Join the AMERICA Division

Become a Sea Cadet

Open to young men and women ages 10–18 in the Richmond, Virginia area. All backgrounds welcome. No experience necessary.

AMERICA Division Sea Cadets running in formation during physical training
Why Sea Cadets

This Is Not Another Club

Most activities you can join are places to show up. Sea Cadets is a place to rise. From the day you put on the uniform, you are expected to lead, grow, and earn everything you get.

You will stand in formation on aircraft carriers, hold color guard at public ceremonies across Richmond, and earn rank that means something. The experiences here are real. So are the expectations.

Cadets earn ribbons and awards for real accomplishments — academic achievement, physical fitness, leadership, and service. Recognition here is earned, not given. Whether you're thinking about military service, trying to stand out on a college application, or just looking for something that actually challenges you, this is where you find out what you're made of.

Get Started
Application Process

How to Join

Joining is straightforward. The biggest step is reaching out. We'll walk you through the rest.

  1. 01

    Reach Out

    Use the contact form below, email us at americadivisionusnscc@gmail.com, or call (804) 647-3229. Tell us your name and age and we'll take it from there.

  2. 02

    Visit a Drill Day

    Come see what a monthly drill looks like before you commit to anything. Meet the cadets and officers, see the program in action, and decide if it's the right fit. Most families know within the first visit.

  3. 03

    Complete the Application

    Applications are submitted directly to the unit. We will walk you through every step of the process, including what information you need to provide and how to get started.

  4. 04

    Complete Recruit Orientation

    New cadets start as recruits and complete a short orientation before advancing to their first rank. This is where you learn uniform standards, customs and courtesies, and what it means to be a Sea Cadet. Fall in.

What to Expect

Your First Year as a Cadet

Your first year is about building the foundation. You'll get your uniform, learn the customs of the naval service, and start earning your first rank advancements.

Monthly drills at the Richmond NOSC run most of the day and include physical training, naval instruction, drill and ceremony, and guest instructors from various professional fields.

Once you complete Recruit Orientation, you'll be eligible to attend Recruit Training — a 9-day boot camp style program that takes you from recruit to full Sea Cadet. Once Recruit Training is completed, you are eligible to attend advanced training programs offered nationwide.

Advanced trainings cover an enormous range of fields: seamanship, aviation, SCUBA, firefighting, cybersecurity, robotics, culinary arts, photo journalism, construction (Seabees), marksmanship, sailing, and much more. Offerings vary each year based on resources and staffing, but there is always something new to explore.

See Training Details
AMERICA Division cadets aboard an aircraft carrier during advanced naval training
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to join Sea Cadets?

Sea Cadets is open to young men and women ages 10–18, from 5th grade through the end of high school. You must be a US citizen or permanent legal resident and a student in good standing.

Do you have to join the military after Sea Cadets?

No. There is no military service obligation. Sea Cadets is a youth development program that uses military structure and values. Many cadets go on to serve; many others pursue college, careers, and other paths.

Can homeschooled students join?

Yes. Sea Cadets is open to all eligible students ages 10–18, including homeschooled students. Unlike Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC), which is limited to students at participating public schools, Sea Cadets welcomes homeschoolers fully.

What do Sea Cadets do at monthly drills?

Monthly drills include physical training, naval knowledge instruction, uniform inspections, drill and ceremony practice, and often special guest instructors. New recruits participate in New Recruit Orientation for their first few drills.

How much does it cost to join?

Sea Cadets involves modest annual membership fees. Contact us directly for current fee details. We work with families to make sure cost is never a barrier to participation.

Is Sea Cadets only for kids who want to join the Navy?

Not at all. Sea Cadets uses the Navy and Coast Guard as a framework for leadership and character development. Cadets go on to every branch of service, four-year colleges, trade schools, and careers across every field.

Get in Touch

Ready to Take the First Step?

Reach out and we'll answer your questions, let you know when the next drill is, and walk you through the application. No pressure.

Phone

(804) 647-3229  · 

Send Us a Message

We'll get back to you within 1–2 business days.