How We Train

Monthly Drills

What a Drill Day Looks Like

Monthly drills at the Richmond NOSC are full-day events. Cadets arrive in uniform and spend the day working through a structured program that builds both naval knowledge and physical capability.

No two drills are identical. Depending on the month, you might spend the day on physical training and inspections, working through naval knowledge curriculum, practicing drill and ceremony on the parade deck, or getting hands-on time with a guest instructor from various professional fields.

Morning formation and uniform inspection
Physical training under supervision
Naval knowledge instruction and testing
Drill and ceremony practice
Guest instructors and special activities
Rank advancement reviews
Community service coordination

Large group of cadets in PT gear being briefed at the Richmond NOSC

Physical Fitness

PT Is Part of the Program

Physical fitness is a core component of Sea Cadets training and a requirement for rank advancement. Cadets work on strength, endurance, and the habits that make physical fitness a lifelong priority rather than a chore.

PT at AMERICA Division includes running, calisthenics, and structured fitness activities. Cadets are not expected to arrive in peak condition — they are expected to put in the effort and improve over time. That's the point.

Sea Cadets doing plank exercises during physical training at the Richmond NOSC

Beyond Monthly Drills

Advanced Training Programs

After completing Recruit Orientation, cadets are eligible to attend Recruit Training — a 9-day boot camp style program that advances them from recruit to full Sea Cadet. Once Recruit Training is completed, cadets become eligible for national advanced training programs offered by the USNSCC. These are immersive programs in specific career fields and military disciplines, and the range of offerings is broad — varying each year based on resources and staffing.

At Sea

Shipboard operations, seamanship, sailing, SCUBA, small boat handling, submarine seminars, and Fleet Week overnight experiences aboard real Navy vessels.

In the Air

Aviation ground school, FAA preparation, airman training, aviation maintenance, and drone operations led by qualified instructors.

On Land

Firefighting, cybersecurity, robotics, culinary arts, photo journalism, construction (Seabees), marksmanship, medical training, search and rescue, and leadership programs — among many others.

AMERICA Division cadets operating a live fire hose during firefighting training

Guest Instructors

Real Experts. Real Experiences.

Throughout the year, AMERICA Division brings in guest instructors from the professional community to give cadets access to training they won't find anywhere else.

Past guests have included Virginia State Police EOD technicians, K9 officers, firefighters, and others. Cadets have suited up in real bomb disposal gear, worked alongside K9 units, and operated fire hoses at live training facilities.

These aren't field trips. They're hands-on experiences designed to show cadets what different careers and service paths actually look like up close.

See Training Summaries