel to training sites all over the country during the summer training period. Additionally, outstanding Sea Cadets are selected to participate in the NSCC International Exchange Program. Currently, the NSCC participates in exchanges with Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Bermuda, Sweden and Russia. Exchange Cadets are selected on merit basis. Each Cadet must have an outstanding record as well as a good reputation within his/her home community.

17) Will I be required to join the U.S. Armed Forces?
No. Cadets have absolutely no commitment regarding future military service. For those Cadets who decide to enlist in the Navy, Coast Guard or Marine Corps prior Sea Cadet training may permit entry at an advanced pay grade. Sea Cadet experience is also looked upon favorably by the military service academy and ROTC selection boards.

18) What is the main purpose of Cadet training?
While Cadet units are organized along military lines, their main purpose is to foster good citizenship and an interest and appreciation of our nation's sea services: the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine.

Adult Leadership FAQ

1) What is the Naval Sea Cadet Corps?
The Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) is Congressionally chartered organization
for American youth ages 13-17 who 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, self-reliance, and a life-long commitment to be free of drugs and gangs. 
 
2) What is the Navy League Cadet Corps?
The Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) is for boys and girls, at least 10 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 NSCC. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps administers the NLCC.

3) What is the NSCC Officer Corps?
The NSCC Officer Corps is made of dedicated volunteers adult leaders, both
civilian and military, who provide for the administration of all facets of the
Naval Sea Cadet Corps. This includes the operation of local units to the
operation of two-week summer training programs. NSCC officers must be U.S.
Citizens and be at least 21 years of age.

 4) What is a NSCC Midshipman?
NSCC midshipmen are adult leaders in training who are between the ages of 18 and 21. Normally NSCC midshipmen are former cadets who reached the rate of seaman as a cadet, former JROTC cadets, or members of the military who are not old enough to be an NSCC instructor or officer.

5) What is a NSCC Instructor?
A NSCC instructor is an adult leader who either has an interest in becoming
an NSCC officer or who wants to dedicate his time to mentoring and training
cadets. All persons applying to be in the NSCC are first enrolled as an NSCC
instructor for a period of one year. After a year, instructors may apply for an
appointment to the NSCC Officer Corps or remain an instructor. Instructor
responsibilities are generally less than those of an officer.
 
6) Will I have to undergo a criminal background check?
Yes. To ensure the safety and security of cadets, all NSCC adult leaders
undergo a background check at initial enrollment and periodically at the
discretion of NSCC National Headquarters. 

7) I am a parent of a Cadet, can I be a NSCC adult leader?
Yes. In fact a large percentage of NSCC adult leader are parents of current
and former cadets. Involved parents are the lifeblood of the NSCC Officer Corps. 
 
8) What experience is required?
The Naval Sea Cadet Corps is organized along military lines; therefore,
having military experience is a definite plus, but it isn’t a requirement.
Experienced adult leaders and senior cadets will gladly help you become familiar with the military atmosphere. At most local units, volunteers are needed to instruct cadets in a variety of subjects, keep and maintain service records,
keep track of cadet training, maintain unit supply, and recruit and publicize
the program. As long as you are motivated and willing to help in the cause of
promoting the positive development of youth, there is a place for you in the
Corps.

9)  Do I get to wear a uniform?
Yes. NSCC officers, midshipman, and instructors are authorized by the
Secretary of the Navy to wear the U.S. Navy officer uniforms appropriately
modified with NSCC insignia.

10) Will I have to purchase my own uniform?
In most cases, yes. NSCC adult leaders are authorized to purchase uniform
items from U.S. Navy Uniform Shops on base and the Navy’s Uniform Support Center  in Pensacola, FL by phone and mail order. In some cases units have a supply of surplus/used uniforms that may be provided at no or nominal cost. Many large Naval bases also have Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society thrift shops that sell used uniform items at deep discounts. In any case uniform purchases are often income tax-deductible (consult your tax attorney for more information).

11) Do I have to be physically fit? 
Adult applicants must be in good health commensurate with their age group and be free from any ailment or condition that would prevent them from satisfactorily performing their primary duty of supervising youth. NOTE: Adults not physically qualified to perform all duties may still participate with a waiver from NHQ considering the parameters of their expected contribution to the NSCC program.

12)  Do adult leaders earn rank?
Yes. Those adult leaders who apply for appointment to the NSCC Officer Corps
will have the opportunity to earn rank. New NSCC officers are appointed by the
NSCC Executive Director to the rank of ensign. The NSCC officer rank structure
parallels that of the U.S. Navy. NSCC officers may promote through the rank of
lieutenant commander. In order for NSCC officers to promote they must meet
minimum performance, training, and time-in-service requirements. They must also contribute a minimum amount of volunteer service to NSCC summer training programs. NSCC officer rank is entirely honorary and does not have any relation to or authority and entitlements of actual military rank.

13) Is there a membership fee? 
Yes. The national membership fee for civilian and reserve military member is currently $20 and for active duty military members it is $15. While it is subject to change, changes are minimal and infrequent.

14) What type of liability exposure do I have working with youth?
Your membership fees  include the premiums for both accident and liability insurance. Also as a volunteer you are covered under the Federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 (42 USC 139). The act provides that volunteers will not be held personally liable for their acts or omissions if they are acting within the scope of their responsibility for the organization and the harm is "not caused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed." 

15) Do NSCC adult leaders get paid?
No. As volunteers, NSCC adult leaders do not receive monetary compensation for their time and service. However NSCC adult leaders are often paid intangible dividends when a cadet they have mentored goes on to be a successful and productive citizen. Drilling Naval Reservists may be eligible to receive drill credit and active duty for training orders (ADT) for participating in NSCC drills and
training evolutions.

16) Do adult leaders receive training?
Yes. The NSCC provides adult leaders training courses in the administration of the program as well as how to train and mentor youth. Also NSCC adult leaders are authorized to enroll in U.S. Navy Non-Resident Training Courses (NRTC) that cover subjects from basic military knowledge to leadership.

17) Are there travel opportunities?
Yes. NSCC adult leaders have the opportunity to staff two- week summer training programs that are held throughout the country. In addition, adult leaders may escort cadets around the world though our International Exchange Program (IEP). Currently we have formal cadet exchanges with Canada, England, Australia, South Korea, the Netherlands, Belgium, Bermuda, and Japan. Travel costs for adult escorts for the IEP are covered by the NSCC.

18) Who sponsors the Sea Cadets? 
The principal sponsor and supporter of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps is the Navy League of the United States (NLUS). The NLUS is a civilian organization established in 1902 to support the nation’s sea services. In 1958 the Department of the Navy asked the NLUS to start a Sea Cadet program similar to those already in operation in countries such as England and Canada. The NLUS continues to be the premier citizen organization that educates the public about the missions and needs of the nation’s sea services. NSCC adult leaders are encouraged to become members of the NLUS. Local councils of the NLUS are often the primary financial supporters of NSCC/NLCC units. In addition, the NSCC has formal relationships with both the Department of the Navy and U.S. Coast Guard and coordinates with them to provide cadets training opportunities.

19) I can only commit a couple of hours a month, can I still help?
Absolutely! We understand that there are many people who want to help but have busy lives, and giving up 20-30 hours a month to be a full time volunteer is just not feasible. Often all it takes is a couple of hours a month to help a unit sort
uniforms, teach a class, chaperone a field trip and the like. The contribution
of a few dedicated part-time volunteers can go a long way to accomplish the
overall mission.