|
|
TWENTY
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SEA CADETS
 What is the
U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps?
The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a youth program for young
Americans male and female, ages 11 through 17, whose objectives are
to develop an interest and skill in basic seamanship and in its
naval adaptations, to train them in seagoing skills and to teach
them patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kindred virtues. Cadets
train aboard the ships and shore activities of the 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.
The Naval Sea Cadet Corps affords equal opportunity for
participation to all American youth without regard to race, color,
religion or sex.
How old
must I be to join the Sea Cadets?
You are eligible to join if you are ages 11 through 17.
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.
What about
medical exams?
Applicants must successfully pass a basic physical examination very
similar to that required of a regular Navy enlistee.
Will I have
to pay dues?
Yes. The enrollment fee is presently $50.00 per year and includes
premiums paid toward the Sea Cadet Group Accident and Health
Protection Plan.
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 for handling and shipping. Uniform needs which cannot
be met through this source may be purchased at Navy Exchange Uniform
Shops.
Will Sea
Cadet training detract from my school work?
Not likely. Sea Cadet units usually meet only four nights a month or
two weekends per month. Instruction is designed to supplement your
school work. Normally, training away from home is conducted only
during school vacation periods.
What do 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.
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.
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.
Who
instructs 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.
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.
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.
What
training is available aboard ship?
Sea Cadets are trained in basic seamanship, damage control,
watch-standing, fire-fighting and other nautical skills.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
|
