Yes, Raleigh Battalion would like all potential cadets to shadow two drills prior to commitment to the unit. NOTE: Parents are required to stay with the prospective cadets during the shadow drills.

Yes. Raleigh Battalion would greatly appreciate it if one parent from each household could volunteer, with volunteer time at the parents discretion. Opportunities may exist for volunteering time and talents outside of drills as well. There are various administration and recruiting needs that require time and talent.

Anyone 10 years or older may join. Ages 10-13 are considered League Cadets, while ages 14 through high school graduation are considered Sea Cadets. Adults can volunteer at any age, with minimum requirements met.

Raleigh Battalion meets for drills two Saturdays per month. Cadets are required to maintain 75% participation. We meet 800-1500 (8:00am to 3:00pm) in or near Raleigh, NC. Additionally, if your child advances in the ranks, he or she will be required to communicate with their subordinates outside of drill hours.

Parents should have their child present on time (15 minutes early) and need to sign their child in for each drill. Please pick up your child on time at the end of each drill.

Your local Sea Cadets unit meets year-round, either one or two days per month, and sometimes overnight. The drill schedule varies from unit to unit. Drills consist of team-building, physical training activities, close-order military drill, and practical hands-on instruction. This may also involve special off-site activities such as tours of military bases or naval ships. Sea Cadet trainings occur only twice a year—during summer and winter school break. Trainings, which are 1-2 week-long and take place throughout the country, offer specialized disciplines such as field operations, aviation, seamanship, robotics, and SCUBA.

High-school aged cadets are required to attend at least one training per calendar year. Middle-school aged cadets can optionally attend trainings. Trainings are the most exciting and rewarding aspect of Sea Cadets. Trainings allow cadets to grow as individuals and to explore a variety of new opportunities that will prepare them for their futures.

While we understand that children may be involved in a number of extracurricular activities, attendance and participation at drills are required of active Sea Cadets. Attendance requirements vary by unit. Units are required to offer 120 hours of drill per year. A cadet may miss no more than 30 hours of drill per calendar year.

Sea Cadets offers unparalleled leadership training, adventure, and personal growth that rivals programs costing several times as much. Please note that all costs and payments into the program are strictly for the benefit of the cadet. All Officers in the program volunteer all their time, efforts, and travel, and receive no compensation/benefits from the cost to join the program or go to training. [Fixed Cost] Prior to Starting: $599 Enrollment Fee Required before starting as it includes yearly insurance, initial set of uniforms & membership fee [Variable Cost] Month One to Month Three, $75 – $125 Boots (if we’re unable to issue) Sewing on patches/name tapes & uniform tailoring, if needed Other miscellaneous items of common purchase [Fixed and Variable Cost] Month Three to Month Six, $350 [Fixed Cost] Recruit Training: $250, which will take place during Winter or Summer Break only Covers training, food, lodging expenses, etc [Variable Cost] Miscellaneous items: $100 average Majority of items you’ll already have from being outfitted and prepared from Month One to Month Three Additionally, new high-school aged cadets are expected to attend Sea Cadet Recruit Training within their first year. Costs of this training are detailed below.

Important: New high-school aged cadets must attend Sea Cadet Recruit Training (RT) within their first year. New middle-school aged cadets can optionally attend League Cadet Orientation (NLO). Other trainings can be attended only after graduating RT or NLO. Trainings typically cost between $250 and $350. (High-cost trainings like SCUBA, sailing, aviation programs may charge a higher fee.) Our trainings are similar to a “sleep away camp” and are 7-14 days in duration of overnight stay at the training location. High-school aged cadets are required to attend at least one training per calendar year, which occur at sites nationwide. The training cost includes activities, instruction, meals, and lodging. Transportation to and from the training location is not included.

We focus on the potential of each applicant, not just where they are now. Anything is possible to achieve with hard work and dedication. Applicants must show they have the potential to pass our Physical Readiness Test (PRT). While this is not required to enroll, they must show that they are willing to pass our PRT within 3 months of enrollment and at least once every 6 months.

The Sea Cadets Physical Readiness Test (PRT) consists of three activities performed in order: Plank Push-ups 1-Mile Run No cadet will be eligible to participate in Navy League Orientation, Sea Cadets Recruit Training or Advanced Training unless he/she has taken and passed the PRT within the preceding six months. Level 2 or above must be attained for Recruit Training and Level 3 or above must be attained to attend Advanced Training.

Drill schedules are posted in TeamSnap, an app available via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

If you have questions beyond those answered here in the FAQs, please don't hesitate email our Parents' Liaison.