Q: What is the time commitment and typical schedule for the unit?
A: The typical time commitment for a Sea Cadet unit is one weekend per month, usually both Saturday and Sunday, from around 8:00 AM Saturday to 12:00 PM on Sunday, depending on the specific schedule set by the unit.
Q: Are there minimum attendance requirements for cadets?
A: Yes, Sea Cadets must meet minimum attendance requirements and complete specific training for promotion. Units require cadets to maintain attendance—usually at least 75% throughout the year—to advance in rank and take part in extra training opportunities.
Q: What requirements must a Cadet meet for promotion?
- Complete the required online courses and pass the course exams for each rank
- Serve specified lengths of time in each rank
- Pass the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) every six months
- Attend recruit training and at least one advanced training event during school breaks
Q: How much does it cost to join and participate?
A: Our dues for the first year of membership are $185. After that, dues are $100 per year. The first-year dues are higher to help defray some of the costs of uniform items that we loan to our cadets. Drill fee is $40 per cadet. Training is a separate cost and trainings are roughly $300 each, which includes training, room and board. Cadets are responsible for transportation to and from training. Cadets will take a Sea Bag to each drill and training. Sea Bag essentials include personal basics like underwear, socks, undershirts, toiletries, a small blanket, etc. Many of these items can be repurposed from home, and some specific items will need to be purchased.
Q: Who supervises and instructs the cadets during unit activities and trainings?
A: Cadets are instructed by naval personnel (active duty, reserve and retired), by senior cadets and by dedicated adult volunteer leaders.
Q: What uniform do Cadets wear and is there an additional cost?
A: Cadets are authorized to wear official U.S. Navy enlisted uniforms appropriately marked with the NSCC/NLCC insignia. Cadets will wear the NSCC/NLCC Navy Working Uniform Type III (NWU), Dress Whites/Blues, and PT gear (ordered from Vanguard). The Alamo Battalion provides uniforms (NWUs, whites, blues, belts and covers). Families are expected to provide some items (name tapes, sewing patches, boots, dress shoes, t-shirts, etc.)
Q: Where do drills take place?
A: Most of our drills begin and end at the Navy Operational Support Center, which is in the San Antonio Military Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston. The SAMMC entrance gate, located by the SAMMC visitor center, is the only way to access the NOSC.
Q: How do I get started?
A: To get started, go to our “How to Join” page. Download the form and fill out the first four pages. Scan and send those pages via email with your request to visit, and we will send you the information you need.