One weekend per month, cadets report to the Richmond Naval Operations Support Center for a full day of training. Here's what that day looks like.
One weekend per month
Both Saturday and Sunday — cadets attend one or both days depending on schedule and program requirementsRichmond NOSC
Richmond Naval Operations Support Center, Richmond, VA — contact us for the exact addressThe schedule below is an example of how a drill day is structured. Each month's drill will vary based on training objectives, guest instructors, and upcoming events — but the overall rhythm stays consistent.
Officers and senior staff cadets arrive early to set up, review the day's program, and prepare for the arrival of the unit.
All cadets muster in uniform. Attendance is taken and cadets are prepared for morning formation.
The day officially begins with morning colors — the raising of the flag — and quarters, where the full unit assembles in formation for announcements and inspection.
Rank advancements and awards earned since the last drill are presented in front of the full unit. Recognition that is earned, not given.
Cadets are inspected in formation. Uniforms must meet Sea Cadet standards — properly pressed, correctly worn, and maintained with care. Standards matter here.
Cadets practice marching movements and precision drill in formation. Color guard members work on flag presentation techniques for upcoming ceremonies.
Instruction on naval customs, traditions, and knowledge — naval terminology, rank structure, the phonetic alphabet, and the history of the naval service. Required for rank advancement.
A structured activity focused on communication, problem-solving, and working as a unit. Activities vary and often involve friendly competition between groups.
Hands-on instruction in a specific topic — past sessions have covered field medicine, firefighting, EOD, navigation, and more. Often led by guest instructors from law enforcement, fire service, or other fields.
A break for lunch. Cadets eat together — shared meals are a naval tradition and a chance to build camaraderie within the unit.
The Commanding Officer addresses the unit — recognizing performance, covering upcoming events, and communicating expectations for the weeks ahead.
Discussion and instruction focused on leadership principles, decision-making, and character. Senior cadets often facilitate these sessions, putting their own leadership into practice.
A second specialty training block — past sessions have included Navy and Marine aviation, seamanship, first aid, and other career and mission fields.
Structured PT to close out the afternoon — running, calisthenics, or other fitness activities. Physical fitness is a core part of rank advancement and a non-negotiable part of every drill day.
All hands clean up. Every cadet participates — the space is left better than it was found. This applies to every environment a Sea Cadet occupies.
The unit assembles for final formation. Announcements are made, upcoming events are reviewed, and the day's training is acknowledged.
Cadets are dismissed. Another drill in the books.
The schedule varies. The timeline above represents a typical drill day. Specific activities rotate each month based on training objectives, guest instructors, and upcoming events. What stays constant is the structure — formation, standards, and a full day of purposeful work.
Want to come observe a drill before committing? We welcome it.
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