Prospective Cadets:
What is the time commitment?
Do cadets have an obligation to enlist in the Navy?
Am I qualified to be a cadet?
What do cadets do during drills?
OK, so what do I get out of sea cadets?
What about my parents and brothers or sisters?
Do I have to go to boot camp?
Will I have to cut my hair/remove jewelry/wear a uniform all the time?
I'm interested in becoming a sea cadet. What's the next step?
So exactly how short does my hair need to be?
Where can I find the enrollment paperwork?
What are the dues/fees?
What is the attendance policy?
General Sea Cadet Knowledge:
What are the 11 General Orders?
What is the correct way to salute?
What is the Sailor's Creed?
What is the Navy Chain of Command?
What are the core values?
Training and Advancement:
What are Navy League Cadet Corps advancement requirements?
What are the Navy Sea Cadet Corps advancement requirements?
Do I have to go to boot camp?
What coursework do I have to complete prior to boot camp?
What kind of advanced trainings are available after boot camp?
How do I earn ribbons?
What do the ribbons look like and how are they worn?
Can I bank my trainings?
What is the attendance policy?
Uniforms:
Where do I get my uniforms?
How do I attach the nametapes on my uniform?
How should the uniform be ironed?
Where do I sew on the flashes and chevrons?
Where do I get my nametapes/nametags?
How do I tie my neckerchief?
How do I "spit" shine my shoes?
What is PT gear?
Will I have to cut my hair/remove jewelry/wear a uniform all the time?
What do the ribbons look like and how are they worn?
So exactly how short does my hair need to be?
Return to Top of Page
Answers:
What is the time commitment?
Drills are usually held on the second weekend of each months. These drills are from 0800 (8:00AM) on Saturday until 1600-1700 hours (4-5 PM) on Sunday. Cadets do stay overnight at the training center under the supervision of at least 1 male officer and 1 female officer which stay overnight in the same sex barrack. Cadets are expected to attend at least 75% of scheduled drills. Occasionally, cadets will attend a training weekend. During the summer, cadets participate in overnight training, usually for one to two weeks. Visit our Website Calendar for details.
Return to Top of Page
Do cadets have an obligation to enlist in the Navy?
Absolutely not! The NSCC is a federally chartered, civilian youth organization. Cadets are in no way obligated to enlist in any branch of the Armed Forces. However, those cadets who choose to enlist in the Navy or Coast Guard are often able to do so at a higher pay grade.
Return to Top of Page
Am I qualified to be a cadet?
Are you:
Between the ages of 13 and 17 (11 and 13 for League Cadets);
A citizen or legal resident of the US;
In good health (and not be on any prescription medication on a regular basis);
A full time student (with at least a "C" grade point average); and
Free of felony convictions?
If you answered 'yes' to all of those, then you're qualified!
Return to Top of Page
What do cadets do during drills?
Drills during the school year are the times when cadets learn everything they need to succeed at and benefit from their summer advanced training experiences. Newer cadets will learn the basics to the nautical life, while senior cadets have the opportunity to practice the leadership skills that they have developed.
During drill, cadets participate in many activities under the instruction and guidance of NSCC officers, senior cadets, or Naval personnel. Close-order drill, first aid, boating safety, physical training or playing sports, seamanship, firefighting, rifle drill, drill team/color guard practice, presentations by Naval personnel, and community service are just a few activities.
Return to Top of Page
OK, so what do I get out of sea cadets?
Like everything in life, you will get out of it what you put into it. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps provides its cadets the opportunity to develop early on character and qualities of a good and productive citizen. You also get to have a lot of fun! Where else can a teenager learn to fly a plane, stand at the helm of a Navy ship, travel to foreign countries, or climb the masts of America's Tall Ship? As a cadet, you will have done more by the age of 18 than many people will do in their entire lives.
If the military is an appealing career option for you, Sea Cadets can assist you in achieving it. Depending on the rate achieved in the Naval Sea Cadets, former cadets may be eligible to enlist in the armed forces at an advanced pay grade. Several former cadets from Nashville LPD-13 Division have received ROTC scholarships and nominations to service academies. Others have gone on to enlist in the armed forces. Additionally, many of our cadets go on to civilian universities and careers. Whatever career you may aspire to, military or civilian, the values and qualities that you will gain from the Sea Cadets will serve you well.
Former sea cadets include several Admirals and Generals, astronauts, the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, career military officers and enlisted men, and prominent businesspeople, engineers, scientists, and teachers.
Tell us what you want to do and we'll help you get there.
Return to Top of Page
What about my parents and brothers or sisters?
