PARENTS & FAMILIES

Prospective family visit or new family orientation: Parents stay for the first 30–60 minutes while you explain the program.

After orientation: Parents depart unless they're registered volunteers or have been invited to observe a specific activity.

Special events: Parents are encouraged to attend inspections, promotions, graduations, awards, and community events.

Cadets should arrive on time and prepared with the required uniform, a refillable water bottle, notebook, pen, and any items identified in the Plan of the Month (POM). Lunch and snacks should be brought if indicated in the POM.

Please notify the unit of any medical conditions, allergies, dietary restrictions, or medications that may affect your cadet's participation. Keeping medical information current helps us provide a safe training environment and respond appropriately in the event of an emergency.

Cadets are expected to take responsibility for communicating anticipated absences through the unit's established chain of communication as early as possible. Parents may assist when necessary, particularly if a cadet is unable to communicate due to illness or an emergency.

No. Families should wait until after attending a drill weekend before purchasing uniforms. Our staff will explain uniform requirements, proper sizing, and where to purchase authorized items.

Annapolis Division drills one weekend each month, typically the 3rd weekend, from 0745 to 1515 on both Saturday and Sunday. Additional community service events, ceremonies, and optional training opportunities are offered throughout the year.

Cadets may participate in recruit training, advanced trainings, leadership schools, STEM programs, sailing, aviation, JAG, cybersecurity, medical training, music, color guard, community service, and many other national training opportunities.

Advancement is based on a combination of factors, including time in service, completion of required coursework, satisfactory drill attendance, demonstrated leadership, physical readiness, and successful completion of advancement requirements established by the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

Parents play an important role by encouraging regular attendance, helping cadets arrive prepared for drill, reviewing unit communications, and supporting their cadet's commitment to leadership and personal responsibility. Families are also encouraged to volunteer and participate in unit events whenever possible.

Annapolis Division welcomes dedicated adult volunteers with a variety of backgrounds and skills. Opportunities include administration, training support, logistics, recruiting, fundraising, transportation coordination, and event support. All volunteers must complete the required U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps application and screening process before serving with cadets.

We're here to help. If you have questions about joining, uniforms, training, attendance, or unit operations, please contact the Annapolis Division leadership team using the information on our Contact Us page.