Sea Cadets is a Military Youth Program Like No Other
Sea Cadets is Building Leaders of Character
We give young Americans the skills and confidence needed to be the leaders of tomorrow.
Sea Cadets wear uniforms, work as teams, and adhere to our core value of honor, respect, commitment, and service.
Cadets are not required to join the military, but the program provides the opportunity to experience military drills, training and boot camp in a safe, positive environment.
What We Do
Lead
Cadets step into leadership roles early—planning drills, mentoring peers, and gaining confidence to guide others in any environment.
Train
From aviation and SCUBA to robotics and medical skills, Sea Cadets experience hands-on training that prepares them for real-world challenges.
Grow
In a disciplined, team-based setting, cadets build character, resilience, and values that last a lifetime.
Sea Cadets Advanced Trainings
Sea Cadets offers hands-on Advanced Trainings across the country where teens explore real careers – like aviation, medicine, engineering, space, seamanship, and more.
Led by military and industry pros, these immersive programs build leadership, confidence, and life-changing experiences that go far beyond the classroom.
Advanced Training May Include:
| Training at Sea: | Training in the Air: | Training on Land: |
|---|---|---|
| Seamanship & Shipboard Operations | Aviation | Shipbuilding & Merchant Marine |
| Sailing | Airman Training | Trade & Technical Skills (construction, welding, culinary, vehicle maintenance etc.) |
| Small Boat Operations | FAA Ground School | Special Operations |
| Fleet Week & Overnight Shipboard Experiences | Aviation Maintenance | Public Safety (Firefighting; Marksmanship; Search & Rescue; Maritime Interdiction etc.) |
| Submarine Seminar | Drones | Cybersecurity |
| SCUBA | Recruit Training & Leadership Training |
Who Can Join Sea Cadets?
Sea Cadets is available to young men and women aged 10-18 (5th grade through the end of high school) who are ready to choose adventure, seek challenges, and step outside their comfort zones. There are two programs within Sea Cadets: the Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) for middle school students and the Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) for high school students. All prospective cadets must be:
- U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents
- Students in good standing
Navy League Cadet Corps
Grades: 5th – 8th (must be at least 10 years old to join)
Our “League Cadets” are middle school aged students who participate in our introductory program. League Cadets wear uniforms, train in a disciplined environment, and advance through ranks that mirror the Navy and Merchant Marines. League Cadets may participate in a wide variety of training opportunities to introduce them to the maritime services and a variety of career fields. There is an optional week-long “Navy League Orientation” available to these young men and women.
Naval Sea Cadet Corps
Grades: 9th-12th (must be at least 13 years old to join)
Sea Cadets are high school aged students who participate in our advanced program. There is no requirement to have been a League Cadet prior to joining Sea Cadets. Sea Cadets wear uniforms, learn about the maritime services and a wide variety of career fields, and advance through ranks that mirror the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. To allow rising high school freshmen to participate in summer training, eighth graders may join the NSCC after March 1 of their eighth grade year. This allows cadets time at the end of their eighth-grade year to complete Recruit Orientation and attend an RT during their first summer as a Sea Cadet.
Chart Your Course
As a member of the Sea Cadets you navigate your path to success. Join today to start your journey!
“When I first started Sea Cadets I didn’t exactly like to exercise but throughout it I started to actually enjoy PT. I got fitter, my stamina improved, and now PT is one of the things I look forward to at drills.”
“Sea Cadets encourages and motivates me to think and act with confidence.”
“I found the camaraderie I had long sought within the Sea Cadet, where teamwork and shared purpose brought individuals of diverse backgrounds together.”
“The opportunities I have had to lead my shipmates and speak in front of others has greatly improved my confidence and initiative.”
“Being a Sea Cadet has helped me with my confidence in many ways. I am now confident about physical fitness, memorization and attention to detail.”
