Become a Volunteer
Every adult leader who shapes a cadet's life does it for free. No pay. No perks. Just the knowledge that what they're doing matters. We're looking for people like that.
100% Volunteer,
100% Impact
Cruiser Milwaukee has operated for over 24 years with zero paid staff. Every instructor, every officer, every person who shows up on drill weekend does it because they believe in what this program does for young people.
Military experience is helpful — but it's not required. What we need is reliability, character, and a genuine commitment to the cadets in our care. We'll teach you everything else.
Email Us to Get StartedFind Your Role
There's a place for every kind of volunteer — from full commitment to a few hours a month.
NSCC Officer Corps
Dedicated adult volunteers leading local units and shaping the full program. Officers are the backbone of the division — they set the tone, maintain standards, and develop the next generation of leaders. Prior military experience is helpful but not required.
NSCC Midshipman
Adult leaders in training — often former cadets or young service members transitioning from the Sea Cadet program. Midshipmen bring fresh energy and a lived understanding of what the cadets are experiencing. This is frequently the path for cadets who want to stay connected after aging out.
NSCC Instructor
Adult volunteers who mentor cadets directly. Instructors typically begin here before advancing to Officer status — a structured path to deeper involvement. If you have a skill set (medical, technical, physical fitness, leadership) that cadets can learn from, this is your lane.
Auxiliarist
Part-time volunteers contributing a few hours per month. Auxiliarists support the division with administrative tasks, supply management, uniform coordination, recruiting, and community outreach. If you want to help but can't commit to every drill weekend — this is for you.
Requirements & Expectations
We take safety seriously. Every adult leader passes a criminal background check before working with cadets — both at intake and periodically thereafter. This is non-negotiable and protects everyone.
- ✓ U.S. citizen, minimum age 21 (Officers); 18+ (Midshipmen)
- ✓ Criminal background check (initial and periodic)
- ✓ Physical capability to supervise youth and participate in training
- ✓ Military experience is helpful — not required
- ✓ Ability to meet Navy weight standards for uniform (alternatives available)
- ✓ Genuine commitment to the development of young people
Your Responsibilities
Volunteers contribute in the ways that match their skills and availability. Common responsibilities include:
4 Steps to Serving
Come out and see the program in action before committing. Observe a full drill day alongside cadets and staff — get a feel for the culture, the pace, and where you'd fit in. Email us to find out the next drill date.
Fill out the official NSCC volunteer application and submit to division staff. All adult leaders are required to pass a criminal background check before working with cadets — this is non-negotiable and protects everyone in the program.
The one-time volunteer fee is $50, covering program registration and administrative costs.
Once your application is cleared and fee is received, you'll connect directly with the Executive Officer to determine your role, schedule, and next steps. Welcome aboard.
The Division Needs You
Questions before you commit? Email us and tell us a bit about yourself — your background, availability, and what role interests you. We'll get back to you quickly.
crmilwaukee@gmail.com