Welcome to the unit, Sailor! 

Once aboard, there are a lot of courtesies and customs you will learn to use as you continue your service with our unit.  The very first thing you learn is how to address the officers when you participate in Sea Cadet activities.  Whenever you are in their presence, always show respect and render them honor for the position they serve.  If you are in uniform and wearing a cover, salute them and answer them with "Sir, Yes/No Sir", "Ma'am, Yes/No Ma'am" (if he/she is in uniform and covered also).  If an officer is speaking to someone and you need to talk with him/her, wait until they give you permission to speak before interrupting their conversation.  You don't need to salute unless you are in uniform, covered (have a hat on), within range (6-10 paces), and requesting something of them (you approach, stand in front of him/her, render a salute, wait for him/her to salute you back, cut (de-salute) then go to At Ease (relaxed position) and communicate to him/her what it was you wanted).   If you are unsure about what to do or how to address an officer, have the courage to ask a shipmate- they're there to help you learn protocols and military bearing! 

Headquarters:

The "armory" is where we hold drill weekends. Everything the unit needs to accomplish its mission is located at headquarters. When you arrive to the unit (armory), gather all your gear and proceed through the quarterdeck to sign in and let us know you have arrived. Locate your shipmates or Squad Leader (helpful guide) and stow your seabag (put your things in the area your shipmate tells you to). Once your gear is stowed, find a shipmate and have them show you around. You'll have a little bit of time before Colors is called and we muster out front to honor our Country's Flag.

Quarterdeck:

The QuarterDeck is the most important part of a ship.  This is where Everyone enters and leaves the ship.  The National Ensign (US Flag) and the State Flag (ours is the AZ flag) will be posted there.  This is where the Officer of the Deck will welcome you aboard and the Petty Officer of the Watch (POOW) will record your arrival and departure from the ship.  Follow the link to learn more about QuarterDeck procedures.

USNSCC Veterans Pride Battalion is operated just like our US Navy runs its command! Just as the US Navy names buildings and important working areas after ships, our cadets named their training rooms the USS North Carolina (for Sea Cadets) and the USS Arizona (the Leaguers training room). This is where you will begin your service with the Sea Cadets. Here you will make friends, learn something new, teach someone else something you know they didn't and spend your time getting acquainted with your new Sea Cadet Home. Make yourself at home- learn where things are, discover new opportunities, find direction and purpose for life.