Cadets

Background

The program was created in 1962 by the U.S. Navy League at the request of the U.S. Navy. The USNSCC annually serves over 10,000 young men, women, and adult volunteers.

To become a cadet you must be:

• Between age 10 and the completion of high school
• Be an American citizen or be a permanent legal resident
• Be alcohol and drug free
• Be unmarried
• Maintain a C- GPA

We have approximately 400 units across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and Puerto Rico.  We also have a dedicated Virtual Battalion for young men and women who do not live near a local unit. A Cadet may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). No qualified person will be excluded from participation in the USNSCC solely on account of a disability.

While much of the programs structure mirrors that of the our Nation’s military, their main purpose is to foster good citizenship while cultivating an interest in and appreciation for our nation’s maritime services. Cadets study a broad range of subjects, both in the classroom and through practical, hands-on application.

Cadets are required to attend and graduate recruit training, a fast paced 9 - 14 day training focused on basic military instruction and team building. After recruit training, cadets can participate in a number of unique advanced trainings such as field operations, robotics, SCUBA, submarine training, culinary arts, SEALs, and even International Exchange Programs. Only you can chart your course. 

Attendance

Drill attendance is one of the Annual Inspection criteria for each unit, so cadets are required to attend 75% of the unit’s regular drills. See the Commanding Officer (CO) to discuss needs for excused absences. When it is necessary to miss a drill, the cadet or parent should contact their immediate supervisor using the chain of command. If a cadet misses too many drills or does not communicate when he/she is going to be absent, the cadet will be put on probation or dropped from the program.

Cadets who are absent from drill may make up drills by drilling virtually, drilling with a neighboring unit, or in another manner to be determined by the CO. The CO has the sole discretion to approve or deny any make-up drill requests. Cadets shall not be permitted to make up more than two 3-hour drill periods per month.

PRT

NSCC unit commanding officers will schedule physical fitness training as a regular part of the unit’s overall training program. The physical fitness standards are listed in the NSCC Physical Readiness Test policy. Fitness programs are available for adults as well as cadets. It is essential that cadets are able to meet the rigors of recruit and other summer training evolutions. Cadets scheduled to attend NSCC Recruit Training must pass the minimum standards prior to the CO signing and submitting a Request for Training. Cadets must pass the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) prior to the completion of NSCC Recruit Training. If failed, the cadet is required to “repeat” Recruit Training. Successful completion of Recruit Training is required to attend any type of Advanced Training. A semi-annual formal PRT in scheduled in the spring and fall to ensure that cadets are prepared for summer and winter training periods, and that they meet the requirements for promotion.

Tested events include:

• 1-Mile Run
• Planks
• Push-Ups

Coursework

In order to advance in rank and responsibility, cadets must complete specific coursework required by USNSCC. The Polaris learning management system affords cadets the opportunity to complete their coursework online, independently and between drills. Cadets will be automatically assigned a required Polaris Advancement Course or PAC, based on their standing in the program (known as their “rank”). Cadets must attain a grade of 80% or higher to pass the course.

Advancement

As cadets attend monthly drills, participate in advanced training and complete their coursework and other requirements, they have the opportunity to advance in the program. This is a very important achievement for the cadets, and a visible recognition of their time, hard work and dedication. We will hold advancement ceremonies to publicly honor cadets selected for for the next rank. 

Cadets can track their advancement progress through the Polaris learning management system. Here, they can log into the system and view their service record and ribbon rack.

Awards and Scholarships

Personnel who successfully complete an event or preform exceptionally at a unit or training will be awarded any applicable ribbons and appurtenances in accordance with the Awards Manual. Cadets may also be eligible to receive annual awards from their unit or National Headquarters. Information on these awards can be found in the Awards Manual. There are a number of college and trade-school scholarships available to outgoing cadets. Each year, scholarship applications are sent to the field and interested and eligible cadets may apply.