Is Sea Cadets for you?
The U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps and Navy League Cadet Corps programs give motivated boys and girls, ages 11 to 17, the opportunity to grow in confidence as they learn about the military traditions of honor, courage, commitment; and duty, honor, and country. Summer training includes shipboard and shore station training, music with the Navy band, photo-journalism, honor guard, airman, FAA ground/flight schools, military police, judge advocate general, culinary arts, marksmanship, Navy SEAL, explosive ordnance disposal, and much more. The training that Sea Cadets receive will help them to be better citizens and the future leaders of our country.
Sea Cadets is for good youth who want to be better - youth who want to expand their horizons and challenge themselves. It is NOT a correctional program for troubled youth. Extensive physical training is required, so while it is not necessary to be an athlete, cadets must be willing to increase their fitness level through daily exercise. All cadets must be U.S. citizens in good standing at school. Membership in the Sea Cadets does not lead to enlistment in the armed forces.
Because of the rigor of the Sea Cadets program, youth must have clearance from their physician to participate. Disqualifying conditions include asthma, sleep walking, bed wetting, serious food/insect allergies, seizures/convulsions, diabetes, chronic motion sickness, and chronic orthopedic complaints. Cadets must not be on any medications. These requirements, strictly adhered to, are very important as our concern for the health and well-being of cadets is paramount.*
Two Corps
The Navy League Cadets Corps is for boys and girls 11 years old (or in fifth grade) to 14 years old. The Navy League Cadet program offers rapid advancement and an optional one-week summer program. Cadets learn the basics of military courtesies- and close order drill in a less intense manner. They also focus on military history and heroes. They participate in many of the same local activities as the Sea Cadets. For more information, see the national Navy League Cadets webpage. (Motivated 10 year olds who are in 4th grade MAY be accepted if they are mature.)
U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps is for boys and girls ages 13 to 17. Sea Cadets must attend a two-week recruit training prior to ranking up. Required Navy correspondence courses teach cadets about many aspects of naval life, aviation, construction (SeaBee) skills, and leadership. For more information, see the national Sea Cadets webpage.
Please see the video for an excellent overview of Sea Cadets.
The Cadet Commitment
Cadets are held to a high standard in our Melbourne unit. Drills are held twice per month on the first and third Saturdays from 0830 to 1600 (4PM.) Cadets are expected to attend every drill and to arrive and depart on time. Additional meetings will be held for field trips, fundraising, and community service. Please read the expectations document (PDF) to find specifics about the commitment required for this program. Sea Cadets is a program for committed young people. We hope for all cadets to grow and enjoy the tremendous rewards of our unit; however, certain behaviors are grounds for dismissal. These include lack of discipline, lack of proper respect for others, poor attendance, unacceptable grades/behavior in school, or trouble with the law.
U.S. Navy League Cadet Oath: "I promise to serve God, honor our flag, abide by Navy League Cadet Corps regulations, carry out the orders of the officers appointed over me, and so conduct myself as to be a credit to my ship, the Navy League Cadet Corps, the Navy, and my country."
U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Oath: "I promise to serve God, honor our flag, abide by Naval Sea Cadet Corps regulations, and carry out the orders of the officers appointed over me, and so conduct myself as to be a credit to myself, my unit, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, the Navy, and my country."
Drill Day
A typical drill day consists of physical training (PT), close order drill (marching), classes, and guest speakers on interesting topics. Outings include the rifle range, Coast Guard/Navy ships, museums, camp-outs, community service projects, and more. Our usual meeting location is First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 2010 S. Babcock St., Melbourne, FL 32901. If you are not in our local area, please see the national Sea Cadets website to find a location near you.
Parental Commitment
The most successful cadets have the full support of their parents or legal guardians. All parents are members of the Booster Club which helps with fundraising, public relations, and logistics.
Parents are required to provide transportation for their cadets to and from all unit activities and summer training. Their financial and emotional support is important to the individual cadet and to the unit. See the expectations document for specifics about parental commitment.
Applying for the Program
If you are interested in the program, please print and read the Parent Handbook.
Next print and complete the documents listed below.
Naval Sea Cadet Administrative Form 001
Naval Sea Cadet Administrative Form 020
Naval Sea Cadet Administrative Form 021
Naval Sea Cadet Administrative Form 004
Local Unit Expectations Document
The final step is an orientation interview to determine if our unit is a match for your needs and interests. Please call 321-951-9966 to arrange for the interview. The cadet will be notified if accepted into the program after the interview.
Financial Obligation
Sea Cadets -- Cost to join the program is $150. Renewal fee is $50 per year. These fees are non-refundable. Sea Cadet uniforms (PT, dress, utility, etc.) will be loaned to the cadet and must be returned if the cadet leaves the program. Parents are responsible for providing footwear for their cadet.
Navy League Cadets -- Cost to join the program is $115. Renewal fee is $50 per year. These fees are non-refundable. When the cadet moves up to Sea Cadets, a $35 fee will be due to help offset the cost of additional uniforms and custom name badges. Parents of Navy League cadets must provide plain, black dress pants and plain, navy blue cotton/poly pants (similar to school uniform pants) for the cadet. Pants must not have cuffs. Navy League Cadet uniforms (PT, utility shirt, dress shirt) will be loaned to the cadet and must be returned if the cadet leaves the unit. Parents are responsible for providing footwear for their cadet.
All cadets -- The unit will provide all covers, belts, patches, and custom name tapes/badges for uniforms. Additional uniform components may be furnished if available. Cadets who outgrow their uniforms may turn them in for larger-sized uniforms. There will be no additional charge as long as the cadet turns in usable uniforms. If uniform components are lost or damaged, the cadet must pay for a replacement. If finances are holding back a motivated youth, please discuss payment options with us.
The Reward
Sea Cadets have many opportunities for scholarships, and if they choose to enlist in the armed services, they may go in at a higher grade, resulting in increased salary and a jump in advancement over their peers. Those students who are interested in applying to one of the military academies have a definite advantage because of Sea Cadets!But the real reward of being in Sea Cadets comes from the increased maturity, knowledge, and leadership skills that the program gives its participants. Sea Cadets are confident individuals who understand the importance of courtesy. They value our country, and they respect the sacrifices that our military personnel make every day. They are exposed to a wide variety of skills and vocations; and they explore a whole new world of opportunities to expand their options for the future.
Sea Cadets offers a challenge that is unparalleled in any youth program. Test Your Limits! Join Sea Cadets!
*For boys and girls with disqualifying medical conditions who are interested in a military-based youth program, we recommend Space Coast Young Marines.