Many of our parents are involved with the unit to varying degrees. Some decide to make a commitment to the NSCC/NLCC by becoming members of the Navy League or volunteering to assist the unit staff (all of whom volunteer their time). Actually, most of the Nashville LPD-13 Division's officers and instructors are parents of current and former cadets. Other parents have chosen to become active members of our Parent’s Association. This association is a valuable support tool to our division. To learn more about what these parents are doing and how you can help, visit the Parent’s Association portion of this website.
If you have a younger brother or sister between the ages of 11 and 13, they may join the Navy League Cadet Corps. Our unit has had several sets of siblings become cadets. At the Nashville LPD-13 Division, NSCC and NLCC cadets drill at the same time and, while the training curriculum is different between the two programs, the two groups do most activities together.
Return to Top of Page
Do I have to go to boot camp?
NSCC recruit training, also known as boot camp, will be your first summer training period. NSCC recruit training is a scaled down version of the Navy's boot camp. For the two-week period, cadets are instructed by active and reserve military personnel, Sea Cadet officers, and senior cadets in military drill and discipline, physical fitness, seamanship, shipboard safety, first aid, naval history, and leadership.
Although recruit training is challenging, most recruits adjust quickly and many do not want to leave after two weeks! You will make friends from across the country and return home prepared to take on a greater leadership role within our Division.
Return to Top of Page
Will I have to cut my hair/remove jewelry/wear a uniform all
the time?
Your hair will have to conform to NSCC and Navy regulations. These are quite reasonable. For Recruit Training, males will receive a "boot
camp" haircut (a close "buzzcut") and females will need to be able to keep their hair off their collar in an approved manner.
If you have certain piercings, you will need to remove them for drills and training. Males are not
allowed any earrings; females are allowed one small silver stud in each ear.
You will need to wear a uniform to drills. These are Navy uniforms, modified with the NSCC or NLCC insignia. Cadets' seabags (set of uniforms)
contain several sets of working uniforms (the "dungaree" style), dress white and blue uniforms, appropriate covers (hats) and other articles as required.
You will get more information and be fitted for uniforms when you join the Division.
Return to Top of Page
I'm interested in becoming a sea cadet. What's the next step?
Please go and fill out our contact us form and let us know you are interested. A member of our recruiting team will be in contact with you soon. We will arrange a time for you and your parents to visit the Training Center in Smyrna so that you can meet us and see for yourself what the NSCC and NLCC are all about. We look forward to meeting you and your family, and possibly welcoming you to our unit!
Return to Top of Page
So, exactly how short does my hair need to be?
The answer below is a summary from chapter 2 of the NSCC/NLCC Uniform Regulations Manual.
Grooming Standards – Male
Hair will be neat, clean and present a well-groomed appearance.
Hair should not touch the ears or collar.
Hair should not show below the front edge of the headgear or extend below the eyebrows when headgear is removed.
Bulk not greater than 2 inches.
No one hair longer that 4 inches.
Sideburns must not fall below the middle ear.
Hair must be natural color.
Mustache must be above the upper lip and cannot extend more than 1/4 inch.
No beards.
Grooming Standards – Female
Hair will be clean and neatly arranged.
Long hair must be put into a bun rather than a pony tail.
Hairclips should match hair color.
Hair must be natural color.
Hair may extend a maximum of 1 1/2 inches below the top of the collar.
Hair shall not show from under the front of the brim of the headgear.
Return to Top of Page
Where can I find the enrollment paperwork?
Cadet Application: NSCADM 001 - Cadet signs and completes.
Medical Exam Form: NSCADM 021 - Doctor completes and signs.
Medical History Form: NSCADM 020 - Parent completes.
Parent Support Questionnaire: NSCADM 004 - Parent completes at least bottom.
Medical Insurance Verification including copy of both sides of card.
Click here for these forms and use the search feature to find the specific form.
Return to Top of Page
What are the dues/fees?
The first-time enrollment fee is $150. The annual renewal fee is $100.
Return to Top of Page
What is the attendance policy?
NSCC Regulations state that Cadets must attend 75% of all scheduled drills. That is 9 out of 12 drill weekends per year. If a Cadet accumulates 1 unexcused missed drill weekend, they will be verbally warned. If a Cadet continues to fail to meet the minimum attendance standards and accumulates 2 unexcused missed drill weekends, they will be administratively warned and it will be recorded in their service jacket. Any Cadet
missing 3 or more drill weekends per year is subject to being discharged from NSCC/NLCC. Special considerations will be made on a per Cadet basis for special circumstances such as a prolonged illness, etc.
