Both the Navy and USNSCC strive to provide Naval Sea Cadets with a broad educational base so as to develop the "whole person" concept. To this end, both civilian and military lecturers are invited to present to cadets the wide range of civilian and military career opportunities available to them, and to help explain youth's responsible role in society.

USNSCC training is authorized on board the This page is intended to provide comprehensive information on the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Due to the large amount of information, this page has been created in sections. Click on the links below or scroll down the page to access the information.

The USNSCC offers a nautically oriented training program for young Americans, ages 13 through 17. The USNSCC allows young people to sample military life with no obligation to join any branch of the armed forces. Should a cadet decide to enlist in either the Navy or Coast Guard, prior USNSCC training may permit entry at an advanced pay grade.

The objectives and purposes of USNSCC, as stated in Public Law 87-655, are: "... through organization and cooperation with the Department of the Navy, to encourage and aid American youth 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." Some of these kindred virtues are teamwork and accountability.

The NLCC is a nautically oriented training organization for young people age 11 through 13 which is sponsored and fully supported by the Navy League. The NLCC is not included in the federal charter provided NSCC by Public Law 87-655; consequently, it is an entity separate from the USNSCC.

National Sea Cadet Corps' had their beginning in Great Britain over 300 years ago. Lord Nelson was a Royal Navy Sea Cadet. The Sea Cadet program has been in existance in Canada for over 100 years. Sea Cadet Corps exist in Germany, France, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Bermuda, Canada, The Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Australia, and New Zealand.

Currently, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps has grown to 260+ Sea Cadet Units with total enrollment of approximately 8500 personnel.

(from Sea Legs, December 1986, manpower from Sea Count, September 1996.

The Executive Director, assisted by a small staff and by Field Representatives, implements the policies established by the Board of Directors, and is responsible for the day-to-day operation and administration of the USNSCC and NLCC.

Regional Directors are appointed by the National Chairman. Regional Directors function as coordinators/advisors for units assigned to them. They have no authority to interfere in the internal management of a unit unless requested to do so by the Executive Director, Field Representative, where assigned, or by the President/Committee Chairman of the sponsoring organization.

The Unit Commanding Officers (CO) report to the Regional Director in the performance of training and administrative duties, and in formulation/coordination of policy matters. Unit CO's have direct access to National headquarters and to the cognizant Field Representative, where assigned, in training, administrative, recruiting, and retention matters.

The Navy League of the United States provides support at both the national and local levels. At the national level the Navy League provides significant financial support to assist in defraying the cost of administering the national program. Also, the Navy League provides USNSCC National Headquarters with many administrative services necessary to the functioning of the Headquarters staff. Navy League support at the local level is provided through sponsorship of individual units by Navy League councils. Sponsoring councils provide financial support and civilian leadership and, through a standing USNSCC committee, help to ensure progress in all phases of the training program.

The USNSCC National Board of Directors has authorized sponsorship of units by patriotic service organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, etc.. to make the program available to greater numbers of American youth. Such sponsorship is authorized with the understanding that the organization will assume the responsibility for proper operation and administration of the units which is vested in a Navy League Council, and which is detailed elsewhere in these Regulations.

The Navy supports USNSCC "to the extent possible within the limits of available resources, and to the extent that this support does not interfere with assigned military missions". Navy personnel are encouraged to serve as adult leaders.

Coast Guard support parallels thships and shore activities of the Navy and Coast Guard. Cadets train in accordance with curricula approved by the Commander, Navy Recruiting Command. Training is conducted by military personnel and by qualified USNSCC officers and instructors.

Cadet recruits (E-1) attend a two week recruit training indoctrination at Navy and Coast Guard recruit training commands and at selected regional locations. Cadets who complete this training, as well as other academic requirements, may be advanced to the apprentice rates (E-2). With additional training, cadets may advance through the NSCC rate structure, eventually attaining the rate of Chief Petty Officer (E-7). This additional training includes attendance at training evolutions in the fields of aviation, construction, and other fields, as well as on-the-job training aboard Navy and Coast Guard ships and shore activities.

USNSCC has exchange programs with Bermuda, Belgium, Canada, Great Britain, The Netherlands, and others. Each summer selected cadets have the opportunity to meet and to train with their foreign counterparts.