Events

Our 3,250 volunteers dedicate over 278,000 hours of their time every year! Our adults guide our cadets towards a future filled with adventure, leadership, teamwork, knowledge, and friendship. Join us on our mission to build leaders of character. 

A volunteer must possess good moral character, a sound mind, and be capable of credibly communicating our Sea Cadet core values to our cadets. Each adult must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, free of felony convictions, and will undergo a background investigation during the enrolment process.

The NSCC was founded in 1958 by the Navy League of the United States at the request of the Department of the Navy. In 1962, the USNSCC was chartered under Title 36 of the United States Code as a non-profit youth organization with an emphasis towards the sea-going services of the United States.[1]

In 2000, the U.S. Congress stated that the NSCC and related programs "provide significant benefits for the Armed Forces, including significant public relations benefits."[2] Although under no service obligation, a sizeable percentage of cadets later enlist in the military. Members who attain the grade E-3 or Seaman/Airman or are in the program for 2 years, may enter as an advanced paygrade of E-3 if they join the Navy before they turn 24 years old,[3] and E-2 in the Marine Corps or other services, due to the training they receive.

Sea Cadets are young men and women aged 10 through the end of high school who choose adventure, seek challenges, and step outside of their comfort zones. There are two programs within Sea Cadets.  The Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) is for middle school students aged 10 to 13. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) is for ages 13 through the end of high school.

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.

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.

We recommend reaching out to your local Sea Cadet unit and having a discussion. Often is it better for a 13-year-old to join a League Cadet (NLCC) unit and take advantage of leadership opportunities at that level. When you enter high school and turn 14, then transition to a Sea Cadet (NSCC) unit and bring your League Cadet experience with you.

If you are 13 and already in high school, it is probably better to join a Sea Cadet (NSCC) unit.

• U.S. citizens or Permanent Legal Residents
• Young men and women ages 10 through the completion of high school. ​
• Students in good academic standing.