The Sea Cadet Corps offers young Americans ages 11-17 a wealth of opportunities from learning leadership skills, to developing self-discipline, to experiencing unique adventures. But if you were to ask them they would simply tell you that it's fun.
Since 1958, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps has been committed to providing American youth with a drug and alcohol free environment to foster their leadership abilities, broaden their horizons through hands-on training and guide them to becoming mature young adults.
Sea Cadet organizations exist in most of the maritime nations of the world. Recognizing the value of these organizations in educating youth in maritime matters, the Department of the Navy requested the Navy League of the United States to establish a similar program for American youth. The Navy League agreed to do so and formally established the Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) and Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) in 1958. Recognizing the importance and benefits of the NSCC, Congress on September 10, 1962 federally incorporated the Naval Sea Cadet Corps under Public Law 87-655 (36 USC 1541).
Today, the NSCC has formed partnerships with organizations such as the Foundation for Teaching Economics and the Flying Midshipman Association to offer cadets broader opportunities in areas of leadership and aviation. The NSCC also took an active part in the creation of the International Sea Cadet Association (ISCA). The ISCA is an association of Sea Cadet Corps' from around the world, whose main objective is to facilitate exchanges of cadets between member countries.
Honor, Courage and Commitment is the Navy’s motto and adult volunteers strive to teach these ideals, along with practical naval knowledge. Cadets meet or "drill" at their local unit weekly or monthly throughout the year. A unit is structured along military lines and is headed by a Commanding Officer. During these drills, Cadets are trained in nautical skills such as knot tying and splicing, signaling, water safety and swimming, first aid, and even fire fighting. They are instructed in military drill and discipline and are taught from a syllabus covering naval history to ship nomenclature. Cadets also tour ships and bases and participate in community events such as parades and fairs. The organization has one main purpose, and that is to foster team work, camaraderie and an understanding of the military command structure.
During summer and winter school breaks, Cadets can participate in advanced or special trainings covering a diverse range of interests. Some examples include: Photojournalism, Leadership, Sailing, Field Ops, Aviation, Culinary Arts, Judge Advocate General (JAG), Fire Fighting, Marksmanship, Music, Seamanship and even SEAL Training to name just a few. Additionally they can earn the opportunity to participate in a foreign exchange program, as well as the opportunity to check out either the Naval or the Coast Guard Academies. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps also provides the opportunity to earn college scholarships.
While participation in the Sea Cadet Corps in no way obligates participants to serve in the Navy, those that choose to enlist in the Armed Forces could enter service at an advanced rank and earn an advanced pay grade based on their Sea Cadet performance.
Take a moment to check out our website to see the exciting things that Escondido Battalion and Training Ship Kit Carson is up to. If you are interested in attending an orientation to learn more, contact us via the How to Join link on the website. A Recruiting Officer will contact you to set up the orientation. At the orientation, the Commanding Officer (CO) will provide information about the USNSCC and answer any questions you may have. After the orientation, you have the option to join us for the day before making a commitment. We look forward to meeting you!
"...through organization and cooperation with the Department of the Navy, to encourage and aid American youth to develop, train them in seagoing skills, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kindred virtues."
- NSCC Charter - 36 USC 1541
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