FAQ

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 10,000 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.

2. How old must I be to join the Sea Cadets?
You are eligible to join if you are within three months 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.

3. What are the requirements of membership?
All prospective cadets must be a U.S. citizen, unmarried, enrolled in school, have parent consent and possess good moral character in addition to being interested in the program and prepared to attend drills regularly. You need to be ready to have fun and be willing to learn new things.

5. Will I have to pay dues?
Yes. The enrollment fee is currently $51.00 per year. This includes premiums paid toward the Sea Cadet Group Accident and Health Protection Plan. Scholarships/sponsorships may be available to cadets in financial need in return for community service work; contact the Commanding Officer to discuss this possibility.

6. Must I buy my own uniform?
Yes, but scholarships/sponsorships may be available to cadets in financial need in return for community service work; contact the Commanding Officer to discuss this possibility. The total uniform cost for the cadet's entire career, barring lost or damaged items, should be less than $125 (higher if the cadet chooses to attend certain trainings that have special uniform requirements; if we have them in division stock, they may be borrowed and returned after the training at no cost). Our goal is to ensure all cadets have the required uniform, in as cost effective a manner as possible. The fees paid assume we are able to provide uniform items from the NSCC Uniform Depot; if some items are unavailable, you will be credited the uniform depot price, but will then need to purchase the item from an alternative source, such as the Navy Exchange, probably at a higher cost.

If the cadet outgrows a uniform item, it can be exchanged at no charge. If an item is damaged or lost, the cadet will be required to pay for replacement. Upon leaving the division, the cadet may elect to sell his/her uniforms back to the division. If the uniforms are still in suitable condition, and the division has funds available, they may be purchased at the uniform depot price.

7. Will Sea Cadet training detract from my school work?
Not likely. The Aurora Division usually meets only two Saturdays per month during the school year, with an optional Friday overnight occasionally. 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.

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.

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.

10. Who sponsors the Sea Cadets?
The Aurora Division of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps is sponsored by the City of Aurora, the Aurora Council of the Navy League of the United States, with facilities provided by the U.S. Army Reserve.

11. Who instructs the Sea Cadets?
Aurora Sea Cadets are instructed by qualified volunteer adult leaders willing to devote their time and knowledge to this worthwhile activity. Some Sea Cadet officers are veterans.

Click here to read a letter from a Sea Cadet leader

12. Can I go to boot camp in the summer?
Yes. Newly enrolled Sea Cadets are required to attend a 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. These training periods offer a varied program of activities in addition to valued instruction of a maritime nature. Thanks to partial Federal funding, the cost of these trainings is generally quite reasonable (~$140/week). If the cadet chooses to attend boot camp at a location other than Great Lakes, the cadet is responsible for travel costs and arrangements, but scholarships/sponsorships may be available to cadets in financial need in return for community service work; contact the Commanding Officer to discuss this possibility.

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 advanced training aboard Navy and Coast Guard vessels ranging from small harbor craft to large nuclear powered aircraft carriers. Cost of successfully completed trainings is generally quite reasonable (~$140/week) thanks to partial Federal funding

14. What training is available aboard ship?
Sea Cadets are trained in basic seamanship, damage control, watch-standing, firefighting and other nautical skills.

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's 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 funding, the cost of these trainings is generally quite reasonable (~$140/week). The cadet is responsible for travel costs and arrangements, but scholarships/sponsorships may be available to cadets in financial need in return for community service work; contact the Commanding Officer to discuss this possibility.

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.

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.

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.

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, Marines, or Coast Guard, prior Sea Cadet training may permit entry at an advanced pay grade.

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.

21. This sounds great! How do I go about joining the Aurora Division?

The first step is to attend and observe at one of our drills at the Army Reserve Center. Be sure to let the Recruiting Officer or Commanding Officer know so we can make sure the division isn't off on a field trip or other activity when you come. Also, the Reserve Center is closed to civilians and we will need to arrange clearance for you. Our drill schedule is on the Upcoming Events page of this website. If you do come, a parent will need to stay for approximately 45 minutes to an hour for a briefing on the program, our command philosophy, and our expectations of the members of the Aurora Division. If after that briefing the prospective cadet is still interested, they can stay to observe and the parent can leave & pick them up later (the prospect should have a lunch with them). If after observing an entire drill the prospect is still interested, they can pick up an enrollment packet to take home and work with their parents on completing the paperwork according to the attached directions. Enrollment can then be completed during Administrative Call at the beginning of the next drill, or by other arrangements. ENROLLMENT PACKETS WILL NOT BE GIVEN TO ANYONE WHO HAS NOT ATTENDED AND OBSERVED AT LEAST ONE DRILL. Further, the Aurora Division reserves the right to deny enrollment to anyone the officers feel does not show the proper motivation and attitude for successful participation in the program.

12/17/08

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