avid Sheets of Plainsboro is an officer with the John T. Dempster, Jr. Division of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps in Lawrenceville. “Since the WW-P School District does not offer a JROTC program, the Sea Cadets is an excellent opportunity to experience serving our nation without any obligation to join the military,” says Sheets. “Those who choose to join the military do greatly benefit from their involvement in the Sea Cadets.”
The division has close to 50 members from the community. The Sea Cadet division is one of about 300 divisions nationally and with more than 9,000 members. “The Sea Cadets Corps is a youth leadership and training program that is authorized by Congress and administrated by the Navy League of the United States,” says Sheets. The program is open to 10 to 17 year olds who are interested in our nation’s seagoing services (Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines) and would like to experience the military without any obligation to join the services.
Drills are held once a month over a Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the NJ National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville. Last month’s drill included personnel and uniform inspections, physical fitness training, first aid training, marching, and an order drill. A guest speaker, a retired Navy Commander, taught leadership.
“In addition to our monthly drills and exciting training activities, Cadets have opportunities to travel and train with other Sea Cadets in other countries, like Australia, Bermuda, Sweden, Hong Kong, and Canada,” says Sheets.
All new recruits go to boot camp. The League Cadets, comprised of younger kids, go to the Coast Guard Station in Cape May for a week. The Sea Cadets, the older group, go to a two week boot camp at Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. Once boot camp is completed, there are a variety of training opportunities across the country.
“We are looking to involve additional young people from West Windsor and Plainsboro to our division,” says Sheets. “We also encourage adult involvement, specifically those with military experience, to volunteer their time as instructors and officers.” Visit www.usnsccdempster.com for information.
