⚓ WELCOME ABOARD!

Battleship Utah (BB-31) Division & Training Ship Bennion

United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps | Area 15

Welcome to the Battleship Utah Division and Training Ship Bennion family!

We are excited to have you join the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC). Whether you are a new recruit, a returning cadet, or a parent beginning this journey alongside your child, we want to ensure you have the information, resources, and support needed for a successful experience.

The Sea Cadet program offers young people opportunities to develop leadership, discipline, confidence, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility while exploring military traditions, careers, and specialized training opportunities.

Our goal is to provide every cadet with an environment where they can learn, grow, challenge themselves, and achieve their fullest potential.

Your journey starts here. Welcome aboard!

⚓ GETTING STARTED: IMPORTANT RESOURCES

One of the most important things new cadets and parents can do is become familiar with the resources available through the Sea Cadet program.

Sea Cadet Homeport

Homeport is a central resource for information about the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

Through Homeport, cadets and parents can find important information regarding:

Cadet advancement requirements
Training opportunities and registration information
Uniform regulations and grooming standards
Program manuals and publications
Physical Readiness Test (PRT) requirements
Required forms and additional program resources

Access Homeport: Sea Cadet Homeport

Polaris Learning Management System

Polaris is the online learning platform used by cadets to complete required coursework and advancement examinations.

Once enrolled, cadets will receive information about accessing the appropriate systems.

Cadets are expected to regularly monitor their assigned coursework and take responsibility for completing advancement requirements.

Remember: Advancement begins with personal responsibility.

⚓ NEW RECRUIT REQUIREMENTS

Before beginning your journey as a Sea Cadet or League Cadet, several enrollment requirements must be completed.

In addition to submitting the required enrollment application, new cadets must provide:

A completed medical examination and required medical documentation.
A copy of their most recent school report card.
Any additional enrollment documents requested by unit administration.

Parents should ensure that all required information is current and properly submitted through the designated enrollment system.

Keeping your cadet’s records accurate and up to date is essential for participating in drills, training opportunities, and other unit activities.

Uniforms and Equipment

Once enrollment requirements have been completed, new cadets will be directed to the Supply Officer to receive their initial uniform issue and equipment.

Depending on availability and program requirements, issued items may include uniforms, a sea bag, and other necessary equipment.

Families will also be responsible for purchasing certain uniform items, including:

Black tactical or combat boots that meet uniform regulations.
Black dress shoes, unless otherwise instructed.
Required physical training (PT) clothing. The unit will issue each cadet one set.

PT uniforms and additional uniform items may be purchased through: Vanguard Military

Uniform Standards

Proper uniform wear is an important part of the Sea Cadet experience.

Cadets are expected to maintain their uniforms in a clean, professional, and inspection-ready condition.

This includes:

Proper placement of insignia, patches, ribbons, and rank devices.
Clean and serviceable footwear.
Appropriate grooming and personal appearance.
Following all applicable uniform regulations.

Cadets will be provided guidance and access to uniform regulations to assist them in understanding proper uniform wear.

A properly maintained uniform reflects pride in yourself, your unit, and the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

⚓ MONTHLY DRILLS AND ATTENDANCE

The Battleship Utah Division and Training Ship Bennion conduct regularly scheduled drills throughout the year.

Monthly drills provide opportunities for cadets to participate in military instruction, leadership development, physical fitness, team-building activities, and specialized training.

Plan of the Month (POM)

Each drill is organized through a Plan of the Month (POM).

The POM contains important information, including:

Drill dates and reporting times
Drill location
Uniform of the day
Required equipment and supplies
Training schedules and planned activities
Special instructions
Important unit announcements

The POM is generally available approximately two weeks before the scheduled drill and can be accessed through our unit website.

Cadets and parents are responsible for reviewing the POM before every drill.

Attendance Expectations

Regular drill attendance is a fundamental requirement of the Sea Cadet program.

Consistent attendance allows cadets to develop essential skills, build relationships, demonstrate leadership, and remain on track for advancement.

We understand that school, family obligations, illness, and unexpected circumstances may occasionally interfere with attendance.

