21 questions about the Sea Cadets

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 gender.

2. How old must I be to join the Sea Cadets?

You are eligible to join the Ben Moreell Battalion if you are within three months of reaching your 13th birthday and have not yet reached your 18th birthday. You are eligible to join Training Ship Nicholas H. Anderson at ages 11 thru 13; exceptionally mature 10 year olds may be eligible to join at the Commanding Officer's discretion.

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, the individual must be interested in the program and be 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?

The initial enrollment fee is $200 and the annual re-enrollment fee is $100. This fee includes premiums paid toward the Sea Cadet Group Accident and Health Protection Plan. Each month, cadets are also required to bring a nominal fee to cover meals, activities and transportation.

6. Must I buy my own uniform?

The required uniforms include 2-3 sets of utilities needed for Recruit Training, one Navy-issued sea bag, one set of BDU’s for Sea Cadets, one summer (white) and/or winter (blue) uniform, one pair of Bate’s uniform shoes, a US Navy PT shirt, belts, boot bands, a unit T-shirt and various miscellaneous items. We maintain a stock of uniform items and provide them to cadets at a substantial discount from the retail price. 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. The value of a typical sea bag and uniform items is $500-$800 retail. It is requested that the cadet return any usable items back to the unit if they leave the program, although no funds can be refunded.

Some advanced trainings may require special uniform items; if we have them in stock, they may be borrowed and returned after the training at no cost.

7. Will Sea Cadet training detract from my school work?

Not likely. The Ben Moreell Battalion & TS Nicholas H. Anderson usually meets two Saturdays per month. Instruction is designed to supplement school work. Cadets may bring homework to work on during drill weekends. Normally, training away from home is conducted only during the school vacation periods (i.e., boot camp and advanced trainings). 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 Ben Moreell Battalion & TS Nicholas H. Anderson of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps are sponsored by the Channel Islands Chapter of the Navy League of the United States.

11. Who instructs the Sea Cadets?

Sea Cadets are instructed by qualified volunteer adult leaders willing to devote their time and knowledge to this worthwhile activity. Many Sea Cadet officers are active duty or reserve military or 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 10 day to two-week 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 two-week 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 (~$260/week). Cadets are responsible for travel costs and arrangements to trainings, but often times car-pooling can be arranged with other cadets.

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-week advanced training aboard Navy and Coast Guard vessels ranging from small harbor craft to large nuclear powered aircraft carriers. Cost of successfully completed two-week trainings is generally quite reasonable (~$260/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, Medical 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 (~$260/week). The cadet is responsible for travel costs and arrangements.

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 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 Ben Moreell Battalion?

The first step is to attend and observe one of our drills at Building 104, CBC Port Hueneme. YOU MUST CONTACT US NO LATER THAN THE WEDNESDAY BEFORE THE DRILL YOU WISH TO ATTEND so we can arrange clearance for you with base security. Our drill schedule is on the Upcoming Events page of this website. A parent or guardian must accompany any prospective cadet for a briefing on the program, our command philosophy, and our expectations of the members of the Ben Moreell Battalion & TS Nicholas H. Anderson. If after that briefing the prospective cadet is still interested, they can stay to observe and the parent can leave and pick them up later (the prospect should have lunch money 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. Further, the Ben Moreell Battalion & TS Nicholas H. Anderson reserve the right to deny enrollment to anyone the officers feel does not show the proper motivation and attitude for successful participation in the program.

4/11/11