Sea Cadets

I have 3 boys ages 13, 15, and 16 years of age. One of the reasons I am a busy mom is because my boys are in the Sea Cadet program.

What is the Sea Cadet Program?

The Sea Cadet program is the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps' youth development program. They give young Americans skills, knowledge, and confidence through a variety of training opportunities. Sea Cadets wear uniforms, work as a team in a disciplined environment, and adhere to the Navy's core values of honor, respect, commitment, and service.

The Sea Cadet Program is broken up into two groups:

League Cadets are for children aged 10 to 13 years. This is the junior version of the Sea Cadet Corps.

Sea Cadets are for youth aged 13 to 18 years.

Sea Cadets and League Cadets meet twice a month in their units. They will work on physical fitness and learn important information to help expand the cadet’s knowledge. The cadets will have to pass a physical readiness test (PRT) in order to further their training. A PRT is administered every spring and fall cycle. The PRT consists of three parts: planks, push-ups, and the mile run. The requirements for passing the PRT are based on the cadet's age and gender. Once they pass this physical test, they will be able to go to Navy League Orientation (NLO) for league cadets or Recruit Training (RT) for cadets.

After the cadet has successfully completed the NLO or RT, they will be eligible to sign up for the next advanced training. Examples of advanced training are seamanship, field operations, scuba, POLA (Petty Officer Training), culinary arts, photojournalism, medical, honor guard, vehicle maintenance, STEM/Robotics, aviation, and so much more!

If training is not available in your state, the cadets are eligible to sign up for training in another state. Parents, please be aware that you will be responsible for the flight and the training fee, but the knowledge and experience your cadet gains are well worth it.

Cadets in the Sea Cadet program do not have to sign up for the military; however, if they decide to do so, they will enlist at a higher rank than another person who did not complete the cadet training. The cadets would just have to provide proof that they advanced to E2 or E3, which they can get from their unit.

Here is an article that provides more information and experiences from other cadets: https://www.military.com/join-military/2021/08/11/everything-you-need-know-about-us-naval-sea-cadet-corps.html

If you or your child is interested in signing up for the Sea Cadets, here is the website to find local units in your area: https://magellan.seacadets.org/referral.aspx

More information for parents or adults who are interested in becoming volunteers for the program: https://magellan.seacadets.org/referral.aspx

I like this program for my children because they learn things that my local organizations could not teach them and because it provides them with valuable life skills. My children may not join the military, but I have seen tremendous growth in their confidence and ability to take charge in different situations.

My youngest son was the first to go to training. He entered the cadet program as a league cadet. Before he left, he was a shy kid who rarely spoke up for himself, and when he did, he was very quiet. When he came back from Navy League orientation, he was a whole new kid. He spoke up and stood up for himself.

My second oldest was the next to go to training. He entered the program as a sea cadet and went to recruitment training.

My second-oldest son has had many challenges in his life. He was born with a rare genetic disorder, had weak hand muscles, and has ADHD. Before the Sea Cadet program, I had been pulling out my hair to try and keep him on track with his schoolwork and motivated to work on his hand muscles. The Sea Cadet program gave him goals to work towards and the motivation he was lacking. Since the first recruit training, my son has completed his occupational therapy sessions because he met his goals. He had been in OT for at least 5 years. He has also gone to field operations and advanced field operations. He also has his next training goal, POLA, which is petty officer training. He is currently at the PO3 in rank.

The rank system for cadets is as follows: Seaman Recruit (E-1), Seaman Apprentice (E-2), Seaman (E-3), Petty Officer Third Class (PO3), Petty Officer Second Class (PO2), Petty Officer First Class (PO1), and Chief Petty Officer (CPO). Promotions are made based on time-in-rate requirements and the passing of examinations.

Did I mention that Sea Cadets are permitted to go to SEA???

After completing recruit training and other required courses of instruction, 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.