United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps

The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC or NSCC) is a congressionally chartered, U.S. Navy–sponsored organization that serves to involve individuals in the sea-going military services, U.S. naval operations and training, community service, citizenship, and teach an understanding of discipline and teamwork. The USNSCC is composed of two programs: the Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC), which is for cadets ages 10–13, 5th grade through 8th grade; and the senior program (NSCC), which is for cadets ages 13–18 (March 1st of the year they complete 8th grade).

History


The NSCC was founded in 1958 by the Navy League of the United States at the request of the Department of the Navy. In 1962, the USNSCC was chartered under Title 36 of the United States Code as a non-profit youth organization with an emphasis towards the sea-going services of the United States.

In 2000, the U.S. Congress stated that the NSCC and related programs "provide significant benefits for the Armed Forces, including significant public relations benefits." Although under no service obligation, a sizeable percentage of cadets later enlist in the military. Members who attain the grade E-3 or Seaman/Airman or are in the program for 2 years, may enter as an advanced paygrade of E-3 if they join the Navy before they turn 24 years old, and E-2 in the Marine Corps or other services, due to the training they receive.

U.S. Navy training activities include, but are not limited to:




 * Amphibious operations training
 * Shipboard training
 * Coast Guard
 * FAA ground school
 * JAG legal training
 * MAA (Master at Arms, the Navy equivalent to military police) law enforcement academy
 * POLA (petty officer leadership academy)
 * Seabee (naval construction battalions)
 * Submarine seminar (basic and advanced)
 * USN seamanship academy
 * Firefighting and damage control school
 * Port operations
 * Honor guard school
 * Field medical school (corpsman)
 * Cybersecurity training
 * Joint Special Operations Command training
 * SEAL training
 * SWCC (special warfare combat crewman) or "special boats"
 * EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) training
 * AIRR (naval helo search and rescue swimmer) training
 * Advanced music training
 * Land navigation training
 * Field operations training
 * Homeland security training
 * Search and rescue training
 * Marksmanship training
 * Expeditionary warfare training
 * Maritime interdiction
 * International exchange program
 * Photojournalism
 * Scuba
 * Naval Criminal Investigative Service training
 * Coastal riverine training
 * Locally arranged training
 * Lifeguard
 * U.S. Naval Academy summer seminar
 * Due to COVID-19 there are virtual trainings offered as well



The USNSCC owns a ship, the USNSCS Grayfox, homeported in Port Huron, Michigan. The USNSCC also sponsors an International Exchange Program with other Sea Cadet programs around the world: exchange countries include the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, India, Japan, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Hong Kong, Russia, and Bermuda.

The Band of the West (BOTW) is a 30-member martial music team which is the only active marching band in the USNSCC. The band has been trained by the top military bands in the nation including the United States Navy Band, Marine Band San Diego and the 101st Army Reserve Band.

Uniforms
As of 10 January 2020 the U.S. Navy has authorized the NWU III Uniform to be worn by Cadets, Midshipmen, Instructors and Officers of the USNSCC. The NWU III uniform worn by the NSCC/NLCC is modified with official USNSCC/USNLCC tapes, shoulder flashes and 8-point cover flash. The only footwear authorized for wear with the NWU III is a black combat style boot. Coyote, Tan and Black "rough out" boots are not authorized for the NSCC.

Rates
Warrant officers are adult leaders who have received direct appointments into the USNSCC Officer Corps. Warrant Officers wear a modified navy warrant officer's (W-2) uniform appropriately marked with the NSCC Insignia. Warrant Officers normally serve a specific function or head a department within the unit and remain in the grade of Warrant Officer, however, may become an Ensign in the normal path of advancement after one year of service if they choose to do so. Candidates for Warrant Officer do not have to complete the Officer/Midshipman Study Guide prior to appointment, but have to have obtained the rank of E-6 or higher in any branch of the Armed Forces, serve 1 year as an instructor, and have a special skill, or speciality in the unit's operation.



Headquarters
Policy and guidance for the administration and operation of the Cadet Corps programs is established by a National Board of Directors. The National Vice President of the Navy League for Youth Programs serves concurrently as the National Chairman of the NSCC National Board, and the Vice Chairman of the NSCC National Board serves as the National President. Day-to-day administration of the programs is accomplished by a full-time Executive Director and small staff located in Arlington, Virginia.