When a cadet cannot attend a scheduled drill, notification must be submitted in advance through the appropriate chain of command whenever possible.

Every cadet should know:

Their assigned Squad Leader
Their Leading Petty Officer (LPO)
Their immediate chain of command
How to properly report an absence or request assistance

Learning to communicate through the chain of command is an important part of developing leadership, professionalism, and accountability.

⚓ CADET ADVANCEMENT

The Sea Cadet program provides opportunities for cadets to earn promotions, assume leadership positions, and take on greater responsibilities.

Advancement is not automatic. Cadets must demonstrate their commitment to meeting program requirements.

Four Key Advancement Requirements

1. Time in Service and Time in Rank

Cadets must meet the required amount of time in the program and at their current rank before becoming eligible for advancement.

2. Required Coursework

Cadets must successfully complete all coursework and examinations associated with their next rank.

3. Physical Readiness Test (PRT)

Cadets must meet the physical fitness requirements established by the USNSCC.

4. Required Training

Cadets must complete the appropriate training requirements for their advancement level, which may include Recruit Training, Navy League Orientation, or advanced training.

Additional qualifications may apply depending on the specific advancement.

Advancement is earned through dedication, preparation, and personal effort.

⚓ COURSEWORK AND POLARIS

Education is an essential part of the Sea Cadet experience.

The Polaris Learning Management System allows cadets to complete required coursework independently, including between monthly drills.

Cadets are assigned a Polaris Advancement Course (PAC) based on their current rank and program requirements.

Coursework Expectations

Cadets are expected to:

Regularly log into Polaris.
Review their assigned coursework.
Complete required lessons and examinations.
Achieve a passing score of at least 80%.
Ask their chain of command for assistance when needed.

Cadets should not wait until the week before drill to begin their coursework.

Completing assignments consistently allows cadets to progress through the program and prepares them for additional responsibilities.

Successful cadets take ownership of their advancement.

⚓ PHYSICAL READINESS TEST (PRT)

Physical fitness is a core component of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

The Physical Readiness Test (PRT) measures a cadet’s physical fitness and encourages the development of healthy habits, strength, and endurance.

PRT Events

The standard PRT includes:

Push-ups – Measuring upper-body muscular endurance.
Plank – Measuring core strength and endurance.
One-Mile Run – Measuring cardiovascular endurance.

Performance standards are determined by the cadet’s age and applicable program requirements.

PRT Expectations

Cadets are required to successfully complete the PRT twice each year.

Cadets attending Recruit Training must also meet the physical fitness requirements established for that training.

Some advanced training opportunities may have additional or more demanding physical fitness standards.

Cadets are encouraged to maintain a consistent physical fitness routine throughout the year rather than preparing only when a PRT is scheduled.

Physical Fitness Recognition

Cadets who achieve qualifying fitness scores may be eligible for additional recognition, including ribbons associated with National or Presidential fitness standards.

Detailed requirements and scoring information are available through official USNSCC PRT publications.

Physical readiness is not simply about passing a test. It is about developing discipline, perseverance, and a commitment to personal improvement.

⚓ RECRUIT TRAINING AND ADVANCED TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

One of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of the Sea Cadet program is the opportunity to attend specialized training.

These experiences allow cadets to develop new skills, explore potential career paths, meet cadets from across the country, and build lifelong friendships.

Recruit Training (RT)

Sea Cadet recruits must complete Recruit Training as part of their advancement.

Recruit Training is an immersive experience designed to reinforce the knowledge, discipline, teamwork, and military customs introduced during monthly drills and coursework.

Cadets participate in structured activities that challenge them physically, mentally, and academically.

Navy League Orientation (NLO)

League Cadets participate in Navy League Orientation, which introduces younger cadets to military customs, teamwork, leadership, and the foundational skills needed for success in the program.

Advanced Training Opportunities

After completing the appropriate introductory training, eligible cadets may participate in a variety of advanced training programs.

Depending on availability, these opportunities may include:

Aviation and aerospace
Medical and emergency services
Culinary arts
Seamanship and maritime operations
Leadership development
Field operations
Engineering and technical specialties
Additional Navy and military-related career exploration

Each training has specific eligibility requirements that may include age, rank, physical fitness, completed coursework, and previous training.

