Success Stories

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps provided me with a concrete foundation of irreplaceable skills that allowed me to be successful during my college experience at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, as well as my time thus far in the early stages of my career.  During my time as a cadet I was able to acquire skills such as time management, leadership by example, attention to detail and teamwork, all of which are critical components in order to be successful in this fast-paced and ever changing real world.  It is definitely the road less traveled; however it is very gratifying and life-changing.  I owe credit a lot of my success to the program and encourage others to take full advantage of it while they still can.  A big thank you to all the adult volunteers who dedicate so much of their own time to see their cadets succeed!

Soon after joining the Sea Cadets, I knew I wanted to be a Naval Officer. The program exposed me to the Naval services and instilled in me the drive and discipline I needed to pursue my goal. Most importantly, the Sea Cadets taught me how to lead others. During much of my Midshipman training, I thought back to stuff I had learned as a cadet. Today, as a Naval officer, I look back and see my years as a cadet as an important first step toward achieving my goal.

The Naval Sea Cadet Corps was one of the best programs I've ever been involved in.  From a young age, I've always wanted to be as close to the ocean as I possibly could. I am also a huge fan of our military.  From the very beginning the program challenged me.  I developed skills in time management, leadership, and teamwork.  These skills I will carry with me for the rest of my life.  I met some great people and made some amazing friends, all with the same interests as me.  I used my acquired skills throughout my four years at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and accomplished many wonderful goals.  The journey was unbelievably challenging, but with the skills I learned in Sea Cadets, I got through it and I owe a lot of my success to that program.

I definitely would not have been accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy without the help of Sea Cadets and because of that I owe the program a lot.  Working hard as a Sea Cadet proved invaluable for me getting into the colleges I applied to.  I'm positive the trainings I went on and the leadership lessons I learned in Sea Cadets will stay with me for the rest of my life.  I believe the program made me a better, well-rounded college applicant and allowed me to excel specifically in leadership and physical fitness.

My 8 years as a cadet taught me confidence, dedication, and pride in self and service.  The program provided me with the opportunity to travel across the country and around the world, experience what life is like in the Navy, and informed me of the many options available to attend college and earn a commission.  The Sea Cadets also prepared me for my career as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy with the many experiences leading others and the exposure to naval service.  There is no experience I value more than my time as a Sea Cadet.

The Naval Sea Cadet Corps helped me become the man that I am today. Without the guidance of some of the greatest leadership I've ever had the pleasure of working with, I would have never developed the work ethic and positive attitude I have today. The Sea Cadets has taught me to work hard, and put everything into all I do, and most importantly, to never quit.

Being promoted to Petty Officer Second Class in the U.S. Navy today is a major reflection of my career in the Sea Cadets, and as a member of the Massachusetts Bay Division. After making Chief Petty Officer in the Sea Cadet (after almost eight years!), I was more than prepared to join the U.S. military and succeed to the point I'm at today. The program helped me learn and abide by the customs and traditions of the Navy. I thank everyone who taught me how to be the leader I've become. I encourage all our cadets to take advantage of all the training opportunities you can, because you'll put it to use some day! Thanks to the Sea Cadets for setting me up for a successful and fulfilled career.

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadets gave me an unforgettably unique experience.  I was a cadet from 2007 until 2009 and during that time I visited 5 different states and met countless cadets, all while learning about the U.S. Navy and gaining valuable leadership skills.  The Sea Cadets helped form me into the person I am today.

My five years with the Sea Cadets confirmed my desire to serve as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Through Sea Cadets, I learned how to be a successful leader and train other cadets. My experience with Petty Officer Leadership Academy (POLA) New England provided me with many opportunities to develop my leadership skills. After spending a year studying Ocean Engineering at Texas A&M University, and doing Navy ROTC with the Corps of Cadets, I have accepted an appointment to the Class of 2019 at the US Naval Academy.