Frequently Asked Questions   1.   What is the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps? 2.   How old must I be to join the Sea Cadet Corps? 3.   What are the requirements of membership? 4.   What about medical exams? 5.   Will I have to pay dues? 6.   Must I buy my own uniform? 7.   Will Sea Cadet training detract from my school work? 8.   What do the Sea Cadets learn? 9.   What are my chances for promotion? 10.   Who sponsors the Sea Cadets? 11.   Who instructs the Sea Cadets? 12.   Can I got to boot camp in the summer/winter? 13.   Are Sea Cadets permitted to go to sea? 14.   What training is available aboard ship? 15.   Are there advanced training courses for Sea Cadets? 16.   Are there travel opportunities? 17.   How are Sea Cadets selevted for the Exchange Program? 18.   Can Sea Cadets obtain summer employment? 19.   Will I be required to join the U.S. Armed Forces? 20.   What is the main purpose of Sea Cadet training? 1. What is the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps? The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a program for young Americans, male and female, ages 11 through 17, whose objectives are to develop an interest and skill in basic seamanship and in its naval adaptations, to train them in sea going skills, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kindred virtues. Cadets train aboard the ships and shore activities of the Navy and Coast Guard, and are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms appropriately marked with Naval Sea Cadet Corps insignia. There are over 300 units in operation in almost every state of the union, as well as Puerto Rico and Guam, with over 9,500 young Americans participating. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps affords equal opportunity for participation to all American Youth, without regard to race, color, religion or sex. Back to top of page 2. How old must I be to join the Sea Cadets? You are eligible to join if you are within a month of reaching your 13th birthday and have not yet reached your 18th birthday. Younger people (11 and 12 years old) may be eligible to join the League Cadets. Back to top of page 3. What are the requirements of membership? All prospective cadets must be unmarried, enrolled in school, have parent consent and possess good moral character in addition to being interest in the program and prepared to attend drills regularly. You need to ready to have fun and be willing to learn new things. Back to top of page 4. What about medical exams? Applicants must successfully pass a physical examination very similar to that required of a regular Navy enlistee. Prior to attending Boot Camp, Sea Cadets must pass the Physical Fitness Test. Back to top of page 5. Will I have to pay dues? Yes. The enrollment fee is $100.00 per year for the first year and $45.00 per following years. This includes premiums paid toward the Sea Cadet Group Accident and Health Protection Plan. Scholarships/sponsorships may be available to cadets in financial need; contact the Commanding Officer to discuss this possibility. Back to top of page 6. Must I buy my own uniform? Original issue is made from surplus US Navy uniforms at cost. Uniforms may be exchanged throughout the cadet's participation in the program at no additional cost. If the cadet leaves the program, they must return their uniforms. Back to top of page 7. Will Sea Cadet training detract from my school work? Not likely. The Pittsburgh Battalion usually meets only two Saturdays per month during the school year, with occasional off drill trips. Instruction is designed to supplement your school work. Normally, training away from home is conducted only during the school vacation periods (i.e., boot camp, advanced training). Our experience is that the self discipline learned in the program carries over to the academic experience with cadet grade average going up one letter grade. Back to top of page 8. What do the Sea Cadets learn? They study a broad range of subjects. Some are designed to help them become better adult citizens, others teach them the importance of strong maritime forces. They also study naval history, customs and traditions, seamanship, navigation and similar subjects which would help their chances for promotion should they decide to join one of the sea services. Back to top of page 9. What are my chances for promotion? Promotion within the Sea Cadets is based upon merit. Promising young men and women, upon fulfilling certain successive qualifications and requirements are given increasingly responsible positions and duties and are encouraged to develop qualities of leadership. Back to top of page 10. Who sponsors the Sea Cadets? The Pittsburgh Battalion of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps is primarily sponsored by the Pittsburgh Council of the Navy League of the United States, along with many other sponsors. Back to top of page 11. Who instructs the Sea Cadets? Pittsburgh Sea Cadets are instructed by qualified adult leaders willing to devote their time and knowledge to this worthwhile activity. Some Sea Cadet officers are veterans. Back to top of page 12. Can I go to boot camp in the summer and/or winter? Yes. Newly enrolled Sea Cadets are required to attend a two week summer recruit training at a military "boot camp" located on military bases throughout the country. Having successfully completed recruit training, cadets participate in additional training in advanced subjects during succeeding summers and winters. These two week training periods offer a varied program of activities in addition to valued instruction of a maritime nature. Thanks to partial Federal and City Funding, the cost of these trainings is generally quite reasonable (usually $25/week). If the cadet chooses to attend trainings at a location other than driving distance, the cadet is responsible for travel costs and arrangements. Back to top of page 13. Are Sea Cadets permitted to go to sea? Yes. After completing recruit training and other required courses of instruction, many Sea Cadets can participate in two weeks advanced training aboard Navy and Coast Guard vessels ranging from small harbor craft to large nuclear powered aircraft carriers. The cost is $40.00 a week, up from $25.00 Back to top of page 14. What training is available aboard ship? Sea Cadets are trained in basic seamanship, damage control, watch-standing, firefighting and other nautical skills. Back to top of page 15. Are there advanced training courses for Sea Cadets? Yes. In addition to advanced training aboard naval vessels, Sea Cadets may attend advanced orientation courses, such as Airman School, Music School, SeaBee Indoctrination, Underwater Demolition/Seal Team training, Submarine Orientation and other courses designed to prepare cadets for leadership, either within the Sea Cadet organization or in other fields. Thanks to partial Federal and City Funding, the cost of these trainings is generally quite reasonable (usually $40.00/week). The cadet is responsible for travel costs and arrangements. Back to top of page 16. Are there travel opportunities? Yes. Sea Cadets travel to training sites all over the country during the summer training period. Additionally, outstanding cadets are selected to participate in the International Exchange Program in Canada, Bermuda, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, the Netherlands, and many other countries. Back to top of page 17. How are Sea Cadets selected for the Exchange Program? Exchange cadets are selected on a merit basis. Each cadet must have an outstanding record, as well as a good reputation within his home community. Back to top of page 18. Can Sea Cadets obtain summer employment? Yes. Sea Cadets are permitted to choose a training period during the summer months that will not interfere with summer employment arrangements. Back to top of page 19. Will I be required to join the U.S. Armed Forces? No. Sea Cadets have absolutely no commitment regarding future military service. For those Sea Cadets who do decide to enlist in the Navy or Coast Guard, prior Sea Cadet training may permit entry at an advanced pay grade. Back to top of page 20. What is the main purpose of Sea Cadet training? While Sea Cadet units are organized along military lines, their main purpose is to foster good citizenship and an interest and appreciation of our nation's maritime services. Back to top of page   Site last updated on 26 Sept 2007 Email any comments or suggestions about this site to the web master.