Make a Difference

Volunteer with America Division

The America Division runs on the commitment of adults who believe in the next generation. No military background required — just a willingness to show up and invest in Richmond's youth.

Experienced Sea Cadet mentoring a younger cadet during outdoor training
Why It Matters

The Cadets Remember the Adults Who Showed Up

Every cadet who walks through the door of the America Division does so because an adult made this program possible. Officers, instructors, administrative supporters — each one plays a role in building the leaders of tomorrow.

This is not a passive commitment. Volunteers are active participants in the lives of young people from Richmond, watching them grow from nervous recruits into confident, disciplined cadets who carry themselves differently in every room they walk into.

If you've ever wanted to give back in a way that's tangible, structured, and genuinely meaningful — this is it.

Ways to Serve

Volunteer Roles

There's no single type of Sea Cadets volunteer. We need people with a wide range of backgrounds, skills, and availability.

Unit Leadership

Lead cadets directly at drills and training events. Officers set the standard and are the face of the program to cadets day to day. Military experience is helpful but not required.

Administrative Support

Help keep the unit running behind the scenes. Records, communications, event coordination, and logistics. Critical work that makes everything else possible.

Guest Instructor

Share your professional expertise with cadets at a single drill or event. Law enforcement, firefighters, medical professionals, and legal experts have all come in. Your field may be exactly what cadets need to see.

Community Liaison

Help us build relationships with Richmond organizations, event organizers, and potential sponsors. Connect the unit to the broader community.

Media & Communications

Photography, social media, website updates, and documentation. Help tell the America Division story to the families and future cadets who need to find us.

Sponsor Outreach

Help identify and connect with local businesses who want to support a youth program making a real difference in Richmond. A great fit for professionals with business networks.

Getting Started

How to Become a Volunteer

The process is straightforward. Background checks and basic training are required by the national USNSCC program for anyone working with youth.

  1. 01

    Reach Out

    Use the contact form below, email us at americadivisionusnscc@gmail.com, or call (804) 647-3229. Tell us a little about yourself and how you'd like to help.

  2. 02

    Come to a Drill

    Visit a monthly drill at the Richmond NOSC to see the program in action and meet the current team. This is the fastest way to understand what you'd be walking into and where you'd fit best.

  3. 03

    Complete the Application & Background Check

    All adult volunteers complete an application through the national USNSCC system and undergo a standard background check. This is required for all adults who work with youth in the program, no exceptions.

  4. 04

    Complete Required Training

    New volunteers complete a short online orientation covering youth protection policies and program standards. Officer candidates may pursue additional training and commissioning through the national program.

Common Questions

Volunteer FAQ

Do I need military experience to volunteer?

No. We welcome adults from all backgrounds. Military veterans bring valuable experience, but civilian professionals with skills in education, medicine, law, technology, or any other field are equally valuable to our cadets.

How much time does volunteering require?

At minimum, volunteers are expected to attend monthly drill days at the Richmond NOSC. Many contribute additional time through training activities, admin support, and community events. The level of involvement is flexible.

Is there a background check?

Yes. All adult volunteers are subject to a background check as part of the national USNSCC application process. This is a standard requirement for anyone working with youth in our program.

Can I volunteer if I have a full-time job?

Absolutely. Many of our most valuable volunteers work full-time. Monthly drills are typically held on weekends. We work around the schedules of the adults who show up for our cadets.

Get in Touch

Ready to Make a Difference?

The cadets of America Division are looking for adults who believe in them. Send us a message and we'll be in touch within a couple of days.

Send Us a Message

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