FAQ

• • Must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident

  • Age requirements:

    • League Cadets: age 10 and started the 5th grade

    • Sea Cadets: age 13 and completed the 8th grade

  • Must achieve, or exceed, Level 2 for Physical Readiness Test (PRT) to enroll

  • Must be enrolled in a public, private school, or a certified home school program

    • Minimum 2.5 GPA

  • ​Up to date on CDC recommended immunization schedule 

  • ​Must be of good moral character and free of criminal convictions

  • Alcohol-free, drug-free, gang-free, and remain that way through the program

In the Sea Cadets, ranks mirror the ranks in the U.S. Navy. Our ranks range from Recruit Candidate for beginners, up through various levels such as Seaman Apprentice, Seaman, and Petty Officer, to the highest cadet rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Cadets rank up by completing specific online training modules, demonstrating proficiency in physical fitness skills, leadership qualities, and passing required exams for each rank. Time in service, participation in our youth program’s activities, and recommendations from superiors also play a crucial role in the promotion process. Our volunteers also have ranks in a similar fashion. A chart of our ranks and their insignia is below.

Your local Sea Cadets unit meets year-round, either one or two days per month, and sometimes overnight. The drill schedule varies from unit to unit. Drills consist of team-building, physical training activities, close-order military drill, and practical hands-on instruction. This may also involve special off-site activities such as tours of military bases or naval ships

Sea Cadet trainings occur only twice a year—during summer and winter school break. Trainings, which are 1-2 week-long and take place throughout the country, offer specialized disciplines such as field operations, aviation, seamanship,, robotics and SCUBA.

• While we understand that children may be involved in a number of extracurricular activities, attendance and participation at drills are required of active Sea Cadets. Attendance requirements vary by unit. Units are required to offer 120 hours of drill per year. A cadet may miss no more than 30 hours of drill per calendar year.

No, there is no obligation to join the U.S. Navy or any military branch.