Frequently Asked Questions

The NLCC is the junior program for the NSCC. The NLCC introduces boys and girls ages 10-13 to naval life through instruction in basic seamanship and leadership.

The NSCC is the senior cadet program for young men and women, ages 13-17, who are interested in developing their skills in leadership, basic seamanship, courage, self-reliance and discipline. Our cadets are also committed to being drug, alcohol and gang free.

 The NLCC program (ages 10–13) introduces cadets to leadership, teamwork, naval traditions, and Sea Cadet life through age-appropriate training and activities.

The NSCC program (ages 13–17) builds upon that foundation with more advanced training opportunities and increased leadership responsibilities. NSCC cadets must complete a two-week Recruit Training to advance beyond the entry-level ranks and become eligible for most advanced trainings. NLCC cadets may attend a one-week Orientation Training, but it is not required for advancement.

We welcome all applicants who meet our program’s eligibility requirements. The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps will never discriminate based on race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, disability, color, religion, or national origin. It is very important to us to promote a culture of inclusion in our Sea Cadet family.  

All prospective cadets must be U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents, and meet our minimum age requirements (ages 10 through the completion of high school). Cadets must be unmarried, drug-free, and alcohol-free. Successful academic progress is required as well (at least a “C”-grade point average). Cadet applicants must complete a medical examination similar to a high school sports physical and submit proof of immunization against common diseases.

Cadets must also be physically and mentally able to participate in the basic required activities of the program, such as team-based physical training, close-order military drill, classroom instruction, and (for Sea Cadets only) annual overnight away-from-home training programs.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of the USNSCC that no qualified person will be excluded from participation in, denied the benefit of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination by the USNSCC simply because that person has a disability. The USNSCC will grant reasonable accommodations where necessary to permit full participation.

Adult volunteer applicants must be free of felony convictions, be in good standing within the community, and be in good health commensurate with their age group. Applicants must submit proof of immunization against common diseases.

Active participation is an important part of the Sea Cadet experience. In accordance with United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps requirements, cadets must complete a minimum of 120 drill hours each year and may not miss more than 30 scheduled drill hours annually.

At Fort McHenry Division and Training Ship Constellation, we conduct one drill weekend each month. Drill weekends typically meet for approximately six hours on Saturday and six hours on Sunday, for a total of 12 training hours per month.

In addition to monthly drills, cadets have opportunities throughout the year to participate in supplemental trainings, community service projects, field trips, ceremonies, and other activities. These events provide valuable training experiences and may also help cadets make up missed drill hours when appropriate.

Regular attendance helps cadets stay engaged with their peers, remain current in their training, and continue progressing through the Sea Cadet program.

Cadets study a broad range of subjects, all of them designed to enhance the individual. Some sessions, like community service, are designed to help them become better citizens, while other classes will teach them the importance of strong maritime forces. Cadets will study naval history, customs and traditions, seamanship, navigation, and related subjects. 

Cadets are instructed by naval personnel (active duty, reserve and retired), by senior cadets, and by dedicated adult volunteer leaders who make up the USNSCC Officer Corps.

Cadets are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear various Navy enlisted uniforms appropriately marked with the NLCC/NSCC insignia.

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. Cadets and volunteers are also quick to name the wonderful by-products of our training program: new friends, a sense of accomplishment from overcoming obstacles and involvement with the community.

Yes. In addition to advanced training aboard naval vessels, Sea Cadets may attend advanced training evolutions such as airman training, Seabee indoctrination, SEAL challenge, military law enforcement training, and Petty Officer Leadership Academy, to name a few.

Navy League Cadets may participate in a one-week advanced training evolution in subjects such as leadership, seamanship and boating safety.

For more information on some of the training programs, check out this 2024 promotional guide. 

Yes. After completing recruit training and other required courses of instruction, many Sea Cadets can participate in advanced trainings that are conducted 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.

Sea Cadets have the opportunity to travel to training sites all over the country during the summer training period. Additionally, particularly outstanding Sea Cadets can be selected to participate in the NSCC International Exchange Program.  Exchange cadets are selected on a merit basis; each cadet must have an exemplary record as well as good standing within his or her home unit.

Yes. Your enrollment fee includes premiums paid toward the Sea Cadet Group Accident and Health Protection Plan. This is our insurance plan, designed to keep you covered in the low likelihood of something happening during a cadet-sponsored training event. It is important to us that the membership fees are minimal in order to be accessible to as many people as possible.

No. We are not a recruiting vehicle for the armed services. Cadets have absolutely no commitment regarding future military service.  

For those cadets who decide to enlist in the military, their prior training as a Sea Cadet may allow them to join at an advanced pay grade.  This means that a cadet who enlists may be eligible for a higher rank  and pay than his or her non-cadet counterparts. Cadets who choose to enlist in the military also tend to do better and stay in longer. Each cadet who enters the armed services is a disciplined, well-trained individual who typically adjusts better to the rigors of military service than those with no experience.

Being a Sea Cadet can help individuals become more competitive for certain programs. More than 12% of the Class of 2019 at the U.S. Naval Academy were former Sea Cadets. Every year many graduating high school seniors are accepted into ROTC or OCS programs around the country. We think some of this can be attributed to the unparalleled training experience received as a Sea Cadet. 

Many 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.