Some highly specialized or popular training opportunities may require a competitive application process due to limited availability.

Cadets are responsible for reviewing training prerequisites and ensuring they meet all requirements before applying.

Our Commitment to Training Opportunities

We strongly encourage every eligible cadet to participate in one or two training opportunities each year, whenever possible.

We recognize that the cost of training, travel, and transportation can sometimes create financial challenges for families.

Our leadership team is committed to helping cadets explore available options and resources.

If financial concerns may prevent your cadet from attending a training, please reach out to the unit leadership.

We want every cadet to have the opportunity to experience the incredible benefits that training can provide.

Your cadet’s potential should not be overlooked because of financial challenges.

⚓ ANNUAL UNIT INSPECTION

Every United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps unit participates in an annual inspection.

This inspection evaluates the unit’s overall performance, administrative readiness, training accomplishments, and compliance with national program standards.

Areas Evaluated During Inspection

The annual inspection may include a review of:

Cadet uniform appearance and military bearing
Cadet and officer drill attendance
Completion of required coursework
Participation in recruit and advanced training
Physical Readiness Test scores
Cadet enrollment and officer participation
Completion of mandatory training and safety instruction
Administrative documentation and medical records
Financial records and accountability
Overall unit readiness and performance

Our annual inspection is more than an evaluation.

It is an opportunity to demonstrate the dedication, achievements, teamwork, and professionalism of our entire unit.

Every cadet and officer contributes to our overall success.

Consistent attendance, advancement, physical readiness, training participation, and properly maintained records all contribute to building a strong and successful division.

We take tremendous pride in the accomplishments of our cadets and strive to maintain a unit that reflects the highest standards of the Sea Cadet program.

Our goal is not simply to meet expectations.

Our goal is to exceed them.

⚓ THE ROLE OF PARENTS AND FAMILIES

The success of our unit depends on the combined efforts of our cadets, officers, volunteers, and families.

Parents play an essential role in supporting their cadet’s experience.

We encourage families to stay involved by:

Reviewing the monthly POM and unit announcements.
Encouraging regular attendance and participation.
Helping cadets maintain their uniforms and required equipment.
Supporting their cadet’s coursework and advancement goals.
Ensuring medical and enrollment records remain current.
Encouraging physical fitness and preparation for training.
Communicating questions or concerns with unit leadership.
Supporting unit events, volunteer opportunities, and activities whenever possible.

As cadets grow in the program, we encourage parents to allow them to take increasing responsibility for their communication, preparation, and advancement.

This independence is one of the most valuable leadership skills cadets can develop.

We are not simply teaching cadets to follow directions. We are helping them become confident, responsible leaders.

⚓ OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

The officers and adult volunteers of the Battleship Utah Division and Training Ship Bennion are dedicated to providing a positive, challenging, and rewarding experience for every cadet.

We strive to create an environment built upon respect, accountability, teamwork, leadership, and service.

We recognize that each cadet enters the program with different goals, abilities, and interests.

Some may dream of military service, while others hope to build confidence, develop leadership skills, explore new opportunities, or simply become part of something bigger than themselves.

Whatever their goals may be, we are committed to helping them succeed.

We ask our cadets to demonstrate dedication, respect, responsibility, and a willingness to learn.

We ask our families to support their cadets and maintain open communication with our leadership team.

And we promise to do our part by providing meaningful opportunities, encouragement, mentorship, and guidance throughout their Sea Cadet journey.

⚓ YOUR JOURNEY. YOUR COMMITMENT. YOUR FUTURE.

Every cadet will gain something different from the Sea Cadet program.

The opportunities are extraordinary, but the experience is ultimately shaped by the dedication and effort each cadet contributes.

We encourage every cadet to embrace the challenges, pursue new experiences, make lasting friendships, and take pride in every accomplishment.

You do not have to be the strongest, the fastest, or the most experienced cadet to succeed. You simply need to be willing to learn, work hard, and never stop improving.