SEA CADET CORPS (NSCC)

Cadet Promotion and Advancement Requirements

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) provides young people with opportunities to develop leadership skills, discipline, teamwork, confidence, and an understanding of naval traditions and military service.

Throughout their Sea Cadet journey, cadets have the opportunity to advance through the ranks by demonstrating dedication, completing required coursework, attending training evolutions, maintaining physical fitness standards, and developing leadership abilities.

As cadets progress, they are given greater responsibilities and opportunities to lead, mentor, and serve as examples for junior cadets.

Sea Cadets can advance through seven enlisted ranks, beginning as a Seaman Recruit (E-1) and progressing to Chief Petty Officer (E-7), the highest rank available to Sea Cadets.

 

 

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E-0 RECRUIT CANIDATE (RC) TO E-1 SEAMAN RECRUIT(SR)

When new cadets join the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, they begin at the rank of Seaman Recruit (E-1).

During this time, cadets are introduced to military customs and courtesies, naval terminology, discipline, physical fitness, and the fundamentals of the Sea Cadet program.

One of the most important milestones for new cadets is successfully completing Recruit Orientation (RO).

1. Pass the Physical Readiness Test (PRT)

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E-1 SEAMAN RECRUIT TO E-2 SEAMAN APPRENTICE (SA)

To Promote from E-1 Seaman Recruit to E-2 Seaman Apprentice

One of the most important milestones for new cadets is attending and successfully completing Recruit Training (RT).

Cadets may advance to Seaman Apprentice (E-2) when the following requirements are met:

1. Complete the E-1 Seaman Recruit Indoctrination  Course and Exam in Polaris Advancement Coursework (SR PAC/ SR EXAM).
2. Complete the E-2 Seaman Apprentice Course in Polaris Advancement Coursework (SA PAC).
3. Successfully complete Recruit Training (RT) at an NHQ-approved training evolution.
4. Pass the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) within the previous six months.
5. Serve a minimum of 3 months Time in Service (TIS) as a Naval Sea Cadet.

Important Training Requirement

Cadets must complete the Recruit Orientation Course before becoming eligible to attend Recruit Training.

Recruit Training is designed to introduce cadets to military structure, teamwork, discipline, leadership, physical fitness, and naval traditions.

Recruit Training must be successfully completed before a cadet can advance past Seaman Apprentice (E-2).

Upon completion of these requirements, cadets are eligible for promotion to Seaman Apprentice (E-2).

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E-2 SEAMAN APPRENTICE TO E-3 SEAMAN (SN)

To Promote from E-2 Seaman Apprentice to E-3 Seaman

After completing Recruit Training and earning the rank of Seaman Apprentice, cadets begin expanding their naval knowledge and developing additional skills through advanced training opportunities.

At this stage, cadets are encouraged to explore their interests in various Navy and military career fields while continuing to develop leadership and teamwork abilities.

Cadets may advance to Seaman (E-3) when the following requirements are met:

1. Complete the E-3 Seaman Course in Polaris Advancement Coursework (PAC).
2. Successfully complete one NHQ-approved Advanced Training evolution.
3. Pass the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) within the previous six months.
4. Serve a minimum of 6 months Time in Grade (TIG) as a Seaman Apprentice (E-2).
5. Serve a minimum of 9 months Time in Service (TIS) as a Naval Sea Cadet.

Important Training Requirement

Cadets must successfully complete at least one approved Advanced Training to become eligible for advancement to Seaman.

Advanced Training provides cadets with opportunities to develop specialized skills and explore a variety of military-related career fields.

Important Note: Time served as an E-2T may count toward the Time in Grade requirement for promotion to E-3, in accordance with current NHQ regulations.

Upon completion of these requirements, cadets are eligible for promotion to Seaman (E-3).

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E-3 SEAMAN TO E-4 PETTY OFFICER THIRD CLASS (PO3)

To Promote from E-3 Seaman to E-4 Petty Officer Third Class

Advancement to Petty Officer Third Class represents a significant milestone in a Sea Cadet’s career.

Petty Officer Third Class is the first enlisted leadership rank within the Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

As cadets enter the petty officer ranks, they are expected to demonstrate increased responsibility, professionalism, discipline, and leadership.

