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Benefits of Membership

Founded in 1958 and Congressionally chartered in 1962, the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) is a nationwide organization with over 2,000 volunteers in 350 units serving over 7,000 cadets annually nationwide and in U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and Saipan.

Being a sea cadet fosters responsibility, productivity, and good citizenship. Sea Cadet membership offers a unique opportunity to sample military life without any obligation to join the armed forces. Cadets may qualify to enlist in the military at an advanced pay grade. Sea Cadets have also received ROTC scholarships and appointments to military academies. Whether interested in pursuing careers in uniformed services, trades, or the public and private sectors, we equip youth with essential skills, knowledge, and confidence for success.

We emphasize patriotism, service, confidence, and physical readiness within a disciplined environment where cadets wear uniforms and work collaboratively in teams. Our cadet-led, adult-supervised program offers hands-on leadership opportunities to cadets. Through coaching and mentorship, we guide today's youth to become tomorrow's leaders.

Costs

While there is a standard enrollment fee for membership in the NSCC/NLCC, the actual cost of participation varies by unit and individual cadet depending upon the activities and training planned. National Headquarters has an annual enrolment fee of $99, but each unit may have additional feels to cover their annual operating budget. The budget may be larger or smaller depending upon the size of the unit, fund raising activities and donations by unit sponsors. Currently, the Matthew Axelson and TS Randy Goodman have an initial enrollment fee of $300 for the 1st child and $250 for the 2nd child. Renewals are $200 for all cadets.

After successful completion of Recruit Training, Sea Cadets will participate in additional training in advanced subjects during succeeding summer, winter and school holidays. Advanced trainings typically cost between $150 and $300, however, some may be more expensive such as SCUBA. Sea Cadets are eligible to attend advanced training aboard naval vessels, where they will learn seamanship and navigation, among many other skills.

Thanks to a generous grant from the U.S. Navy, USNSCC National Headquarters is able to subsidize the cost for cadet training, which is a major benefit to our program. As of 2020, the cost for a cadet training (including overnight accommodations and food) was approximately $150 per week.

This amount does not include travel expenses associated with traveling to and from the training site or any required “Sea Bag” items not issued by the unit (i.e., uniforms, towels, pillows, blankets, etc.). Guidance on when and how to obtain items will be provided by your unit staff.