Today the Sea Cadets continue to further the image of our maritime services by:

• Developing an interest and ability in seamanship and seagoing skills
• Instilling virtues of good citizenship and strong moral principles in each cadet
• Demonstrating the value of an alcohol-free, drug-free and gang-free lifestyle
• Exposing cadets to the prestige of public service and a variety of career paths through hands-on training with our nation's armed services

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The USNSCC is comprised of two programs.

• The Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC), is our junior program for young people ages 10 through 13.
  • NLCC introduces its members to naval life through instruction in basic seamanship and leadership.
  • NLCC members are able to participate in monthly drill sessions and attend an optional one-week orientation training away from home.
• The Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC), is our full rigor military training program for young people ages 13 through 18.
  • NSCC members are required to attend a mandatory two-week, away from home (overnight) course affectionately known as "bootcamp" by Cadets.  This experience indoctrinates youth into the military lifestyle and starts them off on their journey into our program.
  • After this requirement is met, Cadets are eligible to participate in over 105 different training opportunities of their choosing. These trainings are fully immersive, away from home, and hands-on following a tried and true Navy pattern of Lecture, Demonstration, Supervised Drill, and Practical Performance Testing.​