Step 1: Contact Us
Fill out the contact form or call the recruiting officer at 612-405-0756. We can usually respond to you within 48 hours and will provide you with dates and times for the upcoming parent brief and shadow day.
Step 2: Parent/Cadet Brief
Attend an online parent brief with your prospective cadet. Parent briefs are typically held at 2000 hrs (8:00 p.m.) on a weeknight before a drill weekend. Parent briefs provide a brief introduction to the program, as well as information on how to get started. At the end of the presentation, parents and prospective cadets have the opportunity to ask questions and get information on the upcoming shadow day.
Exact dates and times can vary, so please check with the recruiting officer for information and to be added to the list for the next brief.
Step 3: Shadow Day
All prospective cadets are invited to attend a shadow day to experience a typical drill day. They will be able to ask questions, learn about military bearing and courtesies, and get to know some of the cadets before they decide if this program is right for them.
Learn more about what to expect at shadow day.
Step 4: Application Package
After your shadow day a set of forms will be sent to you and reviewed at the parent/cadet orientation meeting. Information to be collected will be:
- Member Information
- Consent and Release of Liability by Parent/Guardian
- Report of Medical History
- Report of Medical Exam (A medical exam similar to a high school sports physical is required. This can be turned in within 30 days of enrolling.)
- Medical History Supplemental (To be filled out only if cadet is on regular medications.)
- Request for Accommodation (To be filled out if a medical condition precludes full, unlimited participation.)
- Parental/Guardian Support Agreement
Step 5: Induction Ceremony
Once the application and enrollment fee are turned in, your cadet will be ready to start. At the end of their first drill weekend, your cadet will be sworn in during evening colors (usually on a Sunday afternoon). Parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc are welcome to attend. Please provide a list of guests to the recruitment officer to provide the MA (master-at-arms) at the door. Evening colors begin at 1500 hrs (3:00 p.m.), at which time there won’t be anyone tending the door, so make sure to be there early. New recruits should familiarize themselves with the Sea Cadet Oath prior to induction.
Step 6: Get Uniforms
After the new recruit has joined, they will be issued their SeaBag and uniforms, usually the following month. View a full list of required uniforms. View a full list of required uniform items. ((LINK: Uniform Spreadsheet))
Cadet Responsibility
In addition to what you are issued, you will need to purchase:
- Coyote brown t-shirts to wear under the NWU Type III uniforms
- White t-shirts to wear under the dress uniforms
- Black combat boots
- Black Oxford dress shoes
- Running shoes
All cadets wear the Recruit cover until they have completed Recruit Training (Sea Cadets) or Basic League Orientation (League Cadets).
Step 7: Recruit Training
Attend a recruit training.
