General Information - Questions and Answers
What are the Sea Cadets?
Sea Cadets are boys and girls ages 11 to 18 who have an interest in the water, boats, engines, sea lore, military training, naval history, physical fitness, learning team spirit and cooperation, and having fun with like minded kids, etc.
What is the difference between the Navy League Cadet Corps and the Navy Sea Cadet Corps?
There are currently two units, a Navy League Cadet unit for 11 - 12 year olds, and a Naval Sea Cadet unit for 13 - 18 year olds. The League Cadet unit is the newly formed John Paul Jones Division which was the former name for the entire unit. The Sea Cadet unit is referred to as the Atlantic Sea Bee Battalion.
Why become a Sea Cadet?
Because it's more fun than you can imagine, and you will learn all kinds of really cool stuff and go places none of your friends will probably ever have the opportunity to go to! If you are drawn to the sea, then this is the place for you to come! We do it all!!! Check out our photos page and look at some of the things we have done. Tell me that doesn't look like more fun than humans ought to have! And that's just some of the types of things we do! You just have to talk with us to get the whole story. Just contact our Commanding Officer, LT Sean C. Norton at scnjgn@comcast.net, and he will answer all your questions.
When and where do we meet?
Each unit conducts drills on a regular basis at the US Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The unit holds two weeknight drills (the first and third Wednesday of the month from 18:00 - 21:00) and one weekend (the last Saturday of the month) drill each month. The Saturday drills are usually reserved for drilling at other military bases in the area or field exercises, in some cases the whole weekend may be used to drill at a base or ship over night. This is a marvelous opportunity for children to experience a wide variety of activities sometimes in locations they might not otherwise ever be able to go to.
What do we do at our drill meetings?
Our meetings are like any other military drill. We teach marching, discipline, military history and traditions, first aid, weapons respect, field operations, shipboard operations, mechanics, etc. We have outside speakers both from the private sector and active and retired military present topics we feel would be of interest and benefit to the unit. All activity is geared for the 11 - 18 year old level of ability and comprehension.
What about Summer "Boot Camp"?
Usually held in late July or early Aug, Summer boot camp is looked forward to by all our members. Leagers have a 1 week camp while Sea Cadets go for 2 weeks. We alternate between Newport, RI, Fort Devens, MA, and Brunswick, ME. Once a cadet graduates from boot camp, they are entitled to go anywhere in the country for 2 weeks of specialized training and participation in an area of their own choosing. A memeber only has to do the formal "Boot Camp" once; after that they do not have to attend again, though promotions and advancement are earned much quicker by attending the specialized training in the following years.
How much does all this cost?
We try to keep the costs down as much as possible and try to work as best we can with folks who may have problems funding their childs participation. Basically, there is a one time refundable $40.00 clothing security deposit and a $150.00 yearly memebership fee. Of the $150, $40.00 is for the national organization and $110.00 goes directly to our unit. Boot Camp runs approximately another $150.00. But again, these fees vary with enrollment and money the unit is able to earn through various fund raising efforts.
What equipment and clothing is provided by the unit?
The unit, when possible and supplies permit, will provide all military outer wear such as field jacket, BDU camouflage fatigues, hats (covers), rain coat, jacket, web belt, utility belt, canteen, etc. The cadet will need to provide PT shorts, tee shirts, and a pair of military boots. In addition, there is a list of various clothing items that the cadet must provide when they go to boot camp such as 6 pairs of both black and white socks, shoe shine kit, towels, etc.
Who runs the unit and what qualifications do they have?
All staff are either active duty or retired military. See the Officers Page for a list of our current staff. Feel free to contact the Commanding Officer for details on individule staff qualifications.
Can parents become involved with the unit as well?
You sure can, and we need your participation! Whatever time or skills you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Just speak with the Commanding Officer about what our unit's current needs are and how you might be able to participate.
How do I get more information?
If you are a cadet, you should go through your chain of command. Parents or interested non members should contact the Commanding Officer. To be contacted, fill out and submit the form below or email the Commanding Officer. If you are seriously considering joining the unit, please see the general membership requirements at the bottom of this page. You should go to the forms indicated by the links, print and fill them out, and then bring them with you when you meet with the Commanding Officer so that he may review the complete application with you at that time. This will save everyone a lot of time, so please complete and bring the forms with you. And thanks for your interest!