Sea Cadets are exposed to a broad range of subjects designed to develop the "whole person" concept, and have many opportunities to participate in hands-on training aboard Navy and Coast Guard ships and shore activities and training schools. These opportunities are more limited for League Cadets, but there are still plenty of chances for them as well.

All newly enrolled Sea Cadets must first complete two weeks of summer recruit training ("boot camp") at Navy and Coast Guard recruit training commands and selected locations throughout the country. The boot camp curriculum includes naval history, customs, traditions, seamanship and navigation. League Cadets may, but are not required to, complete a one week Orientation which covers similar topics, also at Navy and Coast Guard recruit training commands and selected locations throughout the country.

Once cadets have completed boot camp, they may take full advantage of Naval Sea Cadet opportunities during succeeding summers, including advanced two-week training periods aboard Navy and Coast Guard vessels -- from small harbor craft to large nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. League cadets also have advanced training opportunities, generally of shorter duration.

The training opportunities for Sea Cadets are tremendous. Cadets have been to boot camp, medical corpsman training, search and rescue, Coast Guard shipboard training, foreign exchange to Hong Kong, and basic airman training.

Some of the other advanced training courses available to Sea Cadets include:

Click here or on the Next button below to learn about the Benefits of Being a Sea Cadet, Advancement in the Sea Cadets, and Travel Opportunities (including foreign exchanges!).