How to become a Cadet

There are two categories of cadets within the Corsairs.  The main group is the Sea Cadets, which is generally the high school aged cadets.  Younger (middle school age) applicants will be enrolled as League Cadets.  Unless otherwise noted, the following qualifications apply to both categories of cadets.  Contact the Recruiting Officer for specific questions regarding other differences not listed here.

Step 1:  Verify qualifications

• Must be US citizen (no waivers available)

• Age:  To become a Sea Cadet, must be at least 13, but not yet 18 years old.  To join as a League Cadet, must be at least 11, but not yet 14 years old.

• Complete a physical examination

• Must be satisfactorily enrolled in a public or private school or a certified home school program

• Be of good moral character and free of any felony convictions

• Be unmarried and remain single while in the program

Step 2:  Contact the Corsairs

• We need to know that you're thinking of joining.  This will help us ensure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about joining.  By keeping in touch with Corsairs staff members, you will have access to guidance on filling out forms and answering any questions unique to you that may arise.  Begin your contact with the Corsairs by emailing the Recruiting Officer or Commanding Officer.  You may also call them at 443-306-7975 (Recruiting) or 443-306-4681 (Commander).

Step 3:  Fill out enrollment paperwork

• There are several paperwork items that must be filled out in order to enroll with the Corsairs.  You can either download and print these forms from this webpage, or ask the Recruiting Officer to mail them to you are your home.  The forms are below:
• Cadet Application (NSCADM-001) - This form will contain all of the vital information we need to know about the applicant.  It also serves as a parental consent and public affairs release form. 
• Report of Medical History (NSCADM-020) - This form documents all medical issues that may have occurred during the applicants life.  This information is vital in ensuring that we provide the safest training possible to the cadets.  This form is filled out by the applicant and parents.  Once enrolled, this form must be updated periodically.
• Report of Medical Examination (NSCADM-021) - This form is used to document the results of the physical examination required for enrollment.  It must be filled out by the examining physician.  If the applicant has had a physical exam within six months prior to applying, a copy of that exam can be submitted instead of this form.  The reverse side of this form contains a list of medical conditions that disqualify an applicant from enrolling.

Step 4:  Turn in paperwork and enrollment fees

• Once the paperwork is completed, turn it in to the unit.  Ensure that all forms are properly filled out and signed where necessary.  Both the parents and the applicant must sign the application form.  Forms can be turned in personally at a regular drill, a quarterly recruiting meeting, or they can be mailed in to the Recruiting Officer.  Contact the Recruiting Officer for a mailing address.
• The Naval Sea Cadet Corps requires an enrollment fee of $50 annually for both Sea Cadets and League Cadets.  All of this fee is sent to Headquarters and most of it covers the program's insurance that is provided when cadets are at drill.
• The Corsairs require a uniform set-up fee when a cadet initially joins the Squadron.  This fee covers the costs of issuing specific cadet insignia and name tapes.  The uniform set-up fee is $35 for Sea Cadets and $30 for League Cadets. 
• Fees may be paid with check, money order, or in cash.  Make any checks out to Central Maryland Corsairs Squadron.

Step 5:  Commanding Officer Interview

• This is normally completed when the paperwork is actually turned in, or at the first drill the cadet attends.  The purpose of this interview is to ensure that both the cadet and the parents understand the requirements of the program and the unit.  It also serves as a forum for either party to ask any other questions that may have come up since the application process began.

Contact the Recruiting Officer or Commanding Officer at any time during the enrollment process if you have any questions or problems.  We are here to help you and hope to see you drilling with the unit soon.