The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) is an organization sponsored by the Navy League of the United States. The United States Navy supports the NSCC to a small degree, such as uniform assistance, use of military facilities, and assisting with training courses, but the vast support comes from the volunteers and parents of the cadets.

Cadets are aged between 13 and 18. They must be physically fit, and have a good academic standard to be members. A younger version of the NSCC, the Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC), exists for cadets between the age of 11 and 13.

The National Headquarters of the NSCC is in Arlington, Virginia. Captain R. Ford, USN (ret.) is the National Director. There are twelve regions in all, each headed by a Senior Regional Director. Each region is further sub-divided into smaller groupings, each consisting of about ten units. These sub-regions are headed by Regional Directors. For example, Pacific South-West Region (Region 11) covers California, Nevada, and Arizona, while Region 11-6 covers the area within Region 11 around Long Beach, California.

Each unit usually has about twenty cadets and two officers, though some units have had far more than this number. All units must have a minimum number of personnel in order to be commissioned into the NSCC.

The USN allows the NSCC and NLCC to wear the Navy uniform, though with distinguishing shoulder insignia. U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations are adhered to by the NSCC/NLCC.

Adult Leaders are those aged from 18 and up. Adults between the ages of 18 and 21 serve as Midshipmen. Adult Leaders 21 and up can serve as officers, though some elect to stay as instructors without rank.

The NSCC serves to teach cadets about the Navy and the other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, community service, citizenship, and an understanding of command and teamwork. A sizeable percentage of cadets go on into the United States Military.

All cadets have to take courses and pass examinations to gain promotion. Officers must have term of service requirements and take courses to advance in grade as well. The highest grade a cadet can reach is Chief Petty Officer. The highest grade an officer can reach is Lieutenant-Commander (The grade of Commander is authorized by the United States Navy, but the NSCC National Headquarters does not avail itself of the privilige).

Links

U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps [1]

USNSCC Resources Site [2]