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.

Surplus U.S. Navy uniforms are made available to the NSCC and NLCC. These uniforms, in turn, are then 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 Navy Exchange Uniform Shops.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Run by a small staff in Arlington, Virginia, we are sponsored by the Navy League of the United States and supported by both the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.

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

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

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.

Annual enrollment fees are:  $90/year per each NSCC/NLCC cadet and $40/year per officer/midshipman/instructor. Some units may also charge an additional administrative fee.

Annual enrollment fees are based on the cost of program operation and administration.

Applicants meeting the NSCC’s minimum age requirement will not be denied membership in, benefit if, discriminated by, or excluded from participating in NSCC activities on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, or disability.

All prospective cadets must be a U.S. Citizens, be drug-free, unmarried, a full-time student with at least a “C” grade point average, have parental consent, and prossess good moral character. In addition you must be interested in the program and committed to attending drills (meetings) regularly.

Cadets study a broad range of subjects. Some are designed to help them to become better adult citizens, other 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 changes for promotion should they decide to join one of the sea services.

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

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

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, trainings away from home is conducted only during school vacation periods.

Yes. Your enrollment fee includes premiums paid toward the Sea Cadet Group Accident and Health Protection Plan.

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.

Thomas Rolland Norris (born January 14, 1944) is a retired United States Navy SEAL and Distinguished Eagle Scout who received the Medal of Honor for his ground rescue with the assistance of Petty Officer Third Class Nguyen Van Kiet of two downed aircrew members in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam on April 10–13, 1972. At the time of the action, Lieutenant Norris was a SEAL Advisor with the Strategic Technical Directorate Assistance Team. Norris was one of three SEALs to receive the Medal of Honor for actions during the Vietnam War.