What is the Navy League?

The Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) is for boys and girls, at least 11 but not yet 13 years old, who are interested in the sea and ships, and our nations seagoing services. The Navy League program is designed to introduce young people to maritime and military life, and to prepare them for later entrance into the Naval Sea Cadet Corps.  Members of the unit remain civilians and are not obligated to join the military in the future.  If members do choose to join the military, they may do so at an accelerated level due to participation in the Sea Cadet program.

Navy League Units

Cadets meet or "drill" at their local unit one weekend per month.   A one day “makeup drill” is also scheduled within each corresponding month.  Opportunities for additional training, excursions and events may be incorporated throughout the calendar year.  

A unit is structured along military lines and is headed by a Commanding Officer. Units may drill on military bases, at reserve centers, local schools, or community centers.

Navy League units are organized as Training Ships or companies. NLCC training ships and companies are affiliated with Sea Cadet units and most often drill on the same day and at the same location as their sister unit.

Like Sea Cadet units, the NLCC training ship and company has one main purpose, and that is to foster team work, camaraderie and an understanding of the military command structure among cadets.

Cadets are instructed by both Sea Cadet Officers and senior Sea Cadets through classroom and applied instruction in subjects such as basic seamanship, military drill, and leadership.   instructors and Officers may also include  active, reserved or retired members of the military.  Most regions throughout the country hold weekend competitions where training ships and companies compete with each other to test their seamanship and military skills.

Training & Advancement

Navy League cadets are trained in nautical skills such as knot tying and splicing, signaling, water safety and swimming, first aid, and even fire fighting. Cadets are instructed in military drill and discipline and are taught from a syllabus covering naval history to ship nomenclature. Navy League cadets also tour ships and bases and participate in community events such as parades and fairs.

In addition, cadets have the opportunity to participate in weekend long competitions and one week long summer training held on Navy and Coast Guard bases. Week long summer training is comprised of NLCC Cadet Orientation or "mini boot camp" for new cadets, and advanced training for senior cadets.

NLCC boot camp provides intense training in military and naval subjects and an introduction to the military atmosphere. NLCC advanced training provides senior cadets with training in leadership, boat safety, and subjects relevant to prepare cadets for the Sea Cadets.

Taking part in the pride and honor of wearing the Navy uniform, and being apart of a fine organization gives the NLCC cadet a sense of service. In addition, NLCC cadets who complete one year in the program, and later enter the Sea Cadets, will enter at a higher rate. The training received in the NLCC will give cadets the experience for an easy transition to the Naval Sea Cadet Corps.