Sea Cadets Training Program | America Division Richmond VA

Q: What do Sea Cadets do at monthly drills?

Monthly drills at the Richmond NOSC typically include physical training, naval knowledge instruction, uniform and rank inspection, drill and ceremony practice, and special activities such as guest instructors from law enforcement, the military, or other fields. Drills run most of the day on weekends.

Q: What advanced trainings are available for Sea Cadets?

Sea Cadets can attend advanced training programs across the country covering seamanship, aviation, SCUBA, firefighting, cybersecurity, robotics, medical skills, leadership, and more. These are week-long immersive programs led by military and industry professionals.

Monthly Drills

The Foundation of Everything

Monthly drill days at the Richmond Naval Operations Support Center are the heartbeat of the America Division. This is where cadets train, advance in rank, build relationships, and develop the habits that make Sea Cadets different from every other youth program.

Drills are full-day events held on weekends. Expect physical training, naval knowledge instruction, uniform and rank inspections, drill and ceremony, and often a guest instructor from the military or professional community bringing real-world expertise into the room.

Physical training under qualified supervision
Naval customs, courtesies, and knowledge
Uniform standards and rank inspection
Drill and ceremony practice
Regular guest instructors — law enforcement, military, medical, and more
Community service coordination

View Drill Schedule

Sea Cadets doing physical training during a monthly drill at the Richmond NOSC

Beyond the Drill Floor

Advanced Training Programs

Sea Cadets offers immersive advanced training programs across the country — week-long experiences led by military and industry professionals in fields cadets are actually interested in.

Training at Sea	Training in the Air	Training on Land
Seamanship & Shipboard Operations	Aviation	Firefighting & Damage Control
Sailing	Airman Training	Special Operations
Small Boat Operations	FAA Ground School	Cybersecurity
Fleet Week & Overnight Shipboard Experiences	Aviation Maintenance	Public Safety (Marksmanship, Search & Rescue)
Submarine Seminar	Drones / UAV	Recruit Training & Leadership Training
SCUBA		Trade & Technical Skills

Advanced training availability varies by year. Contact us for current program offerings. Cadets typically become eligible for advanced training after completing their first year in the program.

America Division in Action

The Training We've Done

Our cadets have trained aboard aircraft carriers and Coast Guard cutters, stood color guard at the Virginia State Capitol and Richmond's National Cemetery, applied camo and set up field camps, and put on bomb disposal gear alongside Virginia State Police.

These aren't simulations. They are real experiences, with real professionals, in real environments — the kind of things most teenagers never get to do.

See Training Summaries View Gallery

America Division cadets aboard an aircraft carrier during advanced naval training

Rank Advancement

Earn Your Way Up

Sea Cadets rank mirrors the structure of the US Navy and Coast Guard. Every promotion is earned through demonstrated knowledge, physical fitness, leadership, and time in service. Higher rank means more responsibility — and more opportunity to lead.

E-1

Recruit

Entry level. Complete orientation, learn the basics, earn your first uniform.

E-2/3

Seaman

Demonstrate naval knowledge and physical standards. Begin leading by example.

E-4/5

Petty Officer

Take on leadership responsibilities within the unit. Mentor newer cadets.

E-6+

Senior PO & Above

Senior leadership of the cadet corps. Plan drills, set standards, lead the unit.

Common Questions

Training FAQ

What do Sea Cadets do at monthly drills?

Monthly drills include physical training, naval knowledge instruction, uniform inspection, drill and ceremony, and often guest instructors from the military, law enforcement, or other fields. Drills run most of the day on weekends.

What advanced trainings are available?

Sea Cadets can attend advanced programs across the country covering seamanship, aviation, SCUBA, firefighting, cybersecurity, robotics, medical skills, leadership, and more — week-long immersive programs led by military and industry professionals.

How does rank advancement work?

Cadets start as recruits and advance through naval ranks by completing requirements in naval knowledge, physical fitness, leadership, and time in service. Higher ranks bring more responsibility and more opportunity to lead.

Do cadets have to attend every drill?

Regular attendance at monthly drills is expected and required to advance in rank. We understand that life happens, but consistent commitment is what the program is built on. Contact us if you have specific questions about attendance policies.

Built to Challenge You