When do you meet?

Marvin Shields Battalion meets one weekend a month. This is typically one consecutive Saturday and Sunday from 8am-4pm. A few times throughout the year, our unit will conduct an overnight drill starting on a Friday or Saturday and ending that same Sunday afternoon.  Due to the unique nature of our location and staff, we have an overnight option any time we are at our Home Base.  See our annual Calendar HERE.

Where do you meet?

We are fortunate to have a few locations in Tampa Bay that we meet at depending on the needs of the drill. Whether our needs consist of classrooms, land, or seafaring environments, we are able to meet the needs of our sea cadets and find the best training location available. Although our location changes, we have a Home Base that is typically where you will find us. You can see this location on our Contact Page.

What takes place on a drill weekend?

Our goal is to expose cadets to a wide variety of career options through hands-on activities taught by local professionals. Additionally, we ensure that our adult and cadet leadership alike focus on training good moral judgement, military bearing, and seafaring activities.

Are cadets only trained one weekend a month?

No. Summer and winter breaks are full of Advanced Training opportunities for cadets to spend at a training camp anywhere from 3-14 days away from home and spend time learning daily on the topic of their choosing from a variety of courses. Some examples are: Scuba Diving, Medical, Culinary, Field Ops, SEAL, Aviation, Photojournalism, Firefighting, STEM, and so many more.

Will I be required to join the U.S. Armed Forced if I become a cadet?

No. We are not a recruiting vehicle for the armed services. Cadets have absolutely no commitment regarding future military service.

I want to enlist in the military after high school.  How can the Sea Cadets help me?

For those cadets who decide to enlist in the military, their prior training as a Sea Cadet may allow them to join at an advanced pay grade. This means that a cadet who enlists may be eligible for a higher rank and pay than his or her non-cadet counterparts. Cadets who choose to enlist in the military also tend to do better and stay in longer. Each cadet who enters the armed services is a disciplined, well-trained individual who typically adjusts better to the rigors of military service than those with no experience.

I want to apply for a service academy or another officer commissioning program after high school.  How can the Sea Cadets help me?

Being a Sea Cadet can help individuals become more competitive for certain programs. More than 12% of the Class of 2019 at the U.S. Naval Academy were former Sea Cadets. Every year many graduating high school seniors are accepted into ROTC or OCS programs around the country. We think some of this can be attributed to the unparalleled training experience received as a Sea Cadet.

Can anyone join?

We welcome all applicants who meet our program’s eligibility requirements. The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps will never discriminate based on race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, disability, color, religion, or national origin. It is very important to us to promote a culture of inclusion in our Sea Cadet family.

Will I have to pay membership fees?

Yes. Your enrollment fee includes premiums paid toward the Sea Cadet Group Accident and Health Protection Plan. This is our insurance plan, designed to keep you covered in the low likelihood of something happening during a cadet-sponsored training event. It is important to us that the membership fees are minimal in order to be accessible to as many people as possible.

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Annual enrollment fees are: $300 for a one time first year fee and $200/year per each NSCC/NLCC cadet.

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Annual enrollment fees are based on the cost of program operation and administration.

What kind of uniforms will I wear?

Cadets are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy enlisted uniforms appropriately marked with the NSCC/NLCC insignia.

Do I buy my own uniforms?

Surplus U.S. Navy uniforms are made available to the NSCC and NLCC. These uniforms, in turn, are then made available to cadets and included in the costs of initial dues. Uniform needs that cannot be met through this source may be purchased at Navy Exchange Uniform Shops. Cadets will be responsible for some undershirts, socks, and a few other items that are not part of the main uniform.