Training Ship Pampanito, NLCC

RFTA Camp Parks

For more information about the USS Pampanito, (click here) 

NLCC is a fantastic opportunity for younger kids (ages 10 through 13) to make friends, try something new, and prepare themselves to eventually enter NSCC.

THE NLCC IS THE JUNIOR PROGRAM OF THE U.S. NAVAL SEA CADET CORPS. IT WAS DEVELOPED FOR YOUNGER CADETS, AGES 10 THROUGH 13. THE MISSION OF THE NLCC IS TO TRAIN CADETS ABOUT THE SEAGOING MILITARY SERVICES, COMMUNITY SERVICE, CITIZENSHIP, AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF DISCIPLINE AND TEAMWORK SO THAT THEY ARE PREPARED FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE NSCC.

I'M 13-YEARS-OLD. SHOULD I JOIN THE NLCC OR THE NSCC?

While League Cadets can go into the NSCC when they turn 13, they may also elect to remain in the NLCC until age 14, when they must either transfer into the NSCC, or leave the program. If you are 13, and going to turn 14 within the calendar year, it is recommended that you start in NSCC.

WHAT TYPES OF TRAINING WILL I PARTICIPATE IN AS A LEAGUE CADET?

The NLCC training program is modeled after the Sea Cadet program, but is tailored to be age-appropriate. The training program is less arduous, but still includes a wide variety of training opportunities designed to give League Cadets exposure to Navy life.

Cadets can attend a one-week, away-from-home Navy League Orientation class. Cadets who complete orientation can participate in advanced training sessions such as classes in aviation, sailing, leadership, medical and adventure training. League Cadets also learn about small boats and small boat safety using the U.S. Coast Guard’s safe boating curriculum.

DO LEAGUE CADETS WEAR THE SAME UNIFORMS AS THE OLDER GROUP?

Yes, League Cadets wear US Navy uniforms with appropriate shoulder insignia denoting NLCC membership. NSCC officers administer the program and supervise the cadets. League Cadets can earn many of the same ribbons and awards as Sea Cadets, and can wear those ribbons when participating in the NSCC program.

DO LEAGUE CADETS TRAIN WITH NSCC UNITS?

NLCC units are grouped with NSCC units under the supervision of regional, and senior regional directors, however, those who have achieved "Training Ship" status can operate semi-independently from their attached NSCC Units.

NLCC units that are of independent status are denoted by the title "Training Ship" (often abbreviated as "T.S."). NLCC units who do not have enough cadets to warrant independent status ("conditions preclude the formation of a Training Ship") are attached to NSCC units as "Companies." "T.S. Hamiltion" would therefore be an independent NLCC unit, but "Bantam Company" would indicate a smaller unit attached to the local NSCC unit (which can carry either a "Division," "Squadron," or "Battalion" title depending on their training orientation).

WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES IN TRAINING BETWEEN NLCC AND NSCC?

The training program designed for League Cadets is age-appropriate and less rigorous than that of the NSCC. While less arduous, it still includes a wide variety of training opportunities designed to give League Cadets exposure to Navy life.

When joining NSCC, cadets are required to have attended a two-week away-from-home recruit training in order to rise in rank and participate in advanced training sessions. Navy League Cadets have the option to attend a one-week, away-from-home orientation, but it is not a requirement for rank advancement or advanced training opportunities.

NLCC training events are shorter in length than NSCC training events. NLCC events typically run for seven- to nine-day periods, unlike NSCC training rotations which can last for two weeks or longer.

WHAT IS THE RANK SYSTEM FOR LEAGUE CADETS?

The rank system for cadets proceeds as follows: Recruit (LC-1), Apprentice Cadet (LC-2), Able Cadet (LC-3), Petty Officer Third Class (LC-4), Petty Officer Second Class (LC-5), Petty Officer First Class (LC-6) and Ship's Leading Petty Officer (LC-7). Promotions are made by time-in requirement and passing of examinations. The minimum requirements are six months in between promotions and a 75 percent correct score on coursework. A cadet who has successfully completed NLCC Orientation and passes directly on to the NSCC after a minimum of one year of service in the NLCC will go into the NSCC as a temporary Seaman Apprentice rather than a Recruit.