U.S. Naval Sea Cadets

Special Section: Combined Federal Campaign 2009

Naval Sea Cadets –
The Adventure of a Lifetime

By Michael L. Campbell
National development director, U.S. Naval sea cadet corps

What do Sea Cadets do? Cadets have the opportunity to participate in almost 200 different training activities across the United States and around the globe. These include aviation, air traffic control, culinary arts, fire fighting, homeland security, maritime industrial arts, marine animal sciences, medicine, intelligence, scuba diving, sailing, engineering, underwater archeological research and an international exchange with 14 countries to name only a few. With almost 400 units in almost every state, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) has been offering hands-on training to both youth age 14 to 17 and our Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) age 10-13 for almost 50 years. They develop the skills necessary to do well in school. Sea and League Cadets do a lot.

Beyond the priceless education value, there are the friendships that are formed. Youth keep in touch after their adventures and share sea stories, discuss their futures and what they plan to do with their lives. Cadets have been known to keep in touch for decades and many join the program as adult volunteer leaders. They want to “give back” to the organization that helped them grow.

In the 2013 Naval Academy class alone, 12 percent of those attending were former Sea Cadets. Every year, hundreds enter the ranks of the military in officer and enlisted programs. Many have ascended to senior positions in the armed services, all levels of government, business and education. No matter what their goals are, they bring with them the core values of honor, courage and commitment and the self-discipline they need to excel. From astronauts to admirals, chances are, there is a former sea cadet among them.

Sea Cadets are a world-wide movement. Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, India and many other nations have sea cadet programs. Just as in the U.S., all programs point youth to a future of excellence. Cadets travel on exchanges receiving specialized education and the opportunity to learn about the cultural differences and nautical traditions that strengthen us as a global community. This paves the way for cadets who are interested in international studies and the diplomatic corps. Many have gone on to study and work abroad because of this program.

At the request of the Department of the Navy in 1958, the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps was formed and federally chartered on Sept. 10, 1962. Since then, the NSCC and NLCC have been building self-confidence, teamwork, leadership skills and providing training in dozens of career fields. Sea and League cadets make friends, travel and do things that other kids their age only dream about.

Scholarships are given to provide financial assistance to deserving cadets who wish to further their education at the college level. Many cadets earn admission to service academies while others choose civilian colleges and universities to continue their career. Either way, their cadet training has prepared them for their future.

Sea Cadets represent the future of our country. The youth of today will be the leaders of tomorrow and the NSCC/NLCC is helping these exceptional young people achieve a brighter future. It truly is the Adventure of a Lifetime.
The NSCC continues to count on donations to keep its programs current and of high quality.

For additional information, visit www.seacadets.org. To support the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, designate CFC #10185.