Naval Sea Cadets

[divefreak07]

What do you think about the Naval Sea Cadets? Is it benifitial to someone who is looking at a military career? Is it helpful on resumes? What do the actual navy and coast guard think of the teens in naval sea cadets?

Im looking into joining the sea cadet corp and was wondering what input you had. Thanks : )

 

[zab1001]

There are pros and cons to the organization, I was in the program for 3 years:

Cons: Depending on the individual unit, the professionalism issues and power trips that come with any adult-run youth organization are present. I saw the same thing in Boy Scouts, but if you take it all with a grain of salt, it's manageable. There are also a lot of STRANGE kids who think they're on a fast track to the Naval Academy or BUD/S, when in reality they can barely pass a Physical Fitness Assessment. Again, focus on the opportunity to learn about the Sea Services.

Pros: Prior to my involvement, I had little to no knowledge of the Navy or military life in general. I was interested in learning a bit more before deciding on my general life direction in relation to a career. I was afforded the opportunity to get a lot of broad exposure and experience some pretty cool stuff (did "Summer Training" with USN PBRs in a Special Boat Unit, Coast Guard small boat patrols, and a Coast Guard helicopter unit, which sold me on aviation). Most importantly, it got my foot in the door with NROTC at my university, so I had a bit more of a heads-up about what I was getting myself into.

Go check it out, there's no commitment. Might be something you like, might not be.

 

[Renegade One]

A friend of mine who commands the local NROTC Unit tells me he picks up more folks from Sea Cadets than he does from Junior NROTC. He thinks it's a good program and a real discriminator for NROTC admission/scholarship.

 

[nzachman]

How old are you? You should also look into the Civil Air Patrol, especially if you are interested in flying. You can learn to fly using CAP aircraft and get scholarships to learn how to fly. The only catch is that you have to be under 18 to join as a cadet and get these scholarship opportunities. Don't be afraid to PM me if you have any questions about CAP. But for the Sea Cadets, it is a good program and you should definitely go check out a local unit if you are interested solely in the Navy. I've met a good deal of Sea Cadets and most of them seem to be very squared away and dedicated to the organization.

Nick

 

[divefreak07]

Right now i am a sophmore in high school and am very interested in attending the coast guard or naval academy, and both i know are very competitive selections. I would really like to know any other advice you have into making my resume that of which looks good to the academies.
thanks

 

[jus2mch]

In the past the Sea Cadets came to work with us a few times a year at the squadrons and maintenance depots. They were all very motivated and really impressed me. I never knew about any programs like Sea Cadets growing up. I think it's a good opportunity for kids to get some exposure to the military and keep them out of trouble. It will also probably help you decide whether or not the military life is something you want to pursue.

 

[AllAmerican75]

How old are you? You should also look into the Civil Air Patrol, especially if you are interested in flying. You can learn to fly using CAP aircraft and get scholarships to learn how to fly. The only catch is that you have to be under 18 to join as a cadet and get these scholarship opportunities. Don't be afraid to PM me if you have any questions about CAP. But for the Sea Cadets, it is a good program and you should definitely go check out a local unit if you are interested solely in the Navy. I've met a good deal of Sea Cadets and most of them seem to be very squared away and dedicated to the organization.

Nick

I second this. One of the best things I did in high school was join the local CAP cadet squadron. I loved every minute of it, sadly, my membership has since lapsed due to school.

<-- Former C/2nd LT, Mitchell #54401

 

[a_m]

All I know about them is that whenever a group comes around, my gear NEVER fits like it did the day before.