Petty Officers are encouraged to mentor junior cadets, assist with unit activities, and serve as positive examples for others.

Cadets may advance to Petty Officer Third Class (E-4) when the following requirements are met:

1. Complete the Petty Officer Third Class (E-4) Coursework in Polaris Advancement Coursework (PAC).
2. Pass the Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) Examination in Polaris.
3. Successfully complete one NHQ-approved Advanced Training evolution.
4. Achieve a GOOD or higher score on the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) within the previous six months.
5. Serve a minimum of 6 months Time in Grade (TIG) as a Seaman (E-3).
6. Serve a minimum of 15 months Time in Service (TIS) as a Naval Sea Cadet.

Leadership Expectations

Upon earning the rank of Petty Officer Third Class, cadets are expected to begin taking a more active role in unit leadership.

This may include assisting with formations, mentoring junior cadets, helping conduct training, and demonstrating proper military customs and courtesies.

Promotion to Petty Officer Third Class is more than earning a new rank—it represents the beginning of a cadet’s leadership responsibilities.

Upon completion of these requirements, cadets may be promoted to Petty Officer Third Class (E-4).

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E-4 PETTY OFFICER THIRD CLASS TO E-5 PETTY OFFICER SECOND CLASS (PO2)

To Promote from E-4 Petty Officer Third Class to E-5 Petty Officer Second Class

Petty Officer Third Class cadets who demonstrate continued dedication, leadership, and professionalism may work toward advancement to Petty Officer Second Class.

At this level, cadets are expected to take on greater leadership responsibilities and assist in the development and training of junior cadets.

Advancement to Petty Officer Second Class also requires cadets to complete formal leadership training.

Cadets may advance to Petty Officer Second Class (E-5) when the following requirements are met:

1. Complete the Petty Officer Second Class (E-5) Coursework in Polaris Advancement Coursework (PAC).
2. Pass the Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) Examination in Polaris.
3. Successfully complete Petty Officer Leadership Academy (POLA) while holding the rank of Seaman (E-3) or Petty Officer Third Class (E-4).
4. Achieve a GOOD or higher score on the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) within the previous six months.
5. Serve a minimum of 6 months Time in Grade (TIG) as a Petty Officer Third Class (E-4).
6. Serve a minimum of 21 months Time in Service (TIS) as a Naval Sea Cadet.

Important Training Requirement

Petty Officer Leadership Academy (POLA) is a required training evolution for advancement to Petty Officer Second Class.

POLA focuses on developing leadership skills, communication, responsibility, decision-making, and the ability to effectively lead and mentor other cadets.

Cadets must complete POLA while serving as a Seaman (E-3) or Petty Officer Third Class (E-4).

Important Note: If POLA was previously used to satisfy the Advanced Training requirement for promotion to Petty Officer Third Class, the cadet must complete an additional NHQ-approved training to meet advancement requirements.

Leadership Expectations

Petty Officer Second Class cadets are expected to demonstrate leadership through their actions and commitment to the unit.

They should be capable of supervising junior cadets, assisting with training activities, supporting unit operations, and maintaining high standards of military bearing.

Upon completion of these requirements, cadets may be promoted to Petty Officer Second Class (E-5).

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E-5 PETTY OFFICER SECOND CLASS TO E-6 PETTY OFFICER FIRST CLASS (PO1)

To Promote from E-5 Petty Officer Second Class to E-6 Petty Officer First Class

Advancement to Petty Officer First Class is an important achievement that recognizes a cadet’s continued commitment to leadership, professionalism, and personal development.

Petty Officer First Class cadets are considered senior enlisted leaders within the Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

At this level, cadets are expected to demonstrate strong leadership abilities, maintain high standards of conduct, and assist unit officers and senior cadet leadership with daily operations.

Cadets may advance to Petty Officer First Class (E-6) when the following requirements are met:

1. Complete the Petty Officer First Class (E-6) Coursework in Polaris Advancement Coursework (PAC).
2. Pass the Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Examination in Polaris.
3. Successfully complete one NHQ-approved Advanced Training evolution.
4. Achieve a GOOD or higher score on the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) within the previous six months.
5. Serve a minimum of 6 months Time in Grade (TIG) as a Petty Officer Second Class (E-5).
6. Serve a minimum of 27 months Time in Service (TIS) as a Naval Sea Cadet.

