Teens and Navy Sea Cadets

[NavyDCmomma]

Navy Sea Cadets can be a great place to start:
http://www.seacadets.org/public/programs/nscc/

Some teenagers are near a base where they can obtain training in Navy procedures. They are issued uniforms and drill on the weekends (sometimes monthly, bi-weekly or weekly). They complete courses and learn to march and work as a team.

It helps them keep their nose clean through their teen years before they join the military.

My son achieved Chief which is rare for a teenager...Both Eagle Scout and Sea Cadet training will give your sailor a paygrade jump upon enlistment.

Find a Sea Cadet unit...
http://dolphin.seacadets.org/US_units/index_public.asp

[Gale Sellers]

Hi NavyDCmomma I am not having much luck getting a response regarding Sea Cadets in my area. Any suggestions?Thanks, Gale

[NavyDCmomma]

What is your area Gale? You may have to move! LOL just kidding...go over to www.navydads.com (its for parents too) and 'talk' to Otto...he wrote:

Reply by Otto Mueller 22 hours ago
Absolutely. I was CO of a USNSCC unit in Florida, and all my cadets who had completed at least one year of training went in at E-2 by me forwarding their red jackets.

If you have a son or daughter in 8th grade thru Sophomore year in school who expresses an interest in the Navy or Coast Guard because they have an older sibling already in, you should get them on board with a cadet unit. First off, it will give them an excellent opportunity to understand if the Navy is for them. Secondly, it will prepare them mentally and physically for the Navy should that be their choice to serve, and Thirdly, like NavyDCparent said, it will keep their nose clean. I had a CPO who had been in NLSC thru age 18 in USNSSC who was sharp as a tack, went in BC as E-2 and was E-3 by week four. All USNSCC units are very community oriented and perform many great public services.

Even if your child is a senior in high school, it is worth their time and effort to be in the Sea Cadets. They may not make a very high rate, but they will learn the ropes (literally). This is an outstanding organization that the Navy values highly, and it is actually a part of the USN.

[Teri P]

Along with Sea Cadets and Eagle Scout, JROTC gives them an upgrade. My son did 4 years of JROTC in HS and will start as an E-3 in Boot. Its a little bit of a pay bump. And every little bit helps.:-)

[Michelle B.]

My son is completing his fourth year in the USNSCC. He has truly loved the experience he has gained from this organization. My son signed his Navy contract and will ship off in June of 2010. Because of his time in the seacadets he went to MEPS with a better understanding of "what was going on". In NSCC he was able to go to many trainings discover what he wanted to do in the Navy. NSCC has given him the ability to develop his leadership skills, learn Military bearing and protocol, and give back with the many service projects they do through out the community. I am very proud of my future sailor and I know he will do great in the NAVY. NSCC Has also helped me over the past 4 years. My anxiety has been minimized as we look to the future and His ship off date.

[Linda Proud Mom of Kenny]

Check with your local Boy Scouts of America. I used to work for them and they have these programs available.