Sea Cadet organizations exist in most of the maritime nations of the world. Recognizing the value of these organizations in educating youth in maritime matters, the Department of the Navy requested the Navy League of the United States to establish a similar program for American youth. The Navy League agreed to do so and formally established the Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) and Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) in 1958.
The basic objectives of both programs are: (1) to help young Americans become more patriotic and responsible citizens, and (2) to help young Americans understand the role of the maritime services in national defense and in maintaining the economic viability of our nation.
On September 10, 1962, the NSCC was federally incorporated by Congress under Public Law 87-655 as a non-profit civilian education organization, a legal entity separate from the Navy League. This law was later amended to permit enrollment of young women in the Corps. The objectives and purposes of the NSCC as in this law (as amended) are: “…through organization and cooperation with the Department of the Navy, to encourage and aid American youth to develop, train them in seagoing skills, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues.”
Today, the NSCC has formed partnerships with organizations such as the Flying Midshipmen Association to offer cadets broader opportunities in areas of leadership and aviation. The NSCC also took an active part in the creation of the ISCA. The ISCA is an association of Sea Cadet Corps from around the world, whose main objective is to facilitate exchanges of cadets between member countries.
A medical examination similar to a high school sports physical is required for all cadet applicants to the Naval Sea Cadets Corps (NSCC) or Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC). No one will be denied admission to the NSCC/NLCC due to a medical disability. Where a medical condition precludes full, unlimited participation, a Request for Accommodation (NSCADM 015) may be presented by the parent or guardian for review so the cadet may participate in NSCC activities to the maximum extent possible.
Adult applicants must be in good health commensurate with their age group and be free from any ailment or condition that would prevent them from satisfactorily performing their duty of supervising youth. NOTE: Adults not physically qualified to perform all duties may still participate with a waiver from NHQ considering the parameters of their expected contribution to the NSCC program.
Now that you know the history of the Corps, here’s what you would do in Constellation Division:
– Devote one weekend a month to going to the Reserve Center where you would be in full dress uniform.
– After attending “Boot Camp”, participate in trainings such as Field Medical, Seamanship, POLA, Field Operations, SEAL, MAA, etc.
– Complete real NAVY correspondence courses to be eligible to advance in rank.
– Learn how to march in formation and rifle movements.
– Have PT: Cadets must be able to maintain a certain level of physical fitness that, while not rigorous, may require some to adhere to these levels.
– Watch Navy training videos (i.e. Naval Special Warfare, Ship Classification)
– Learn the information in our Resources page.
- Go on unit trips like our recent trip to Norfolk, where we stayed on base and toured active-duty ships like the CVN Theodore Roosevelt, rode a Landing Craft and toured Navy aircraft.
Interested in joining Constellation Division? Call LCDR Mooney at 717-822-0202 to sign up.
Remember! We are not an official government agency and are actually civilians.