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PMO Corner: Public Outreach Of A Different Kind

Matthew Thompson,
Port Meteorological Officer - Seattle

As the Seattle PMO and STJG of the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) I am fortunate to spend a lot of time teaching cadets at the United States Naval Station Everett Division in Everett, Washington.

On October 30th - November 1st 2015, my unit, attended the Region 13 (PNW) Flagship Competition. The event was held at Camp Casey, at the Fort Casey State Park, Whidbey Island, WA. This regional competition brought 7 Sea Cadet Units from around the Pacific Northwest. 99 cadets were in attendance.

10 Cadets, and 4 Officers from the Naval Station Everett Division (132NSE) attended this event. There the cadets competed in core areas that all Sea Cadets train on. The events included: first aid, color guard, knot tying, competition drill, knockout drill, and personnel inspection.

Over the course of the day, a team of 4 cadets participated from each unit for each event. Drill and Knockout personal drill was attended by all cadets. After a great competition, the NSE Division earned team awards: 1st in First Aid, 2nd Knot tying, 2nd Color Guard, 2nd Knockout Drill. Individual awards went to 2 cadets for Knockout Drill - 2nd Place, and in Knot Tying - 3rd Place.

This event is an annual competition that brings these units together builds camaraderie between units, and to test the knowledge of the cadets of the USNSCC. These cadets chose to come to this event, and represent their unit, instead of staying home and celebrating Halloween holiday. All cadets are to be commended for their attendance.

The USNSCC, with its congressional charter, is sponsored by the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard, and the Navy League of the United States. This program is open to young people ages 13-18. The program goal helps further the image of our maritime services by adhering to a standardized training program. These areas are: to develop an interest and ability in seamanship and seagoing skills, instill virtues of good citizenship and strong moral principles in each cadet, demonstrate the value of an alcohol-free, drugfree and gang-free lifestyle, and expose cadets to the prestige of public service and a variety of career paths through hands-on training with our nation's armed services.

Benefits of serving include leadership training, self-confidence, advancement, and exposure to the vast military opportunities that are open to qualified cadets. Each cadet serving honorably in the USNSCC may be eligible for accelerated promotions once they enlist in the USN or USMC.

The USN can accelerate an enlistee up to E-3 upon graduation of boot camp, and the USMC may grant up to E-2, due to experience gained in the USNSCC. Other Cadets who have excelled in their studies, can be recommended to service academies, and ROTC units at universities. In the last survey taken at the US Naval Academy, 10 % of cadets were former USNSCC Cadets. The CNO has stated that the training gained in the USNSCC saves the USN $14,000 in training.

The Naval Station Everett Division has been proud to have help place 5 cadets in service academies over the past few years. These academies include the US Naval Academy, US Military Academy (WestPoint), US Coast Guard Academy, The Merchant Marine Academy, and the California Maritime Institute.

Other cadets have gone on to University ROTC programs, and many others who have enlisted in the US Navy, US Coast Guard, US Marine Corps, and US Army. The Naval Station Everett Division, USNSCC, is just one of the many units that exists with the sponsorship of the Navy League of the United States.

In the end, whether these cadets enter military service or not, the program helps give them confidence, and prepare them for leadership roles they may encounter on their path through life.

note: Mr. Matt Thompson is no longer CO of this unit having been promoted to LCDR Regional Director for 13-2 in January 2016.

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Page last modified: October 31, 2023