United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps
Founded	1958; 66 years ago (1958)
Country	United States of America
Size	396 units and 12,002 members (2,871 officers and 9,131 cadets)
Garrison/HQ	Arlington County, Virginia, U.S.
Motto(s)	"Chart your course"
Colors	Sea Cadet Blue and Gold
Anniversaries	10 September 1962 (federal incorporation)
Website	[1]
Commanders
Executive Director	RADM Andrew Lennon, USN (Ret.)

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.^[1]

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."^[2] Although under no service obligation, a sizeable percentage of cadets later enlist in the military.^{[clarification needed]} 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,^[3] and E-2 in the Marine Corps or other services, due to the training they receive.^{[citation needed]}

U.S. Navy training activities include, but are not limited to:^[4]

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.^[5]

The Band of the West (BOTW) is a 30-member martial music team which is the only active marching band in the USNSCC.^[6] 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.^[7]

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.^[8][9]

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.^{[10][dead link]}

Advancement and promotion

Cadets

Adult officers

Awards and decorations

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.^[12]

Gallery

• 
  Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren fire department battalion chief Tracy Hall offers some knot-tying pointers to a Navy League cadet.
• 
  Naval Sea Cadets take part in a rigorous exercise routine while participating in Diver/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Special Operations Program training.
• 
  Master-at-Arms 1st Class Doug Terou, left, assigned to Naval Station Everett, Wash., encourages members of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps to work during a master-at-arms training exercise.
• 
  U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Josh Gladden provides instruction on how to get the perfect spit-shined shoes as part of basic training to U.S. Naval League Cadet Corps recruits.
• 
  Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) William Davis talks to a U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps cadet from the Seal Beach Battalion.