Frequently Asked Questions

 Program:

• Where do the Colorado Sea Cadets meet for monthly drills? We are based at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, Colorado at the Naval Reserve Center (NRC). Monthly drills occur onsite at the NRC and offsite as special events and activities require. 

• Is the program a recruiting program for the U.S. Navy? The goal of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet program is to introduce cadets to Navy life and jobs available through the U. S. Navy. 

• Do cadets have to join the Navy/military upon completion? No, there is no obligation to join the U.S. Navy or any military branch. 

• Does the program help with resumes and college applications? Yes, participation in the U. S. Naval Sea Cadet program demonstrates dedication, provides leadership experience, and varied skills in a variety of trainings and activities. 

• If I choose to join the U.S. Navy upon completion of the program (high school graduation), do I enter at a high pay grade? Yes, many graduates of the Sea Cadet program enter the U.S. Navy two pay grades higher than if they were to enlist without the program. 

• Is Boot Camp required?

  • For Sea Cadets (ages 14 - 18 years old) - Recruit Training (RT) is required as a prerequisite to Advanced Trainings and rank advancement

  • For League Cadets (ages 10 - 13 years old) - Navy League Orientation (NLO) is not mandatory and does not prohibit advancement in rank

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Program Requirements:

• What requirements are there to join, and remain, in the program?

  • Attendance: 75% annual attendance of monthly drills​

  • Grades: Cadet must maintain a 2.5+ GPA in School 

  • Course Curriculum: Cadet coursework of ~1.5 hrs/month commitment

    • League Cadets (ages 10 - 13 yrs) - Orientation Coursework​

    • Sea Cadets (ages 14 - 18 yrs) - Seaman Apprentice Coursework

  • Passing Physical Readiness Test (PRT) every month​

  • Adherence to the Sea Cadet Code of Conduct​

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• What if I play sports and have weekend commitments? We encourage all cadets to manage their time and commitments according to their priorities. You are encouraged to attend drill before, after, and in between sporting events to maintain the 75%+ attendance requirement. 

• Am I required to stay overnight at monthly drills? No, staying overnight is not required, yet strongly encouraged as Sunday morning session begins at 05:30.  

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Investment / Fees: 

• Are there fees for the Sea Cadet program? As a subsidized non-profit youth program, we strive to keep all fees as low as possible. Please be aware of the following investment fees associated with the Colorado Sea Cadet program:

  • New application fee of $265 - covers the cost of cadet registration with HQ, Type III uniforms, dress uniforms, annual ID, and required uniform accessories.

  • Annual renewal fee of $165 - covers uniform changes

  • Monthly drill fees of ~$40 (depends on location, activities, and transportation needs)

  • Annual advanced training cost an average of $250 for a full week training. Advanced trainings where official certificates are issued (SCUBA, Medical CNA, etc) cost up to $800 per session. NOTE: travel to/from advanced training is not included in the program fee and is the responsibility of the parent/guardian/family. Prices vary depending on where training is hosted. 

• Aside from the fees, what am I responsible for purchasing while in the program? You are required to provide your own "personal items" of t-shirts, undergarments, boots, and dress shoes. We encourage you to visit our supply closet prior to investing in these personal items to see if other cadets have donated their outgrown gently-used items. Cadets are also responsible for their own sewing of badges on uniforms. 

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Have a question not answered here? Contact us.