Return to Top of Page
What are the 11 General Orders?
To take charge of this post and all government property in view.
To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.
To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.
To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the quarterdeck than my own.
To quit my post only when properly relieved.
To receive, obey, and pass on the sentry who relieves me all orders from the commanding officer, officer of the deck, and officers and petty
officers of the watch only.
To talk to no one except in the line of duty.
To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.
To call the petty officer of the watch in any case not covered by instructions.
To salute all officers, and all colors and standards not cased.
To be especially watchful at night and, during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post, and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.
Return to Top of Page
What is the correct way to salute
For a diagram of a proper salute, click here.
Return to Top of Page
What is the Sailor's Creed?
I am a United States Sailor. I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me. I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world. I proudly serve my country’s Navy combat team with Honor, Courage, and Commitment. I am committed to excellence and fair treatment to all.
Return to Top of Page
What is the Navy Chain of Command
To learn the Navy Chain of Command, Click Here
Return to Top of Page
What are the core values?
Honor, Courage, and Commitment
Return to Top of Page
What are Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) advancement
requirements? NLCC Cadets
Aged 11-13 years old
|
 |
Rank |
Time in Rate |
Time in NLCC |
Training Syllabus |
Exam |
|
No Insignia |
Cadet Recruit (E-1) |
--N/A-- |
--N/A-- |
--N/A-- |
--N/A-- |
|
|
Cadet Apprentice
(E-2) |
4 Months |
4 Months |
Part I |
Part I |
|
|
Cadet Able Seaman
(E-3) |
4 Months |
8 Months |
Part II |
Part II |
|
|
Cadet Petty Officer
3rd Class (E-4) |
4 Months |
12 Months |
Part III |
Part III |
|
|
Cadet Petty Officer
2nd Class (E-5) |
6 Months |
18 Months |
Part IV |
Part IV |
|
|
Cadet Petty Officer
1st Class (E-6) |
6 Months |
24 Months |
Part V |
Part V |
 |
Cadet Lead
Petty Officer (E-6) |
Commanding Officer Appointment |
1. Commanding Officers may waive time in grade/time in NLCC requirements for cadets who join at age 12, excel in the path of advancement, and demonstrate good leadership qualities.
2. Although summer training is available for NLCC cadets, it is not a requirement for advancement.
3. The highest rated cadet in the League Cadet Corps unit may be designated the ships Leading Petty Officer (LPO). A cadet can hold this designation at any rank, although if the cadet can achieve E-6 he will receive a new rank insignia for being named the LPO. E-6 is the only level where this takes place.
Return to Top of Page
What are the Navy Sea Cadet Corps advancement requirements?
NSCC Advancement Requirements
Cadets Aged 13-18 years old
1. Petty Officer Leadership Academy (POLA) may be completed at any time after being advanced to E-3, but prior to advancement to E-7.
2. Recent changes to Sea Cadet Regulations will recognize any nationally sanctioned advance training, no matter the length of time, as fulfillment of promotion requirements.
3. Cadets must meet all the requirements listed above for each advancement in rate(including the minimum time in rate) before advancement is made. In addition, the unit must adhere to the criteria listed in the Table of Cadet Petty Officer Allowances, Paragraph 0520.1 in the NSCC Regulations for advancement to E-5 through E-7. Advancement is verified by the commanding officers signature and date of advancement on the cadets NSCADM 009 form in the cadets service record.
4. Cadets must receive a score of 3.2 or higher on each lesson of all correspondence courses. Cadets must receive a score of 2.5 or higher on the military leadership advancement exams for E-4 through E-6. These exams may be obtained by the commanding officer from the appropriate NSCC Field Representative.
5. E-2(T) special rank: Because many cadets may be recruited early in the school year and will not have the opportunity to go to NSCC Recruit Training (Boot Camp) until long after the minimum 3 month time in rate requirement for advancement to E-2, the commanding officer may advance cadets who complete the Basic Military Requirements (BMR) and have been enrolled for at least three months, to the rank of E-2(Temporary). Advancement to E-2(T) is effected by a page 19-B entry in the cadet service record. The cadet is allowed to wear the E-2 rank insignia (Except while undergoing NSCC recruit training). NLCC cadets, who transfer to the NSCC upon their 13th birthday, shall be enrolled as E-2(T) provided they have a minimum of one year in the NLCC, there is no break in service between the NLCC and NSCC, and the cadet has successfully completed an NLCC orientation camp scheduled by national headquarters. They also need to have achieved the rank of E-3 in the NLCC to qualify. There are no other "Temporary" ranks. Commanding officers may not advance any cadet to "acting" or "temporary" E-3 or above.
