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Those who are serving in the military, who have served, who wish they had served or are considering serving are a unique community of Americans. They share the ethos of the American servicemen, male and female alike, well know around the World for being good to kids. Medics and Navy Hospital Corpsman treat sick and injured children. G.I., Marines and Bluejackets distribute candy and gum, and sometimes share their MRE's.
Likewise, most if not all of us acknowledge that "serving" was the single most rewarding experience of our lives. Most will agree that graduating from the Naval Academy or West Point, becoming a Commissioned Officer, a Master Sergeant, a Petty Officer, PFC or Airman First was the highlight of our lives. Those of the Greatest Generation who "elected" to remain Private's recall their service as being "memorable" and are among the strongest advocates of programs for our 21 st Century youth. Unfortunately, as the years pass they are becoming fewer in number and less able to participate.
Most, if not all of us who served believe that every American youngster should serve, if not in the military then some similar worthy national program. We acknowledge the benefit of our youngsters being taught the meaning of patriotism, discipline, courage and self-reliance and the other qualities which mold strong character and good citizens.
But where are they learning these qualities?
Then it's up to us, those Americans with military affinity—Veterans, Reservists, Military Enthusiasts, and those Considering Military Career (we've purposely left out Military.COM Support Groups including Active Duty, National Guard, Defense Workers, and Family Members who already have their hands full!) and who are members of Military.COM support groups.
We know you were good to the kids, overseas and back then, but what are you doing for the American kids today? We know it can't be that you were paying lip service to this need, but rather you hadn't been asked—well you have now!
We Need You To Serve Again!
We need you as a U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Officer, Instructor, or Adult Leader.
Don't confuse the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps [NSCC] with the Sea Scout program of the Boy Scouts of America. It's a good program but it's not us! We are a civilian non-profit, federally chartered training and educational organization.
The NSCC is sponsored by the Navy League of the United States with the cooperation of the Department of the Navy. We are headquartered in Arlington, VA. Currently there are some 375 units located throughout the country with some nearly 10,000 Cadets enrolled.
The objective and purpose of the NSCC is to encourage and aid American youth, ages 11 – 18, to develop an interest and skill in basic seamanship and in its naval adaptation. To train in seagoing skills and gain an appreciation of military history, customs and traditions and the importance of a strong Navy and American Sea Services.
The NSCC programs allow young people to sample military life while in high school with NO OBLIGATION to join any branch of the Armed Forces.
Sea Cadets wear regulation Navy uniforms modified with Sea Cadet insignias. They get to wear NSCC ribbons and medals earned for a variety of accomplishments and individual performance.
Cadets get to go to Navy-like Boot Camp and then can go on to advanced training, usually for two weeks, at military facilities all across the U.S. —providing a sufficient number of NSCC adult Escort Officers are available—for specialized training including: Navy SEAL, Seabee, music, Color Guard, sailing, aviation and aircraft operations, aviation ground school, medical, rescue swimming, small boat handling, port operations, amphibious operations, submarine seminars, field operations and land navigation, hospital corpsman, surgery and even training in foreign countries like England, and Canada.
Being a Cadet offers certain advantages to being accepted in the U.S. Naval Academy. Presently more than 10-percent of the Brigade at the USNA are former Sea Cadets, more than all other similar youth groups COMBINED. And, as a percentage of Midshipmen, more former Sea Cadets complete the Academy than all other members of the Brigade.
One-, two- and four-year scholarships are available for college bound Cadets. Many go un-awarded.
In terms of Cadets enlisting in the Navy, typically upon completion of Boot Camp the Sea Cadet will be automatically advanced one paygrade. Additionally, during their Boot Camp, the former Sea Cadet is given a position of responsibility or honor within the training unit.
A Sea Cadet unit is organized like any division or squadron on any ship or station in the Navy. Leadership—adult men and women—are Officers, and the Cadets are "enlisted". Senior Cadets include one or Midshipman, and a Division Chief Petty Officer, or simply the "Chief". He or she is the senior "enlisted" in the division. This rate is comparable to an Eagle Scout.
The adult leadership, Officers, uniformed and non-uniformed instructors and volunteers are all volunteers. A typical unit, in addition to the Commanding Officer requires a minimum of five adults; an Executive, Operations, Administrative, Training & Education, and Supply Officer.
Little different than the military, we cannot have a unit unless we have a planned replacement of adult leadership. You need not be former military. A well developed and complete training curriculum is available as is all necessary organizational and procedural requirements. You need not have a son, niece, or granddaughter in the program to become a leader.
The principal prerequisite is a good heart whereby one achieves satisfaction from building in every Cadet high self esteem, sense of pride, patriotism, courage, self-reliance, discipline, confidence and other qualities which mold strong character and good citizens. These are not troubled kids—we're not psychologists or social workers. This is a drug-, gang-, alcohol-free environment.
As a Military.COM Supporter—Veteran, Retiree, Reservist, Military Enthusiast make the most of your military experience! What's your story? Would some youngster benefit from your knowledge and experience? What are you waiting for?
The program can only grow when we have more adults enrolled! We encourage you to apply for a position of adult leader today.
We Need You To Serve Again!
Simply eMail me your name, address, telephone number to me at eclecticproducer@ATT.NET. Put "NSCC" and your telephone number on the subject line (otherwise I wouldn't open it!).
We'll contact you, answer any questions you may have and then refer you to an existing Sea Cadet unit closes to your home town, or as directed by you. If you have some thought about organizing a Sea Cadet unit we'll direct you to the proper Regional Director.
To be accepted you need to be in good health and authorize the Corps to conduct a complete background check. There are age constraints which we'll discuss when we speak. For further information see the NSCC WebSite: SeaCadets.ORG.
Look for my next installment entitled, "Here's My Story!".
© 2005
LTJG Robert J Dickinson. All opinions
expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily reflect
those of Military.com.
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