The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps  (USNSCC) is a youth leadership development program sponsored by the U.S. Navy. Our mission is to build leaders of character. We do so by offering America’s young men and women hands-on and experiential training in partnership with the Navy and its sister services, in order to instill the highest ideals of Honor, Respect, Commitment, and Service.

USNSCC is a national youth leadership development organization that promotes interest and skill in naval disciplines while instilling strong moral character and life skills through leadership and technical programs modeled after the Navy's professional development system. Read more about the history of USNSCC here.

USNSCC is comprised of two programs. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) program is for young people ages 13 through the completion of high school. Also included under the USNSCC umbrella is our junior program the Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC), for young people ages 10 through 13. 

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​U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC)

For young men and women ages 13 and up. The senior cadet program exposes its cadets to the full rigors of a military training program. Cadets are required to attend a mandatory two-week recruit training camp. After this requirement is met, cadets are eligible to participate in a variety of advanced training sessions. These sessions serve to expose cadets to seamanship and seagoing subjects. They also focus on developing an appreciation for our country's rich naval history, customs and traditions.

After enrolling in the program, all Sea Cadets must attend a mandatory two-week recruit training session. These training sessions are taught at the Navy’s Recruit Training Command, at other naval bases or stations and at regional recruit training sites using other military host resources.

The curriculum of this training is approved by the U.S. Navy and standardized at all training sites. Cadets receive 106 hours of instruction, with a focus on the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment. Both tone and tenor of instruction are modeled after the Navy’s recruit training.
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The Sea Cadets are teenagers, ages 13-18. At our unit, Dealey Division is lead by an 18 year old Chief Petty Office, and assisted by his Lead Petty Officer and Assistant LPO. On a typical Monday night, these cadets can be seen learning nautical navigation, studying for their FAA ground exam, or learning emergency medical and firefighting skills. Over the summer, Sea Cadets can be found all over the world on ships and bases learning new skills, and preparing for a career in the military world or civilian sector. 

U.S. Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC)

For young men and women ages 10 to 13. The NLCC training program is modeled after the Sea Cadet program, but is tailored to be age-appropriate. The training program is less arduous, but still includes a wide variety of training opportunities designed to give League Cadets exposure to Navy life.

Cadets can attend a one-week, away-from-home Navy League Orientation class. Cadets who complete orientation can participate in advanced training sessions such as classes in aviation, sailing, leadership, medical and adventure training. League Cadets also learn about small boats and small boat safety using the U.S. Coast Guard’s safe boating curriculum.

This junior cadet program introduces its members to naval life through instruction in basic seamanship and leadership. NLCC members are able to participate in monthly drill sessions and during school breaks and in a one-week orientation class as well as in specially-designed annual training sessions. The purpose of the NLCC program is to prepare its cadets for success upon entering NSCC by exposing them to the fundamentals of seamanship and leadership. The training program is less arduous than NSCC's, but still includes a wide variety of away-from-home, one-week training opportunities designed to give cadets exposure to Navy life.

What Do Sea Cadets Do? 

Simply, U.S. Naval Sea Cadets do A LOT! During the school year, cadets drill on Monday nights. They learn about seamanship, firefighting, first aid, and a variety of other fun and hands on skills. Additionally, cadets learn military drill (marching) and participate in physical training. The school year is also when cadets typically promote. They take real Navy advancement examinations and correspondence courses which, if they choose to enlist, will allow them to enter at a higher rank. 

Over the Summer, cadets embark on summer trainings. Cadets start at the Sea Cadet's basic training, then, they can engage advanced trainings. These evolutions can be held on military bases all over the country and all around the world. You heard that right, the world. Cadet have opportunities to train on Navy and Coast Guard vessels at sea, and learn about foreign countries in the International Exchange program. Stateside, the Navy Cadets can earn certifications in scuba diving, emergency medicine, and even earn their pilots licenses! Cadets can also learn about cooking, robotics, cyber security, and sailing. 

All the while, Sea Cadets hone their leadership abilities and engage the Navy Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.