6. As a tool for motivation for former NLCC cadets and highly motivated NSCC cadets who complete the entire BMR prior to NSCC Boot Camp, time in rate for advancement to E-3 will start on the date the cadet is advanced to E-2(T).
7. Recruiting Duty can only be counted as an advance training requirement for advancement once during a cadets career.
Return to Top of Page
Do I have to go to boot camp?
NSCC recruit training, also known as boot camp, will be your first summer training period. NSCC recruit training is a scaled down version of the Navy's boot camp. For the two-week period, cadets are instructed by active and reserve military personnel, Sea Cadet officers, and senior cadets in military drill and discipline, physical fitness, seamanship, shipboard safety, first aid, naval history, and leadership.
Although recruit training is challenging, most recruits adjust quickly and many do not want to leave after two weeks! You will make friends from across the country and return home prepared to take on a greater leadership role within our Division.
Return to Top of Page
What coursework do I have to complete prior to boot
camp? What kind of advanced trainings are available after boot camp?
The coursework required for NSCC Recruit Training (boot camp) is BMR chapters 1, 5, 6, 9, and 10. However, if you complete the whole BMR prior to boot camp, your promotion to E-2 can take place immediately upon completion of boot camp.
The minimum coursework required for NLCC Recruit Training is NLCC Syllabus Part I.
It is also highly recommended that you memorize the 11 General Orders.
After cadets have successfully completed boot camp, they can then participate in advanced training. Advanced training usually takes place during summer months but occasionally takes place during winter and spring breaks.
Current advanced training opportunities include:
Seamanship Academy
Airman Training (aviation)
FAA Ground School
Seabee School (civil engineering)
Submarine Seminar
Hospital Corpsman School (medicine)
SEAL Training
Amphibious Operations training
Petty Officer Leadership Academy (advanced leadership training)
Master-at-Arms school (military police)
Judge Advocate General Corps Training (military law)
Shipboard Training onboard Navy and Coast Guard ships and many others.
In addition to the above, those cadets who exhibit extraordinary initiative and leadership ability may participate in annual exchanges with Sea Cadets from around the world. Cadets from the Barque Eagle Division have traveled to Canada, Belgium, Bermuda, Hong Kong, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
Return to Top of Page
How do I earn ribbons?
Here are a few ways to earn ribbons:
- Honor role at your school.
- Passing the President's Physical Fitness Test.
- Participation in 10 color guard events.
- Staffing at ATs.
- 40 hours community service
You can find a complete guide on how to earn NLCC and NSCC ribbons at this website:
http://resources.seacadets.org/awards_manual.html.
If you feel that you qualify for a ribbon award, contact your chain of command with the details.
Return to Top of Page
What do the ribbons look like and how are they worn?
Ribbons are attached to a long pin bar. They are to be arranged in a very specific order. These links will show you what the ribbons look like and how they should be arranged.
Return to Top of Page
Can I bank my trainings?
Yes, according to the NSCC Advancement and Training Manual, cadets can bank up to 3 Advanced Trainings per year! NOTE: "Locally Arranged Trainings" may or may not qualify as "Advanced Trainings" for promotion purposes.
Return to Top of Page
What is the attendance policy?
NSCC Regulations state that Cadets must attend 75% of all scheduled drills. That is 9 out of 12 drill weekends per year. If a Cadet accumulates 1 unexcused missed drill weekend, they will be verbally warned. If a Cadet continues to fail to meet the minimum attendance standards and accumulates 2 unexcused missed drill weekends, they will be administratively warned and it will be recorded in their service jacket. Any Cadet missing 3 or more drill weekends in any one year is subject to being discharged from NSCC/NLCC. Special considerations will be made on a per Cadet basis for special circumstances such as a prolonged illness, etc.
Return to Top of Page
Where do I get my unifroms?
As part of your $150 registration fee, you will be supplied one complete seabag. This will include all of the working blues (dngarees) and dress uniforms (both whites and blues) that you will need for the majority of your training with the exception of the following items. If you chose to attend certain specialized trainings, you may be required to purchase BDUs. These are NOT part of the seabag and are at your own expense. If the need for BDUs arises, please let us know and we will be glad to point you to locations where these can be purchased as inexpensively as possible. You are also responsible for your own socks, undergarments, a 1-piece swimsuit for females or non-"speedo style" swim trunks for males and all of your nametapes. For information on which nametapes you need to purchase and where to find them see "Where do I get my nametapes/nametags?" question in this list.
Return to Top of Page
How do I attach the nametapes on my uniform?
