We are glad to see that you are interested in the program at the George Washington Division. The Sea Cadet program is for Cadets 10-17. This program requires 100% commitment from cadets and parents. Make no mistake, the Sea Cadets will challenge you to the core. Are you ready?

How to Join the Sea Cadets

1. VERIFY QUALIFICATIONS:

To join the program, the cadet must be a US citizen or permanent legal resident, 10-17 years of age, satisfactorily be enrolled in a public or private school or a certified home school program with a GPA of at least 2.0, be of good moral character, unmarried and remain single while in the program, and free of any felony convictions. Must be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

2. COMPLETE THE APPLICATION:

Download and complete the full application, including physical examination by the Pediatrician, current immunization records, COVID vaccination card, and a copy of the insurance card front and back.

3. ATTEND AN OPEN HOUSE:

Prospective candidates and parents are invited to an orientation meeting to share information about the unit’s activities and requirements.  The Commanding Officer (CO) and staff will ensure that the family understands both the opportunities and involvement commitments of the US Naval Sea Cadet program.  Fill out the form below

4. WAIT FOR APPROVAL:

All applications are submitted to headquarters. Upon approval, the cadets will receive an ID card and be considered new recruits of the George Washington Division. ID cards need to be worn on the uniform at all Sea Cadet functions. There is a fee for replacement items including lost ID cards.

Program Requirements

DRILLS:

Cadets are required to attend all mandatory Drills (on or off base). Punctually is essential! Report to and be picked up upon dismissal exactly at the specified time published on the monthly Plan of the Month (POM). When the drill is a field trip, cadets must be dropped off and picked up to and from the location of the field trip (often within 1 or 2 hours of driving distance). Cadets grow in confidence as they train in a highly structured and disciplined environment that stresses both personal accountability and teamwork. Our cadets wear uniforms, adhere to fitness and grooming standards, and are held to the highest standards of behavior.

ADVANCED TRAINING:

Cadets must take “away-from-home” Advanced Trainings (AT). Pass Physical Readiness Test (PRT) and complete the Coursework in POLARIS, a web-based system that cadets gain access to upon approved enrollment. While essential requirements can not be waived, other non-essential procedures or unit/training-specific policies may be modified or waived as necessary to accommodate disabilities. AT includes seamanship, sailing, aviation, security, building robots, medical, STEM, SCUBA, submarines, photography, culinary, special forces training, and an international exchange program. 

UNIFORMS:

Cadets receive a Seabag with uniforms to wear at different events. Accessories and personal items such as work boots, dress shoes, running shoes, name tags, PT gear, etc. need to be purchased separately. Go to the Parent section to learn more.

FEES:

• There is an annual enrollment fee of $225. Second or more sibling may have a discount.
• A one-time uniform deposit of $200 grants the Cadet a full Seabag. This deposit is refundable upon returning all uniforms in the same condition, within six (6) months of cadet departure from the program. Uniform accessories and personal items such as work boots, dress shoes, running shoes, PT gear, etc. are purchased separately, see the parent section for recommendation on where to buy.
• Drill chow money ranges from $12 – $15 per session.
• Advanced Training (AT) and Recruit training (RT): These costs vary but range from $175 – $350 per training. Cadets are required to attend at least one AT per year after RT as a requirement in the Sea Cadets. While instruction, room, and board are included in the training, transportation to and from the sites is the parent’s responsibility.