Drills · Certifications · Advanced Training

Training & Programs

A breakdown of how we train — from monthly drill weekends to nationwide advanced programs. Every evolution is designed to build real skill, real rank, and real results.

Training Structure

How We Train

Training happens every month — not just summer camp. Our cadets commit to the program year-round, building the kind of discipline and skill that lasts a lifetime. Learn about our mission →

Monthly Drill Weekends
One Saturday–Sunday per month, 0800–1500
Recruit Training (Boot Camp)
Mandatory two-week prerequisite for Sea Cadets — the defining first challenge
Advanced Trainings Nationwide
Available after Recruit Training — 5–14 day specialized programs across the country
Academic Correspondence Courses
Required to advance in rank — self-paced Navy curriculum covering seamanship, navigation, and more
Community Service
Color Guard appearances, community outreach, and local service projects
Skills Developed

What Cadets Learn

Navigation
Basic & land navigation skills
Seamanship
Maritime traditions & skills
Physical Training
Fitness & endurance challenges
Military Drill
Customs, courtesies & precision
Communications
Radio procedures & coordination
Naval History
Heritage, tradition & context
Cruiser Milwaukee cadets standing at attention in Navy Working Uniform during training
Boot Camp Training
Cadet working at a computer during AFA CyberCamp cybersecurity training
AFA CyberCamp
Two cadets practicing first aid and blood pressure measurement during medical training
First Aid Training
Career Path

Rank Has Privilege

As cadets advance in rank, they take on more responsibility — not just more titles. Advanced cadets lead the unit from the inside, shaping the experience for everyone below them.

  • → Lead small teams during drill evolutions
  • → Teach training topics to junior cadets
  • → Organize drills and plan events
  • → Represent the division as Color Guard
  • → Mentor incoming and younger cadets
  • → Serve as Command Chief Petty Officer
Specialized Opportunities

Go Further

Color Guard
Represent the division at community ceremonies
Fort McCoy Field Deployments
Tactical field operations & physical challenges in WI
Cybersecurity & STEM
Advanced training in cutting-edge technical skills
NSWOC — SEAL Prep Course
Elite training modeled after Navy SEAL preparation
Study Abroad Opportunities
NSLI-Y scholarship & international programs
Drill Location

The Richardson School

Brookfield, WI

Drills run one Saturday–Sunday per month, 0800–1500. The exact schedule is released in the Plan of the Month (POM) approximately one week before each drill weekend.

Brookfield, WI
Waukesha County

See What Cadets Say

Don't just take our word for it — read stories from cadets who've lived the program.

Read Cadet Stories Join the Division