Working blue uniforms require one navy blue nametape to be sewn above the back right-hand pocket of the pants plus two chambray blue nametapes to be sewn above the shirt pockets as directed in the BMR.
Dress uniforms don't require name tapes. Instead a plastic nameplate should be pinned above the right-hand shirt pocket as directed in your BMR.
Return to Top of Page
How should the uniform be ironed?
The pants for working blues should be pressed so that there are creases down the front and back of the pant legs. Dress pants should be pressed so that creases are on the seams.
All shirts should have military style creases as shown here.
Return to Top of Page
Where do I sew on the flashes and chevrons?
Navy League Cadets flashes should be sewn on the left and chevrons on the right as shown here.
Navy Sea Cadets flashes should be sewn onto both shoulders. The eagle's head should be facing forward. Chevrons should be sewn on the right as shown here.
Return to Top of Page
Where do I get by nametapes/nametags?
You can order nametapes from 1800nametape.com
Recommended items include:
"New" Implementation package contains enough nametapes for 3 sets of Working Blues and 1 jacket. Order with last name in capital letters.
Plastic Nametag with last name in caps.
Be careful to ensure that you have clicked into the "USNSCC" section on the left hand side of the 1800nametapes website and not the "Naval Cadets" section. This is a completely different organization.
Return to Top of Page
How do I tie my neckerchief?
A diagram on the proper way to tie your neckerchief can be found here.
Return to Top of Page
How do I "spit" shine my shoes?
Spread a thick layer of paste polish over the leather to be spit shined. Allow it to dry for 5 minutes. Wrap a soft, clean cloth around your index finger so you have a smooth area on the end of your finger and dip it in water so it is thoroughly wet but not dripping (see note 1 below).
Using a small circular motion (see note 2 below), buff the dried polish with the wet cloth until a shine starts to develop. Then, still using the damp rag on your finger, apply a fine layer of polish in a circular motion and keep on rubbing lightly until a hazy shine develops. Keeping the rag damp, build up the shine with thin layers of polish applied in circles with light pressure until a glossy shine develops.
When sufficient shine has developed, use a clean, dry, soft cloth to give it a final buff and remove any last haze.
NOTE: The reason you use a wet cloth is to stop the fine coats of polish sticking to the cloth and to encourage the polish to stick to the leather. You want to keep on building up thin layers of wax until you have a completely smooth surface that gives the glossy shine.
After the first heavy coat of polish you must use minimal amounts of polish to build up the shine. If you use too much polish, the solvent in the polish you are applying will dissolve the base you have already built up and you will have to start again in that area.
Return to Top of Page
What is PT gear?
PT gear is gear for physical training. This includes shorts, a t-shirt, running-shoes, and a cap. Sweats are fine too.
Return to Top of Page
Will I have to cut my hair/remove jewelry/wear a uniform all the time?
Your hair will have to conform to NSCC and Navy regulations. These are quite reasonable. For Recruit Training, males will receive a "boot camp" haircut (a close "buzzcut") and females will need to be able to keep their hair off their collar in an approved manner.
If you have certain piercings, you will need to remove them for drills and training. Males are not allowed any earrings; females are allowed one small silver stud in each ear.
You will need to wear a uniform to drills. These are Navy uniforms, modified with the NSCC or NLCC insignia. Cadets' seabags (set of uniforms) contain several sets of working uniforms (the "dungaree" style), dress white and blue uniforms, appropriate covers (hats) and other articles as required. You will get more information and be fitted for uniforms when you join the Division.
Return to Top of Page
What do the ribbons look like and how are they worn?
Ribbons are attached to a long pin bar. They are to be arranged in a very specific order. These links will show you what the
ribbons look like and how they should be arranged.
So exactly how short does my hair need to be?
The answer below is a summary from Chapter 2 of the NSCC / NLCC Uniform Regulations Manuel.
Grooming Standards – Male
Hair will be neat, clean and present a well-groomed appearance.
Hair should not touch the ears or collar.
Hair should not show below the front edge of the headgear or extend below the eyebrows when headgear is removed.
Bulk not greater than 2 inches.
No one hair longer that 4 inches.
Hair must be natural color.
Sideburns must not fall below the middle ear.
Mustache must be above the upper lip and cannot extend more than 1/4 inch.
No beards.
Grooming Standards – Female
Hair will be clean and neatly arranged.
Long hair must be put into a bun rather than a pony tail.
Hair must be natural color.
Hairclips should match hair color.
Hair may extend a maximum of 1 1/2 inches below the top of the collar.
Hair shall not show from under the front of the brim of the headgear.
Return to Top of Page
