U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps lets kids try on military learning

Do your children lack as much discipline as mine do? While my kids are fairly motivated to earn their chore money on Saturdays, they quickly disappear after dinner is over and skip out on the evening fun of loading the dishwasher.

Without a military background myself, you could say I’m quite the softie. Which means I probably haven’t instilled in them as much discipline as I should have. But recently I came across a solution far better than sending them to a sketchy summer camp or a dreary English boarding school. 

The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a nationwide youth organization that teaches kids ages 10 to 18 about leadership, personal development, and military life—all with the focus of naval-related training and nautical skills. As a boater, I can definitely get behind that.

Another boating enthusiast recently discovered the amazing opportunities offered by the Naval Sea Cadets. Ed Hettig works in the boating industry and often takes his son, Jonathon, with him to boat shows. At the Detroit Boat Show three years ago, Jonathon was drawn to the former U.S. Navy ship, the Pride of Michigan, at the on-water boat show. Used by the Sea Cadets as a training vessel, the ship is often at boat shows in the area to offer tours and let people know about the opportunities in the Sea Cadets Corps. Uniformed youth cadets and adult staff gave Jonathon a tour of the 81-foot vessel and explained the youth program. Jonathon was hooked. Excitedly, he told his dad all about it and begged to join.

“Before this, I had no idea about the Sea Cadets,” Ed explained. “But it’s been absolutely amazing for Jonathon. It’s a hidden gem.”

The mission of the Sea Cadets is to build leaders of character by stressing self-discipline, service to others, and patriotism. While the nine-day recruit training prepares cadets for the rigors of boot camp, this is so much more than military drills and push ups. Because honestly, most kids would not want to sign up for that. 

While it does help youth set goals and have healthy, active lifestyles, Sea Cadets lets them experience fascinating aspects of military life that civilians just don’t get to see. Sea Cadets wear uniforms, work as teams in a disciplined environment, and train on naval bases and other military installations.

Supported by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, the cadets in the program are given leadership opportunities and are introduced to military life. They get hands-on experiences with a whole variety of Navy programs, including seamanship and submarines, sailing and aviation, robotics and STEM, marksmanship and field operations, and medical and special forces training.

For the last three years, Jonathon has been a Sea Cadet and loves it. He participated in leadership training in his division based in Monroe, Mich., practiced marksmanship at his recruit training, and spent a week on the Merchant Marine ship the S.S. John W. Brown, a Liberty ship based in Baltimore, Md.

In addition to getting to climb in tanks, see weapons planning, and spend time on actual Navy ships, another draw for Jonathon has been a connection to his personal history. His great-grandfather Albert served on the flight crew in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII, but rarely spoke about his war experiences during his lifetime. Since his passing, Jonathon has combined his love of history with a little research. He’s discovered more about Albert’s service and has become the steward of his service awards and casket flag. He loves paying homage to his great-grandfather’s service by being involved in the Sea Cadets program. 

Although Sea Cadets have no obligation to enlist in the military, Jonathon’s participation has only increased his interest in joining the Navy, whether he attends the Naval Academy or enlists after high school.

Completing training in the U.S. Navy Sea Cadets Corps gives kids a huge advantage in applying to the US Naval Academy, the Navy’s prestigious college where you can pursue a traditional 4-year degree and enter the Navy or Marine Corps as an officer. When less than 10 percent of applicants are admitted each year, being a Sea Cadet is definitely a favorable credential.

But beyond what Jonathon and other cadets choose as future paths, the personal growth they experience in Sea Cadets is invaluable.

“Jonathon’s development has been exceptional over the last three years,” Ed happily asserted. “He’s grown to become an adult, be accountable for his actions, plan ahead, and help others when he can. His ability to focus on a task and know what it takes to get there has become outstanding.”

With 400 units all across the United States, the Sea Cadets is divided into two age divisions:  League Cadets for young men and women ages 10 to 13 and Sea Cadets for young men and women ages 13 to 18. Cadet units typically meet one weekend per month or one night per week during the school year. Training away from home is conducted during school vacation periods. Annual enrollment fees range from $150 to $250 per year depending upon location, and uniform fees vary from $200 to $400 in the first year.  Details about how to join can be found on their website.