United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps

Home > Join

The Naval Sea Cadet Corps

The Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) is for American youth ages 13-17 who have a desire to learn about the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. Sea Cadets are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms appropriately marked with the Sea Cadet Corps insignia. The objectives of the Sea Cadet program are to introduce youth to naval life, to develop in them a sense of pride, patriotism, courage, and self-reliance, and to maintain an environment free of drugs and gangs.

The Navy League Cadet Corps

The Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) is for boys and girls, at least 11 but not yet 14 years old, who are interested in the sea and ships, and our nations seagoing services. The Navy League program is designed to introduce young people to maritime and military life, and to prepare them for later entrance into the Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

Eligibility Criteria

Personal and Character Qualifiers:

You are a highly mature young man or woman, at least 11 years old, but not yet have reached your 18th birthday.
You are a United States Citizen.
You have no criminal record.
You understand that participation requires satisfactory grades and regular advancement in school.
You reject and renounce the use of drugs and alcohol, and agree to avoid illegal behavior while a member of the NSCC or NLCC.
You must be unmarried and agree to remain unmarried while a member.
You must attend 75% of drills and meetings.
You must agree to maintain neat, clean military image (inc. grooming standards).

Medical Consideratons

The NSCC and NLCC follow strict medical entrance standards. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from attending 1-2 week trainings at military installations, you might not be eligible for enrollment. Please consult the NSCC's Medical Reference, Policies and Procedures Manual for more information regarding exact qualifications. Certain allowances are made for exceptional cases. If you are unsure whether you meet these qualifications, don't get discouraged -- contact us anyway, and we can examine special situations on a case-by-case basis.

Application Process

When you are ready to apply, visit either the Contact Us page or your local units website. If you've been referred by a current cadet, please be sure to give us his/her name so we can let them know.

The NSCC and NLCC require the following three forms from each applicant:

NSCADM 001	You and your parents fill out this form. It lists basic things, like your name and address, your family’s contact information, and so forth.
NSCADM 020	You and your parents fill out this form. It lists all the important details of your medical history. Please be honest! Please note the medical conditions that might prevent you from enrolling. If you think you might have a disqualifying condition (asthma, diabetes, etc.), please consult a unit representative when you visit.
NSCADM 021	A licensed doctor must fill out this form and sign it. You may need to schedule a physical. If you’ve recently had a physical (maybe for sports programs in your school), your doctor should be able to copy the same information from your files onto our form.

Visit Your Local Unit

Your next step is to visit your local unit. You must bring a parent or guardian. Most units drill one weekend per month, usually bewteen 0900 and 1500.

When you visit, you will be assigned to a senior cadet who will show you around. Your parents will be able to sit down in private with a senior officer from the unit to answer any questions that they may have.