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Become an Instructor

What do I need to do to become an Instructor?

Step 1: Verify your qualifications

  • Must be US citizen (no waivers available)
  • Age:  Minimum age is 21.  Maximum age is 75 (over 75 must apply for a waiver).  Individuals who are18-21 years old who have prior Sea Cadet, military or similar experience (JROTC, CAP, Etc.) may join as a Midshipman.
  • While not required to meet the physical standards of the Navy/Coast Guard officer programs, ALL adults must be physically qualified for the duties they will perform for the Sea Cadet Program. Height and weight standards set forth in the Sea Cadet Regulations must be met for adults to wear the Sea Cadet uniforms. 
Adult applicants must be in good health commensurate with their age group and be free from any ailment or condition that would prevent them from satisfactorily performing their primary duty of supervising youth.

NOTE: Adults not physically qualified to perform all duties may still participate with a waiver from NHQ
considering the parameters of their expected contribution to the NSCC program.
  • Must possess high moral standards, adhere to ethical standards of behavior, be citizens of good standing in the community, and have NO felony convictions.
  • Must complete Background Check
  • There is no specific educational or professional requirements other than the applicants must be able to support and contribute to achieving the goals of the NSCC program.


Step 2: Contact Our Division

  • We need to know that you’re thinking of joining.  This will help us ensure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about joining.  Begin your contact with our division by emailing the Executive Officer.  You may also call our commanding officer at (985) 705-2820.


Step 3:  Attend a Mandatory Weekend Drill

  • Once you’ve contacted us, you will be invited to attend the next mandatory weekend drill.
  • This will give you an opportunity to see what the Sea Cadets are all about.  You will be shown the benefits and requirements of the program.  We will also answer any questions you have about the program.


Step 4: Commanding Officer Interview

  • This is normally completed at some point during the enrollment process.  The purpose of this interview is to ensure that the adult volunteer understands the purpose of the program and the role of the adult leadership.  It also serves as a forum for either party to ask any other questions that may have come up since the application process began.


Step 5: Fill out enrollment paperwork

All adult applicants must complete the adult leader application packet and submit it to the unit commanding officer.  Applicants will be subject to a background check prior to service.

Adult Leader Application Packet NSCADM 002 - This packet will include the following:

Application: This includes member information and declarations.  A full-length, 3/4 angled photo is required for enrollment.  NHQ will use this photo to determine Uniform or Non-Uniform status.

Request for Reference: Apllicants must provide three (3) character references as part of the enrollment process.  Relatives cannot be included. 

Report of Medical History: Although a physical is not required, the Medical History form must be completed. Applicants on active duty, or who are drilling reservists, may submit the appropriate DOD form. The Medical History form should be updated every 5 years or whenever a change occurs and at least 30 days prior to Escort Duty. See NSCC Medical Policies and Procedures Manual for guidelines.


Other Special Documents that May Be Needed for Application if Appllicable

Military ID Card: Retired, Active duty, or Reservists are to present their current military ID card to the Unit Commanding Officer upon submission of the Adult Leader Application (NSCADM 002). A Statement of Service from the applicant's command will be submitted in lieu of the ID Card.

Record of Discharge (DD 214): All prior military must include a copy of this form.

Request for Waiver: ALL waiver requests must accompany the enrollment packet and be endorsed by the chain of command.


Step 6: Turn in paperwork and enrollment fees

  • Once the paperwork is completed, turn it in to the Unit Commanding Officer.  Ensure that all forms are properly filled out and signed where necessary.  Forms can be turned in personally at a regular drill or they can be mailed in to the Commanding  Officer.
US Naval Sea Cadets
PO Box 86472
Baton Rouge, LA 70879
  • The enrollment fee for adults is $18.  (Annual re-enrollment is also $18.) This covers the adult’s registration and accident insurance policy.
  • Fees may be paid with check, money order, or in cash.  Make any checks out to US Naval Sea Cadets.
  • You may also pay the enrollment fee online with a credit card by clicking here.


Step 7: Background Check Complete

Once the applicant's background check returns "CLEAR", NHQ will issue the applicant's NSCC ID.  The applicant is introduced to the unit as a new instructor.


Step 8.  Indoctrination and Billet Assignment

During the course of the next six months, those volunteers who will be full time instructors will need to attending every mandatory drill weekend.  They will also work on the Officer-Midshipman Study Guide online.  All instructors are encouraged to attend the Officer Professional Development Classes when offered.  This course is a requirement for any instructor desiring to hold an officer billet (Department Head or Division Officer).  Once the OMSG is completed, the instructor may be assigned an official billet.

Contact the Executive Officer at any time during the enrollment process if you have any questions or problems.  We are here to help you and hope to see you drilling with the unit soon.

Frequently Asked Questions