America Division Training

How We Train

Structure, discipline, and hands-on experience. Here's what training actually looks like for America Division cadets in Richmond.

Overview Drill Schedule How We Train Training Summaries
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 law enforcement, fire service, or another field.

  • 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 their first year, cadets become eligible for advanced training programs offered nationally by the USNSCC. These are week-long immersive experiences in specific career fields and military disciplines.

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 aviation professionals.

On Land

Firefighting, cybersecurity, special operations, marksmanship, search and rescue, technical skills, and leadership and recruit training programs.

Cadet in full bomb disposal suit during EOD training with Virginia State Police
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

Ready to See It for Yourself?

The best way to understand how we train is to come observe a drill. Reach out and we'll tell you when the next one is.

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