Advancement is where cadets build skills, confidence, and readiness as they grow in the program.
This page brings together Physical Readiness Training (PRT), required trainings, and advancement — all the things that help cadets progress, take on more responsibility, and move forward in rank. Advancement isn’t about being perfect; it’s about putting in the effort, improving over time, and showing commitment to the team.
In the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC), what we often casually call “ranking up” is officially known as advancement (or sometimes promotion for higher levels).
Our Georgia unit meets year-round, either one or two days per month, and sometimes overnight. The drill schedule varies from unit to unit. Drills consist of team-building, physical training activities, close-order military drill, and practical hands-on instruction. This may also involve special off-site activities such as tours of military bases or naval ships. Unit drills aren’t the same as cadet training. Our monthly drill dates are posted on our🔗About us page
Physical Readiness Training (PRT) helps cadets build strength, stamina, and confidence while staying active and healthy. It’s not about being the fastest or strongest — it’s about improving over time, pushing yourself, and supporting your shipmates. PRT prepares cadets for training activities, advancement, and leadership roles, while reinforcing teamwork, discipline, and taking responsibility for their own fitness.
Uniform will be the Physical Training Uniform (PTU), which is the official USNSCC shorts and t-shirt. If you don’t have the PT gear yet, a plain gold shirt & navy shorts will be acceptable.
Physical readiness levels are identified by number, and a new standard has been created between failure (level 1) and satisfactory (level 3).
- Progressing (level 2) acknowledges a level of fitness that, while unsatisfactory, is close enough that a cadet could improve and reach satisfactory (level 3) in a reasonable amount of time.
- The standards for satisfactory (level 3), good (level 4), and excellent (level 5) have not changed.
- Level 2 establishes a reasonable benchmark for new cadets.
PRT scoring is based on performance levels.
- Level 1: Cadet’s performance is well below Sea Cadet expectations, and the cadet would require significant intervention and additional time to improve.
- Level 2: Considered entry-level standard (first 6-12 months). Regardless of rank, cadets are automatically assigned to a remedial/fitness training program at this level. The minimum requirement for advancement to Seaman Apprentice. Minimum level required to attend and pass RT. Not a qualifying level for AT.
- Level 3: Cadet expectations after the first year in the program. Cadet may attend AT. Required for advancement to Seaman and above.
- Level 4: Cadet qualifies for the PT Ribbon.
- Level 5: Cadet qualifies for the “E” appurtenance.
Advancement in Sea Cadets is how cadets move up in rank and take on more responsibility. To promote or advance, cadets must meet requirements such as time in grade (TIG), online coursework through the Polaris portal found on the Quarterdeck. Some courses may require an exam with a passing grade. It also includes passing the Physical Readiness Test (PRT), demonstrating good conduct, and showing leadership and participation at drills and trainings. Advancement isn’t automatic — it reflects effort, commitment, and growth over time.
How do I know I am ready?
- Time in Grade (TIG) — Minimum months served (varies by grade).
- Online Courses — Online modules completed with 70%+ passing scores (tracked in the NSCC Learning Management System).
- Physical Readiness Test (PRT) — Pass the fitness test (push-ups, plank, and 1-mile run) within the last 6 months—cadets get immediate feedback after taking it.
- Required Trainings — Attend Recruit Training (for early grades) and other approved trainings (completion is recorded and signed off).
- Leadership & Performance — Positive evaluations from unit staff during drills, events, and activities.
How Promotion Is Confirmed
- Cadets review their status in Magellan (the national cadet database) or with the units CO or XO.
- Once all requirements are met, the unit staff reviews the record and submits it for approval. Upon approval from NSCC National Headquarters, the cadet is officially promoted.
- Promotions are celebrated during a drill or ceremony — often with a public pinning of new rank insignia and recognition from the chain of command and photos for our website and Facebook📸.
When we use the term ‘Trainings,’ we mean organized, in-person camps or sessions that last several days and are usually overnight.
Before you can go to any Sea Cadet trainings, you must complete Recruit Training (RT) — also known as Boot Camp. This is a required training that every Sea Cadet attends after joining. Boot Camp is around 7 – 9 days in duration. You only go to Boot Camp once — it’s your official starting point as a Sea Cadet.
Boot Camp takes place at Navy training locations, including Recruit Training Command, naval bases, or regional training sites. The training is Navy-approved, the same everywhere, and taught with real military structure and expectations.
Once you’ve completed Boot Camp, you can apply for Sea Cadet trainings, which are offered twice a year — during summer and winter school breaks. These trainings usually last around 8 days and happen all over the country. You can choose from different specialties like field ops, aviation, seamanship, robotics, SCUBA, and more. The training is posted in Quarterdeck with the associated costs and requirements.
In order to advance in rank, cadets must attend the “away-from-home” Advanced Trainings (AT). . To enlist in one of the trainings, cadets can review the available trainings in Homeport and must contact the chain of command for an application. Cadets have the opportunity for advancement every six months. There is required coursework, trainings, and events to get promotions.
Summer 2025 Training: Forensic and medical training
Ribbons and appurtenances are worn on the uniform to recognize achievements, qualifications, and participation. These items are awarded after requirements are completed and officially approved, and they must be worn correctly and in accordance with Sea Cadet uniform regulations. Cadets should only wear ribbons and appurtenances they have earned and been authorized to display.
In the Sea Cadets, ranks mirror the ranks in the U.S. Navy. Our ranks range from Recruit Candidate for beginners, up through various levels such as Seaman Apprentice, Seaman, and Petty Officer, to the highest cadet rank of Chief Petty Officer.
Cadets advances by completing specific online training modules, demonstrating proficiency in physical fitness skills, leadership qualities, and passing required exams for each rank. Time in service, participation in our youth program’s activities, and recommendations from superiors also play a crucial role in the promotion process. Our volunteers also have ranks similarly. See the chart of our ranks and their insignia.