Leadership Expectations

Petty Officer First Class cadets should demonstrate the leadership skills and maturity necessary to guide and mentor junior petty officers and cadets.

Responsibilities may include supervising divisions, assisting with training plans, leading formations, maintaining accountability, and supporting unit operations.

Petty Officer First Class cadets should also begin preparing for the responsibilities and expectations associated with advancement to Chief Petty Officer.

Cadets interested in pursuing Chief Petty Officer are encouraged to seek opportunities to serve as Staff Cadets at approved training evolutions.

Upon successful completion of these requirements, cadets may be promoted to Petty Officer First Class (E-6).

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E-6 PETTY OFFICER FIRST CLASS TO E-7 CHIEF PETTY OFFICER (CPO)

To Promote from E-6 Petty Officer First Class to E-7 Chief Petty Officer

Chief Petty Officer (CPO) is the highest enlisted rank a cadet can achieve in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

Earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer represents one of the most significant accomplishments in a Sea Cadet’s career.

This achievement requires dedication, perseverance, leadership, physical fitness, advanced training, and a strong commitment to the values of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

Chief Petty Officers are expected to serve as senior enlisted leaders, mentors, and role models for all cadets within their units.

Unlike previous advancements, promotion to Chief Petty Officer requires cadets to demonstrate their leadership abilities through Staff Cadet service and successfully complete a Chief Petty Officer selection board.

Cadets may advance to Chief Petty Officer (E-7) when the following requirements are met:

1. Complete the Chief Petty Officer (E-7) Coursework in Polaris Advancement Coursework (PAC).
2. Successfully complete Petty Officer Leadership Academy (POLA) before performing the required Staff Cadet leadership assignment.
3. Successfully complete Staff Cadet Duty in a leadership position at an approved Naval Sea Cadet Recruit Training (RT) or Navy League Cadet Orientation (NLO).
4. Complete any additional NHQ-approved Advanced Training required if Staff Cadet Duty was previously used to satisfy an earlier advancement requirement.
5. Achieve a GOOD or higher score on the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) within the previous six months.
6. Serve a minimum of 6 months Time in Grade (TIG) as a Petty Officer First Class (E-6).
7. Serve a minimum of 33 months Time in Service (TIS) as a Naval Sea Cadet.
8. Be at least 16 years of age at the time of advancement.
9. Successfully complete and pass a Chief Petty Officer Board.

Important Staff Cadet Requirement

Candidates for Chief Petty Officer must complete Staff Cadet Duty in an approved leadership position after completing Petty Officer Leadership Academy.

Staff Cadet Duty provides senior cadets with the opportunity to demonstrate their leadership skills by assisting with the training, supervision, and development of junior cadets.

During this assignment, candidates are expected to demonstrate professionalism, accountability, communication, decision-making, and leadership.

Important Note: If Staff Cadet Duty was previously used to satisfy the Advanced Training requirement for promotion to Petty Officer First Class, another approved Advanced Training must be completed to meet the requirements for Chief Petty Officer advancement.

Chief Petty Officer Board

Candidates pursuing advancement to Chief Petty Officer must successfully complete a Chief Petty Officer Board.

The board evaluates a cadet’s leadership abilities, naval knowledge, military bearing, professionalism, and readiness to accept the responsibilities associated with the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Cadets should be prepared to demonstrate their understanding of naval traditions, leadership principles, the chain of command, and the values of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

Leadership Expectations

Chief Petty Officers are expected to be among the most experienced and respected cadet leaders within their units.

Their responsibilities may include mentoring junior petty officers, supporting unit officers, assisting in the planning and execution of training activities, and maintaining the highest standards of military professionalism.

Earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer is not simply another promotion. It represents a cadet’s dedication, character, leadership, and commitment to serving others.

Upon successful completion of all advancement requirements and the Chief Petty Officer Board, cadets may be promoted to Chief Petty Officer (E-7).